Higher Ground Group of Companies

HGC CAREERS

Work With Us.

Join and grow with a
team of driven professionals.

HGC is currently the Engineer of Record on more than 30 regulated dams across North America.
HGC is currently the Engineer of Record on more than 30 regulated dams across North America.
HGC is currently the Engineer of Record on more than 30 regulated dams across North America.

ALBERTA

Current Openings

Higher Ground Consulting (HGC) is seeking a Principal Geotechnical Engineer to join our successful geotechnical engineering practice in Calgary and help lead a growing team. This person will lead teams in the development and execution of site investigations, engineering analysis, technical reporting, and design development.  Our geotechnical work includes projects in the Oil and Gas, Mining, Renewable Energy, Rail, Water Resources, and Municipal sectors, covering dams, reservoirs, pipelines, heavy civil earthworks, ground improvements, and foundations for most infrastructure.

We are looking for someone with initiative and excitement about further growing an established geotechnical practice in a rewarding and fast paced environment.  HGC’s leaders are active in their professional practices as project managers, technical resources, and mentors to other staff.  The successful candidate will have the opportunity to join the HGC Management Team, and demonstrated performance in this role will lead to future consideration as a partner in the business.

RESPONSIBILITIES WILL INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:

  • Managing, developing, and mentoring a team of geotechnical engineers and related professionals
  • Project management including project planning, initiation, coordination, execution, and close-out
  • Planning and overseeing geotechnical site investigations, including managing staff, subconsultants, and subcontractors including drillers, utility locators, surveyors, geotechnical laboratories, and other engineers
  • Conducting site inspections at client sites
  • Geotechnical design and analysis including (but not limited to) soil and rock engineering, soil dynamics, slope stability, and foundations
  • Reporting and technical writing
  • Developing relationships with prospective and key clients, regulators, and key stakeholders
  • Provide technical and commercial input on proposals
  • Resource planning and business development
  • Participation and engagement with the geotechnical community and associations

NECESSARY QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Degree in civil, geotechnical, or geological engineering
  • Registered as a P.Eng. in Canada
  • Excellent interpersonal, communication and organizational skills are essential
  • Computer and software skills to complete geotechnical analysis, including GeoStudio, LPile, APile, Settle3D
  • Ability to manage and present technical information to a diverse audience that may include both technically-oriented clients and non-engineering audiences
  • Applicant must be willing to travel to remote sites as required on a project basis
  • Valid driver’s license and be legally entitled to work in Canada
  • Previous experience working in geotechnical consultancy (10+ years)

THE FOLLOWING WILL BE CONSIDERED AN ASSET:

  • Graduate degree in Geotechnical Engineering
  • Exposure to large civil earthworks construction projects
  • Experience with the design, construction, operation, and inspection of dams
  • Business development experience
  • Established relationships with potential clients a definite asset

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

This position will be based in our head office in downtown Calgary, Alberta. Higher Ground Consulting works on a basis of mutual trust and respect with our employees. We expect our people to be regularly in the office to foster communication, culture, and efficiency, however we do not mandate specific office time or working schedules. We have a relaxed, flexible and dog-friendly office.

ABOUT HGC

Higher Ground Consulting is a full service EPCM company. We comprise a dedicated team of professionals trained and experienced in project management, engineering, design, and sciences, working together to provide practical solutions, with an intense focus on advancing our client’s projects to successful completion.

HGC is home for those of us that like the idea of “Higher Standards. Higher Expectations.” We want to be good at what we do, and we enjoy working with others who care about what they do as well. We don’t expect perfection, but consistently strive to be better than we were. Advantages of working at Higher Ground include:

Opportunities for Growth: Higher Ground is a growing employee-owned, private consulting company, that has thrived on being adaptive to the market and staying open to new strategic growth initiatives.  That means when our people come to us with a plan or idea to pursue a client, industry, or geographic region, we want to throw our support behind it.  We are always open to supporting our team to grow and explore business opportunities and look to share in the rewards from successful ventures.

Career Development: Our performance management and feedback programs are a core part of how we grow as a company and as professionals. We have an open-door policy and encourage mentorship and active feedback loops. We seek to both provide and collect constructive feedback and collaborate on how to do things better.  We are constantly finding areas to improve, both as an individual and as project teams. To support continuous growth, we have training budgets allocated for people to explore ways to grow their technical and soft skills. We understand investing time and resources into our staff is investing in our business.

