Lead Civil Engineer

At HDR, we specialize in engineering, architecture, environmental and construction services. While we are most well-known for adding beauty and structure to communities through high-performance buildings and smart infrastructure, we provide much more than that. We create an unshakable foundation for progress because our multidisciplinary teams also include scientists, economists, builders, analysts and artists. That's why we believe diversity is our greatest strength. HDR is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and an affirmative action employer.

We believe that the way we work can add meaning and value to the world. That ideas inspire positive change. That coloring outside the lines can illuminate fresh perspectives. And that small details yield important realizations. Above all, we believe that collaboration is the best way forward.

We’re looking for a well-rounded individual who can meet deadlines, has excellent communication skills, works well under pressure and can deliver high quality results. This person shall be able to efficiently work with other project team members. The individual shall be able provide leadership to junior staff while assisting them in the development of their technical skills.

The primary duties of the Lead Civil Engineer include providing and leading conceptual designs at the early stages of the project, and developing these into high quality detailed design products. The selected individual will be required to perform complex calculations, as well as reviewing calculations, conducting design drawing reviews, and overseeing and/or participating in field investigations as necessary. You will be seasoned in preparing technical specifications, work procedures, and the selection of materials and their respective sizes. 

You will independently develop and coordinate the work of the project’s civil design team throughout the design development/contract documents and construction phases of a project.  You will also have leadership responsibilities for the civil design group within HDR’s multi-disciplinary ASMEC business class including: supervision of technical work performed by team members, quality reviews, and routine workload planning for the civil group.  These group leadership responsibilities may also extend to encompass coordination of supplementary staff who may be called upon to contribute to specific projects.

Project types have typically tended towards transportation-related facilities, such as transit lines and stations, however work on other project types and market sectors within the scope of ASMEC’s technical capabilities will also be required.

Primary Responsibilities

In the role of Lead Civil Engineer, we'll count on you to:

  • Plan, organize and supervise the work of medium to large staff of professionals and technicians
  • Conduct routine workload planning and work allocation for staff resources in the assigned ASMEC design discipline group(s)
  • Design and plan production for civil works on a wide variety of projects, including site layouts, horizontal and vertical control, grading and drainage, paving, site utilities, and other related engineering activities
  • Prepare drawings, specifications, contract documents, studies and engineering progress reports
  • Develop and prepare construction staging and phasing plans for multi-disciplines projects that would include input from Architectural, Mechanical, Electrical, and Structural disciplines
  • Conduct quantity calculations and cost estimates
  • Conduct permitting and approvals
  • Perform complex assignments exercising judgment in evaluation, selection and modification of standard engineering techniques and procedures
  • Serve as a technical expert with recognized authority in an area of specialization that resolves problems of greater scope and complexity as needed
  • Coordinate engineering work schedules
  • Work within established project budgets and schedules
  • Review project documents for technical accuracy and competency
  • Ensure designs conform with all applicable codes and client standards
  • Travel to construction sites to conduct inspections and prepare reports
  • Serve as a Project Manager on larger projects, although project management is not the sole focus of this position
  • Perform other duties as needed

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelors of Civil Engineering (or associated discipline); a Masters’ Degree is an advantage
  • Registered as a Professional Engineer in the Province of Ontario with a good standing
  • Minimum of 12 years of progressively responsible and applicable experience in civil/site engineering/design or directly related activities utilizing the required technical skills
  • Previous supervisory experience; consulting engineering experience is an advantage
  • Detailed knowledge of regulations, codes, and standards applicable to civil engineering design
  • Experience with Microsoft Office applications, MicroStation, InRoads, hydrologic modelling and other civil engineering software as appropriate
  • Working knowledge of CAD software as MicroStation, AutoCAD
  • Detailed knowledge and skill with calculation tools including Excel and MathCAD
  • Demonstrated excellent written and verbal English communication and grammar skills with specific proficiency in effectively communicating complex engineering issues internally and externally. The ability and previous experience in the preparation of written technical documents, such as condition assessment reports, predesign reports, design briefing reports, presentations, studies, technical proposals and specifications is essential
  • Well organized, self-directed work habits with a demonstrated ability to prioritize and schedule tasks managing multiple assignments simultaneously.
  • Project Management experience
  • An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must

    Why HDR

At HDR, we know work isn't only about who you work for; it's also about what you do and how you do it. Led by the strength of our values and a culture shaped by employee ownership, we network with each other, build on each other's contributions, and collaborate together to make great things possible.  When you join HDR, we give you license to do the same. We help you take charge of your career, giving you multiple growth opportunities along the way. 

At HDR, we are committed to the principles of employment equity.

USA: We are an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider all qualified candidates regardless of minority, veteran, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or any other status protected by law. San Francisco, CA: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

At HDR, health and safety matters.

  • For some positions, you may be required to provide drug and alcohol testing, before or during employment, based on our Drug Testing and Drug Free Workplace Policy 
  • If you are required to drive for us, we require a valid driver's license and compliance with our vehicle policy.

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CANADA: We welcome applications from all qualified individuals.

AUSTRALIA: We are committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment as well as equal employment opportunities. We encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and people of culturally diverse backgrounds to apply.