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Geotechnical Engineer Jobs in Calgary, AB (NOW HIRING)

Senior Geotechnical Engineer AECOM is seeking a Senior Geotechnical Engineer for our Tailings and Mine Waste team in Canada to lead tailings dam design and serve as an Engineer of Record for tailings ...

We are one of Canada's largest geotechnical, environmental and exploration drilling companies, with a fleet of over 70 site investigation platforms. Geotech Drilling has joined ConeTec. As part of ...

Geotechnical Drill Assistant

Airdrie, AB · On-site

CA$23 - CA$26/hr

We are one of Canada's largest geotechnical, environmental and exploration drilling companies, with a fleet of over 70 site investigation platforms. Geotech Drilling has joined ConeTec. As part of ...

Showing results 21-40

Geotechnical Engineer information

See Calgary, AB salary details

$40K

$87.3K

$122.5K

How much do geotechnical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for geotechnical engineer in Calgary, AB is $87,252.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,500.00 and $98,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a geotechnical engineer?

Geotechnical Engineers are professionals who analyze soil, rock, groundwater, and other earth materials to assess their suitability for construction projects. They design foundations, retaining structures, and evaluate risks related to earthquakes, landslides, and soil erosion. Their work is crucial in ensuring the safety and stability of buildings, bridges, roads, and other infrastructure. Geotechnical Engineers often work closely with civil engineers, architects, and construction teams to provide recommendations for site preparation and design.

What do geotechnical engineers do?

A geotechnical engineer is part engineer and part scientist. In this career, you plan a variety of structures for mining operations and civil engineering projects. This is all done while considering the natural geology of the area, including the soil, rock, and water tables. Your duties revolve around analyzing data on the location and conducting research of your own. This research may involve collecting rock or soil samples from a job site to determine a site’s ground stability or field testing for future erosion and settlement. You also use computer software to confirm your fieldwork further and assist in creating suitable foundations for the conditions of each specific site. You may be responsible for drafting proposals and meeting with clients to report on your findings and progress as well.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a geotechnical engineer?

To thrive as a Geotechnical Engineer, you need a solid background in civil engineering, soil mechanics, and geology, typically supported by a bachelor's or master's degree in civil or geotechnical engineering. Familiarity with geotechnical software (such as PLAXIS or GeoStudio), laboratory testing equipment, and relevant certifications like Professional Engineer (PE) licensure is highly valued. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help you collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and convey technical findings clearly. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring the safety, stability, and success of construction projects and infrastructure development.

What are some common challenges faced by geotechnical engineers in project execution?

Geotechnical engineers often encounter challenges such as unexpected soil conditions, weather-related delays, and coordination with multidisciplinary teams. Addressing unforeseen subsurface issues requires adaptability and strong problem-solving skills, as well as effective communication with project managers and contractors. Being proactive in site investigation and maintaining close collaboration with civil and structural engineers helps ensure the successful execution of projects.

What is the difference between Geotechnical Engineer vs Civil Engineer?

AspectGeotechnical EngineerCivil Engineer
CredentialsDegree in Geotechnical Engineering or Civil Engineering, Professional Engineer (PE) license often requiredDegree in Civil Engineering, PE license common
Work EnvironmentSite investigations, soil testing, foundation designDesign of infrastructure, transportation, water systems
Industry UsageSpecializes in soil, rock, foundation analysisBroader scope including structures, transportation, water resources

While both roles require a background in civil engineering and often similar credentials, Geotechnical Engineers focus specifically on soil and foundation analysis, working closely with construction sites and geotechnical investigations. Civil Engineers have a broader scope, designing various infrastructure projects. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

Do geotechnical engineers make a lot of money?

Geotechnical engineers typically earn competitive salaries that vary by experience, location, and industry. Entry-level positions may start lower, but experienced professionals with specialized skills and certifications can earn high salaries, often comparable to other engineering disciplines.

What are the most commonly searched types of Geotechnical Engineer jobs in Calgary, AB?

The most popular types of Geotechnical Engineer jobs in Calgary, AB are:

What are popular job titles related to Geotechnical Engineer jobs in Calgary, AB?

For Geotechnical Engineer jobs in Calgary, AB, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Geotechnical Engineer jobs in Calgary, AB look for?

The top searched job categories for Geotechnical Engineer jobs in Calgary, AB are:

Infographic showing various Geotechnical Engineer job openings in Calgary, AB as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $87,252 per year, or $41.9 per hour.