Team Building: At Higher Ground, our motto is we get stuff done. We take a lot of pride in being reliable consultants that deliver high quality services, so we work hard. But we also take the time to celebrate that. We have various social events and opportunities for the team to relax and enjoy time together outside of the office. To celebrate our successes and to help share what is happening at Higher Ground, groups trade off turns running short Lunch and Learn sessions. This is a fun way for the team to share what they have been up to, and keep the company informed about what new and interesting projects and opportunities we are working on and share knowledge.

Interested candidates are asked to email a current cover letter and resume to careers@hgc.solutions.


We are seeking a highly skilled and organized Project Manager to join our Prologis Engineering Alliance and lead the implementation of heavy-duty electric vehicle (EV) charging installations in the Western US for fleet operations. This role is critical in driving our organization’s transition to sustainable transportation solutions, ensuring that projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest standards of quality and safety. This is a hybrid position, with remote work, combined with a presence at client offices.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Act as a vocal leader, showing initiative and relentless drive, to deliver safe, world class EV charging projects, on time, on budget and meeting quality requirements.
  • Develop comprehensive project plans, including timelines, budgets, and resource allocation for EV charging installation projects.
  • Coordinate site assessments and feasibility studies to determine optimal placement and infrastructure needs for charging stations.
  • Collaborate with internal teams (procurement, engineering, sustainability) and external stakeholders (vendors, contractors, utility companies).
  • Act as the primary point of contact for clients, ensuring their needs and expectations are met.
  • Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations related to EV infrastructure and electrical installations.
  • Oversee the permitting process, working with authorities to obtain necessary approvals.
  • Manage relationships with equipment suppliers and installation contractors.
  • Evaluate vendor proposals, negotiate contracts, and oversee procurement to ensure cost-effectiveness and quality.
  • Identify potential risks and develop mitigation strategies to avoid delays or budget overruns.
  • Troubleshoot challenges during installation and resolve issues promptly.
  • Track project progress against key milestones and provide regular status updates to stakeholders.
  • Prepare detailed reports on project performance, financials, and outcomes.

NECESSARY QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Post Secondary degree or diploma in engineering, construction management, business administration, or a related field.
  • Proven experience managing Level 3 EV charging construction projects.
  • Proven experience dealing with California utilities (SCE, PG&E, LADWP, SDGE) on permitting and approval of Level 3 EV charging installations, including new utility services.
  • Proven experience dealing with Rule 29 and Section 30C compliant projects.
  • Strong understanding of electrical systems, utility coordination, and permitting processes.
  • Excellent communication, negotiation, and organizational skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.

THE FOLLOWING WILL BE CONSIDERED AN ASSET:

  • Proficiency in project management software (e.g., MS Project, Asana, or similar).
  • PMP certification or equivalent.

About HGC: HGC is a full service EPCM company. We comprise a dedicated team of professionals trained and experienced in project management, engineering, and design, working together to provide practical solutions to our clients, with an intense focus on advancing our client’s projects through to successful completion. We comprise a dedicated team of professionals trained and experienced in project management, engineering, and design, working together to provide practical solutions to our clients, with an intense focus on advancing our client’s projects through to successful completion.

Team Building: At Higher Ground, our motto is we get stuff done. We take a lot of pride in being reliable consultants that deliver high quality services, so we work hard. But we also take the time to celebrate that. We have various social events and opportunities for the team to relax and enjoy time together outside of the office.

Career Development: Our performance management and feedback program is a core part of how we grow as a company and as professionals. We have an open-door policy and encourage mentorship and active feedback loops. We seek to both provide and collect constructive criticism and collaborate on how to do things better, and constantly find areas to improve, both as an individual and as project teams. To support continuous growth, we have training budgets allocated for people to explore ways to grow their technical and soft skills. We understand investing time and resources in our staff is investing in our business.

Opportunities for Growth: Higher Ground is a fully employee owned, private consulting company, that has thrived on being adaptive to the market and staying open to new strategic growth initiatives. That means when our people come to us with a plan or idea to pursue a client, industry, or geographic region, we want to throw our support behind it. We are always open to supporting our team to grow and explore business opportunities and look to share in the rewards from successful ventures.

