Rock Mechanics Consultant

The Opportunity

WSP is seeking a Rock Mechanics Consultant to join our growing Mine Stability and Geotechnical team. This role will support mining, underground infrastructure, and major resource projects across Canada and internationally. The successful candidate will apply advanced rock mechanics principles to assess ground conditions, support mine design, evaluate geotechnical risks, and contribute to safe and efficient project delivery.

Working closely with multidisciplinary teams, the Rock Mechanics Consultant will provide technical expertise throughout all project phases, from feasibility studies and detailed engineering to construction support and operational optimization.

ResponsibilitiesTechnical Leadership & Analysis

• Conduct rock mechanics assessments for underground and surface mining projects.
• Perform kinematic, empirical, analytical, and numerical modelling studies using industry-standard software.
• Develop recommendations for excavation stability, ground support design, pillar design, stope stability, and mine sequencing.
• Complete site investigations, geotechnical mapping, core logging, and interpretation of geotechnical data.
• Evaluate geotechnical risks and support development of mitigation strategies.
• Prepare technical reports, design memoranda, and engineering recommendations.
• Review monitoring data and provide interpretation of rock mass performance.

Project Delivery

• Lead small to medium-sized work packages and coordinate technical deliverables.
• Support project managers with scope development, budgeting, scheduling, and resource planning.
• Coordinate with mining engineers, geologists, hydrogeologists, tailings engineers, and other technical specialists.
• Participate in client meetings and present technical findings and recommendations.

Site Work

• Conduct periodic travel to mine sites and project locations.
• Participate in underground inspections and geotechnical assessments.
• Support construction monitoring and operational geotechnical reviews as required.

Business Development

• Contribute to proposals, technical approaches, and client presentations.
• Support development and maintenance of client relationships.
• Identify opportunities for additional services and project growth.

Mentorship & Collaboration

• Provide guidance to junior engineers, EITs, and technologists.
• Support knowledge sharing and technical excellence initiatives within the mining group.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of rock mechanics methodologies and standards.

QualificationsRequired

• Bachelor's degree in Geological Engineering, Mining Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) designation or eligibility for registration within Canada.
• Approximately 5 to 10 years of relevant experience in rock mechanics, geotechnical engineering, or mining engineering.
• Experience supporting underground mining projects.
• Proficiency with industry software such as:
  • Rocscience Suite (RS2, RS3, Slide, Dips, UnWedge, Examine)
  • FLAC3D
  • Map3D
  • Leapfrog or similar geological modelling platforms
• Strong technical report writing and communication skills.
• Ability to travel to active mining operations.

Preferred

• Experience with hard rock mining operations.
• Exposure to mine design, mine planning, or ground control programs.
• Experience working on feasibility studies, detailed engineering, or operational support projects.
• Bilingualism (English/French) is considered an asset.
• Experience mentoring junior engineers.

Key Competencies

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Sound engineering judgement and risk awareness.
• Ability to work independently with limited supervision.
• Effective project management and organizational skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication abilities.
• Collaborative and client-focused approach.