Geotechnical Engineering Student

Canadian Natural

Calgary, AB • On-site

Full-time

PTO

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

The Opportunity:

Are you a student looking for an exciting opportunity that is full of meaningful, diverse, and ambitious assignments working alongside industry leading professionals? Join a company culture that fosters a fun working environment, developing meaningful relationships, and continuous learning! 

Geotechnical engineers are responsible for the design, construction, operation, monitoring, reclamation and closure of mining earth structures such as tailings dams, pit walls and dumps. They look after the instrumentation monitoring equipment and data, inspect construction, and support operations to make sure the structures are being constructed, operated and maintained safely and effectively. They also liaise with consultants and other professionals that are involved with their facilities.

As a Geotechnical Engineering Student, you will have the opportunity to support the Geotechnical team who are responsible for the in-house design, analyses and surveillance of the mining structures including fluid retaining structures (tailings dams), earth fill waste dumps, reclamation stockpiles, roads, and mine pit walls. You may also have the opportunity to immerse yourself in our dynamic tailings closure and reclamation team. Gain valuable hands-on experience in geotechnical engineering, honing your skills while making a real impact.

If you are curious about the behavior of soil, fluids, tailings and reclamation material, and how they interact with each other and the environment, and like the outdoors, then this opportunity is for you! There may also be the opportunity to work with automation and robotics processes and apply your computer coding skills for those with the aptitude and programming experience.

  • Job location: Calgary, AB - Head Office or Fort McMurray, AB - Horizon or Albian Sands
  • Shift schedule: Various
  • Term length: 12 months
  • Term starts: May or September 2027
  • Safety sensitive position: Yes

Key Accountabilities

  • Collate, process and manage geotechnical instrumentation data including quality control
  • Complete the daily instrument monitoring reports 
  • Assist in the preparation and presentation of monthly performance monitoring reports
  • Apply engineering principles to assess and solve geotechnical issues related to mine earth structures
  • Perform design calculations and modelling under the direction of an engineer
  • Manage communication with stakeholders 
  • Assist engineers in producing technical deliverables, reports, and drawings (drafting and proof reading)
  • Contribute to work standards, procedures, and guidelines

What You Bring to The Role:

  • Currently enrolled in bachelor's degree program in Civil or Geological engineering preferred
  • Highly motivated individual with good communication/networking skills
  • Experience in computer programming/coding such as Python, VBA or SQL is considered an asset
  • Geotechnical Engineering courses and projects, previous engineering experience is considered an asset 
  • Possess a valid Class 5 Alberta driver's license or equivalent out of province license with a reasonably clean driver abstract
  • A pre-employment drug screening test must be successfully completed

What We Offer:

  • Competitive salary
  • Paid time off during Christmas week and summer Fridays in July and August (Calgary only)
  • Students may be eligible for relocation assistance pursuant to Canadian Natural's Student Relocation Policy (Students will be responsible for finding their own accommodations during the work term) 
  • Multiple volunteer opportunities within the community
  • Opportunities to partake in initiatives such as the Intern Social Committee
  • Quality camp facilities with multiple amenities available (Oil Sands only)
  • Company Sponsored Fly-In/Fly-Out from Calgary or Edmonton, Alberta (Oil Sands only) 

Check out our COMPENSATION & BENEFITS overview to see what we have to offer!

If you are interested in this exciting student work term opportunity, please include your resume, cover letter (optional) and unofficial transcripts as part of your online application.

All candidates applying to Canadian Natural must have legal authorization to work in Canada with no restrictions.

We wish to thank all applicants for their interest and effort in applying for the position; however, only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted. This posting will close once a successful candidate has been selected.

Canadian Natural operates one of the largest Campus Recruitment programs in the country, hiring over 400 students every year. Students hired on with us are made to feel a part of the team, gaining high level experience, knowledge, and training that introduces and prepares them for full-time employment. 

We are proud to share that Canadian Natural has been ranked as a Top Employer for 2023, 2024 and 2025 by Canada's Future Workforce and also one of Forbes' Canada's Best Employers in 2025 and 2026.

Industry Leader: We commenced business in 1989 with a handful of employees and modest production, but today we employ more than 10,000 people and produce over 1 million BOE/d. 

Community Investment: Social responsibility is a critical element of our commitment to responsible operations and part of our success and pride as a Company. We are committed to investing in the communities where we live and work, creating shared value along the way.

Compensation and Benefits: We strive to share Company success with all employees through a comprehensive total compensation package.

Our People, Our Stories: Our stories demonstrate the strong culture that exists at Canadian Natural - one that focuses on developing people, working together and doing it right, with fun and integrity.

Check out some of our Student Testimonials!