Higher Ground Group of Companies

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.

HGC CAREERS

Work With Us.

ALBERTA

Current Openings

HGC is a full-service engineering and environmental company made up of a dedicated team of professionals trained and experienced in project management, engineering, and design specializing in civil and environmental projects. Due to growth in our projects, we are currently seeking a Senior Geotechnical Engineer with a minimum of 10 yrs experience in the design, management and construction of engineered earthworks projects, including waste management facilities, dams, engineered containment ponds, and associated infrastructure in the upstream oil and gas industry in Alberta and British Columbia. The ideal candidate will bring experience and knowledge in the design and construction of earthen embankments and geosynthetic containment systems as well as a strong understanding of Alberta and BC specific regulations and guidelines for the design and construction of waste management facilities, specific to the Oil and Gas industry.

RESPONSIBILITIES WILL INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:

  • Planning geotechnical site investigations and monitoring installations, including managing staff, subconsultants, and subcontractors
  • Conducting site inspections at client sites and on-site coordination of complex site investigations
  • Project management including project planning, initiation, coordination, execution, and close-out
  • Lead or participate in geotechnical design and analysis including soil and rock engineering, soil dynamics, slope stability, deep and shallow foundations, supported by senior geotechnical staff
  • Lead or participate in reporting and technical writing, supported by senior geotechnical staff
  • Mentoring geotechnical junior engineers and EITs
  • Provide technical support for soil testing completed by others
  • Provide technical and commercial input on proposals
  • Developing relationships with clients, regulators, subcontractors, and key stakeholders

NECESSARY QUALIFICATIONS

  • Degree in civil, geotechnical, or geological engineering
  • Registered as a P.Eng. in Canada
  • Excellent interpersonal, communication and organizational skills
  • Computer and software skills to complete geotechnical analysis, including GeoStudio, LPile, APile, Settle3D, GIS Mapping Software, OpenGround/Holebase SI
  • 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
  • At least 10 years of geotechnical engineering experience 

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
  • Flexible and open to changing priorities and multi-tasking
  • Previous experience working in geotechnical consultancy
  • Business development experience

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 want 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.

In addition to a competitive compensation package, the advantages of working at HGC include:

Opportunities for Growth: Higher Ground is a growing 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.

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 versions of ourselves.

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

The Director of Landfills is a senior technical and operational leader responsible for delivering landfill-related engineering, design, and advisory services across a portfolio of municipal and private-sector clients. HGC is a mid-sized EPC consulting company, as such, this role combines technical expertise, project delivery, client management, and business development.

You will lead landfill design and operations support projects, ensure regulatory compliance, and help grow the company’s solid waste practice in Western Canada. This is a highly hands-on role requiring both strategic oversight and direct technical contribution.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Leadership & Project Delivery

  • Lead the design and execution of landfill projects, including:
    • New landfill development and cell design
    • Landfill expansions and airspace optimization
    • Closure and post-closure plans
    • Leachate and landfill gas management systems
  • Provide senior technical review and sign-off on engineering deliverables
  • Act as Engineer/Geoscientist of Record where applicable
  • Support construction oversight, field reviews, and commissioning

Client Management & Business Development

  • Develop and maintain strong client relationships with municipalities and private operators
  • Identify and pursue new business opportunities in landfill and solid waste services
  • Lead or support proposal development, including scope definition, budgeting, and resourcing
  • Represent the company at industry events and with regulatory stakeholders

Regulatory & Environmental Compliance

  • Ensure projects meet all applicable provincial and federal regulations, including those set by Alberta Environment and Protected Areas and Environment and Climate Change Canada
  • Guide clients through permitting, approvals, and regulatory submissions
  • Oversee environmental monitoring programs and reporting (groundwater, leachate, landfill gas)
  • Provide advisory support during audits, inspections, and compliance reviews

Operations & Advisory Support

  • Provide operational consulting to landfill clients, including:
    • Waste placement and compaction strategies
    • Daily/intermediate cover practices
    • Airspace and lifespan optimization
  • Troubleshoot complex site issues (e.g., odour, leachate management, slope stability, gas migration)
  • Support asset management and lifecycle planning for landfill facilities

Financial & Commercial Oversight

  • Manage project budgets, schedules, and profitability
  • Contribute to forecasting and resource planning
  • Balance technical excellence with cost-effective project delivery

NECESSARY QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Environmental Science, or Geoscience
  • Professional designation required (P.Eng. or P.Geo.) with Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta
  • 10–15+ years of relevant experience in landfill engineering, solid waste, or environmental consulting
  • Demonstrated experience in landfill design, construction, and/or operations support
  • Experience in a consulting or EPC environment strongly preferred
  • Proven track record in client management and/or business development
  • Strong understanding of:
    • Landfill liner and cover systems
    • Leachate collection and treatment systems
    • Landfill gas collection and control systems
    • Environmental monitoring and reporting
  • Familiarity with Alberta regulatory frameworks and guidelines

THE FOLLOWING WILL BE CONSIDERED AN ASSET:

  • Hands-on, practical problem solver comfortable in both office and field settings
  • Strong communication skills with ability to interface with clients, regulators, and contractors
  • Entrepreneurial mindset with interest in growing a service line
  • Business Development experience
  • Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced, small-team environment

This position will be based in our head office in downtown Calgary, Alberta. HGC offers a complete compensation package including competitive wages, benefits and mobile phone allowance. This position may require trips to the field, which can range from a single to multiple days.

 

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 criticize 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 into our staff is investing in our business.

Opportunities for Growth: Part of the Englobe family, Higher Ground thrives 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 cover letter and current resume to careers@hgc.solutions.