Interested candidates are asked to email a current cover letter and resume to careers@hgc.solutions.

 

We are seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Project Manager to lead the planning, design, and implementation of employee vehicle charging stations at various logistics facilities. The successful candidate will oversee all aspects of this initiative, from initial feasibility studies to commissioning and maintenance planning, ensuring alignment with organizational sustainability goals, budget, and timelines.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Develop comprehensive project plans, including scope, schedule, budget, and resource allocation.
  • Collaborate with internal stakeholders to define project requirements.
  • Conduct feasibility studies and site assessments to determine optimal locations for charging stations.
  • Identify and engage vendors and contractors for equipment procurement, installation, and maintenance.
  • Evaluate proposals, negotiate contracts, and ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
  • Manage relationships with external partners, including local utilities and permitting authorities.
  • Oversee the design and installation of charging infrastructure, ensuring compliance with electrical codes and safety regulations.
  • Coordinate with engineering teams to address technical challenges and implement innovative solutions.
  • Monitor project progress, manage risks, and ensure timely completion.
  • Manage the project budget, track expenditures, and report financial performance.
  • Identify potential cost-saving opportunities while maintaining quality and functionality.
  • Provide regular updates to leadership on project milestones, challenges, and outcomes.
  • Develop and deliver communication materials to educate employees about charging station use and benefits.
  • Align project outcomes with organizational sustainability goals and carbon reduction initiatives.
  • Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local environmental and energy regulations.

NECESSARY QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Project Management, Engineering, or a related field
  • 5+ years of project management experience, preferably in construction, renewable energy, or infrastructure development.
  • Proven track record of delivering projects on time and within budget.
  • Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.
  • Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

THE FOLLOWING WILL BE CONSIDERED AN ASSET:

  • Proficiency in project management software (e.g., MS Project, Asana, or similar).
  • Knowledge of EV charging technologies, energy management systems, and sustainability practices is a plus.

About HGC: HGC is a full service EPCM company. We comprise a dedicated team of professionals trained and experienced in project management, engineering, and design, working together to provide practical solutions to our clients, with an intense focus on advancing our client’s projects through to successful completion. We comprise a dedicated team of professionals trained and experienced in project management, engineering, and design, working together to provide practical solutions to our clients, with an intense focus on advancing our client’s projects through to successful completion.

Team Building: At Higher Ground, our motto is we get stuff done. We take a lot of pride in being reliable consultants that deliver high quality services, so we work hard. But we also take the time to celebrate that. We have various social events and opportunities for the team to relax and enjoy time together outside of the office.

Career Development: Our performance management and feedback program is a core part of how we grow as a company and as professionals. We have an open-door policy and encourage mentorship and active feedback loops. We seek to both provide and collect constructive criticism and collaborate on how to do things better, and constantly find areas to improve, both as an individual and as project teams. To support continuous growth, we have training budgets allocated for people to explore ways to grow their technical and soft skills. We understand investing time and resources in our staff is investing in our business.

Opportunities for Growth: Higher Ground is a fully employee owned, private consulting company, that has thrived on being adaptive to the market and staying open to new strategic growth initiatives. That means when our people come to us with a plan or idea to pursue a client, industry, or geographic region, we want to throw our support behind it. We are always open to supporting our team to grow and explore business opportunities and look to share in the rewards from successful ventures.

Interested candidates are asked to email a current cover letter and resume to careers@hgc.solutions.

THE HGC EXPERIENCE

Why Work With Us.

HGC specializes in earth, water, and environmental projects, supported by a dedicated team of professionals with expertise in project management, environmental science, engineering, and design. The leadership team brings decades of collective experience in the resource industry across North America, having held diverse roles throughout their careers.

At HGC, we offer a dynamic work environment with flexible hours. Our head office is conveniently located in downtown Calgary, just two blocks from the Bow River and the bike path system.

Dam Safety Engineering

Civil Engineer Lead

Ron Kitagawa, P.Eng.

Ron Kitagawa brings over 37 years of engineering experience in consulting and construction. Mr. Kitagawa’s experience encompasses river diversions; flood risk and debris-flood mitigation; riverbank erosion protection; dam rehabilitation; hydraulic structures; underground services for industrial and commercial facilities; treated water storage and wastewater retention facilities; and municipal and agricultural water supply systems.

Additionally, Ron has over 12 years of experience with dam safety reviews and annual performance reviews for provincial and municipal governments and industrial clients. Ron is the Lead Civil Engineer and a mentor for the civil group.

Rail Lead

Grant Broadhurst, P.Eng.

Grant is a seasoned railway engineer with 18 years of experience specializing in freight rail and civil engineering. Grounded in core values of trust and quality, Grant’s collaborations with industry leaders such as CN Rail and CPKC underscore his expertise and the valuable relationships he has built.

His focus on innovation and strategic thinking has consistently led to successful project outcomes for his clients.

Environmental Lead

Cam Johnston, P.Bio.

Cameron Johnston has been in consulting since 2008, concentrating on collaborative projects across various environmental disciplines, including water, wetlands, and vegetation. His approach involves connecting with clients and stakeholders to understand their goals and ensure those outcomes are achieved.

Cameron works closely with clients, companies, and communities to facilitate responsible development and environmental sustainability.

Design Lead

Kevin Brugos

Kevin has over 19 years of experience as a Civil Designer with a focus in earthworks design and survey including road and well pad design, petrochemical plant site design, site planning, layout and grading.

He is an experienced Lead Designer for deep underground utilities and has led a team of designers in large scale earthworks projects.

Geotechnical Lead

Matt Douglas, P.Eng.

Matt is a Geotechnical Engineer that has more than 12 years of experience in exploration geology and geotechnical investigation with extensive work done across Alberta and northern British Columbia.

His experience has included geotechnical and geological borehole logging, sampling and characterization of hard rock and soils, site supervision and field program settlement analysis, slope stability, thermal modelling and general site interpretation and recommendations.

VP Finance & Administration

Sherry Smith

Sherry has over a decade of progressive experience in financial management. She started her career as a self-taught bookkeeper for home-based businesses and has worked towards managing financial systems of increasing complexity, culminating with the financial department at Higher Ground Consulting.

Sherry has mastered multiple accounting software platforms and is currently the resident expert for all aspects of our Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) platform.

VP Business Development

Jake Colley P.Eng.

Jake brings over 10 years of engineering, project management and strategic business development experience to Higher Ground Consulting. Blending years of field experience and corporate development, Jake has managed over $150 million in capital projects throughout that span.

He has spent the majority of his career focused on water infrastructure planning and construction throughout Western Canada and the US.

VP Operations

Shawn Connolly, P.Eng.

Shawn is a Civil Engineer trained at Lakehead University in Ontario with over ten years of experience in earthworks construction and inspection.

Shawn’s professional experience has focused on earthen and geosynthetic containment structures in the areas of earthworks construction, geotechnical and environmental analysis, surveying, Civil 3D modelling, construction QA/QC, and technical reporting.

Director of Projects

Scott Wark, P.Eng.

Scott holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Civil Engineering from the University of New Brunswick. Mr. Wark has more than 12 years of professional experience with a strong background in project management and technical design for earthen and geosynthetic containment facilities (solid and liquid waste).

His expertise includes evaluation and development of solid waste management facilities during the full project life-cycle.

VP Renewables

Lee Martin, P.Eng.

Lee is a Geotechnical Engineer with more than 15 years of experience in the design and construction of civil and marine works throughout North and South America.

He has been involved in the design and construction of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) facilities, ports and marine terminals, highways, airports and rail facilities, dams and tailings facilities, oil and gas installations, plants and pipelines, as well as large commercial buildings, municipal facilities, and residential subdivisions.

President

Wes Ferris, P.Eng., PMP

Wes has significant experience working as a construction manager, engineer and project manager in the oil and gas industry. Mr. Ferris holds university degrees in Civil Engineering and Sociology and is a member of the Project Management Institute.

His diverse background and experience bring a greater understanding of all project components and the leadership and coordination required for success. Mr. Ferris is the founder of Higher Ground Consulting.

VP Strategy

Gary Perras, P.Eng., MBA

Gary has 28 years of experience in the environmental and energy services industry. Mr. Perras has a university degree in Regional Environmental Systems as well as a Masters of Business Administration.

His executive expertise includes operations, project planning and execution, corporate HS&E compliance and business development. Gary’s passion is to be a leader and mentor for dynamic and growth-oriented companies.