Higher Ground Consulting Inc. (HGC) is a full-service engineering and environmental company. We are a dedicated team of professionals, trained and experienced in project management, engineering, and design, specializing in civil and environmental projects. We are seeking an experienced Dam Safety Engineer to join our team, with a minimum of six (6) years experience in conducting dam safety inspections, performing engineering analyses, and supporting the delivery of dam safety and water infrastructure projects for our clients across Western Canada. The ideal candidate will bring experience and knowledge in the design and construction of earthen embankment dams, as well as a strong understanding of Alberta and British Columbia specific dam safety regulations and guidelines.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Dam Safety and Engineering:
    • Conduct dam safety inspections and condition assessments of dams, reservoirs, spillways, and related infrastructure.
    • Conduct, or assist in conducting, formal Dam Safety Reviews and Annual Performance Reviews in accordance with regulatory requirements and industry guidelines.
    • Assist in the development and implementation of dam safety monitoring programs.
    • Confirm that dams are being operated and maintained in compliance with provincial and federal dam safety regulations and industry standards (e.g., Canadian Dam Association guidelines).
    • Participate in risk assessments and Potential Failure Mode Analyses.
    • Support regulatory reporting and communication with provincial authorities.
Engineering Analysis and Design:
    • Assist in the design and evaluation of rehabilitation, remediation, and improvement projects for dam infrastructure.
    • Review engineering reports, drawings, and technical documentation prepared by consultants.
    • Perform engineering calculations and modelling.
    • Review and analyze monitoring & instrumentation data.
Project Support:
    • Support planning, budgeting, and execution of dam safety projects including inspections, upgrades, and repairs.
    • Coordinate with contractors, owners representatives, consultants, and internal teams during project implementation.
    • Provide technical input during construction and commissioning activities.
Documentation and Reporting:
    • Prepare technical reports, inspection documentation, and regulatory submissions.
    • Maintain accurate records of dam safety activities, monitoring data, and engineering evaluations.
    • Communicate technical findings and recommending remedial measures to management and stakeholders.

NECESSARY QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor’s degree in civil, geotechnical or water resources engineering or a related field.
  • Must hold Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) designation and be registered with, or immediately eligible to register with the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA).
  • Minimum of six (6) years of progressive experience in civil engineering, with a focus on dam engineering principles.
  • Experience with the engineering design and construction of infrastructure such as dams, engineered containment ponds, Tailings Storage Facilities, freshwater reservoirs, embankments and hydraulic structures.
  • Demonstrated success in managing complex, multidisciplinary projects with a focus on timeliness and budget control.
  • Strong communication, leadership, and problem-solving abilities, with a collaborative approach to team and stakeholder engagement.
  • The role involves field inspections and office-based tasks requiring flexibility, attention to detail and the ability to travel.
  • Must have a valid driver’s licence.
  • Adaptable to flexible work schedule when required to meet deadlines.

THE FOLLOWING WILL BE CONSIDERED AN ASSET:

  • Experience with the design, operation and inspection of mining tailings dams.
  • Experience with surface water grading, stormwater design, and wastewater treatment.
  • Experience with engineering calculations and modelling related to dam stability.
  • Experience with analyzing monitoring data including piezometers, inclinometers, settlement monuments, and seepage measurements.
  • Experience in performing hydraulic calculation for the design of spillway structures and pipe structures.
  • Experience in performing dam break simulations.

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 want 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.

In addition to a competitive compensation package, the advantages of working at HGC include:

Opportunities for Growth: Higher Ground is a growing 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.

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 versions of ourselves.

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

Higher Ground Consulting Inc. (HGC) is seeking a Civil Engineer-In-Training to join our Engineering team. Reporting to our Lead Civil Engineer, the successful candidate will work throughout the lifecycle of projects from initiation to design to construction. The successful applicant will have the opportunity to work in a fast-paced environment, working on various water resources and civil earthworks related projects while receiving training and mentoring from experienced personnel. The position will require the successful applicant to perform field related work for a 3 week on/1 week off schedule to oversee and execute civil engineering related projects.

RESPONSIBILITIES MAY INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:

  • Civil engineering analysis and design.
  • Assist with CAD drafting and design work using [AutoCAD, Civil 3D, etc.].
  • Composition of construction work packages.
  • Collaborate with project managers, engineers, and field staff to support project execution.
  • Follow all safety protocols and wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) while on-site.
  • Communicate with contractors and site personnel to ensure project requirements are met.
  • Conduct material testing (e.g., soil, asphalt, concrete) following standard procedures.
  • Field inspection and quality assurance (QA) / quality control (QC) testing.
  • Report preparation and writing.

NECESSARY QUALIFICATIONS:

  • A post-secondary degree in Civil, Geotechnical, or Water Resource Engineering.
  • Registration as, or immediate ability to register, as an Engineer-In-Training with APEGA.
  • Adaptable to a flexible work schedule and willing to travel to project sites and work out of town as needed
  • Ability to travel to locations for up to three (3) weeks at a time
  • Willingness to work overtime if field programs require
  • Capable of working in various weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, and snow, while maintaining safety and productivity.
  • Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and specifications.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team.
  • Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication, and organizational skills.
  • Must have a valid driver’s licence.
  • Must be legally entitled to work in Canada.
  • Flexible and open to changing priorities and multi-tasking.
  • Creative, strategic, forward-thinking mindset.
  • Adaptable to flexible work schedule when required to meet deadlines.

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 want 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.

In addition to a competitive compensation package, the advantages of working at HGC include:

Opportunities for Growth: Higher Ground is a growing 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.

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 versions of ourselves.

Interested candidates are asked to email a cover letter and current 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.