Geotechnical Construction Advisor

VERSATILITY. EXPERTISE.

With these two words, Vertex makes the promise that we will always be versatile in developing solutions to our clients’ unique needs and that we will always demonstrate expertise in our designated fields.

Vertex is a leading North American provider of environmental services, assisting clients in achieving their development goals through our versatile suite of services. From the initial site selection, consultation and regulatory approval, through the construction, operation and maintenance phases, to conclusion and environmental cleanup, Vertex offers a diverse range of services throughout the life cycle of our clients’ projects.

OVERVIEW

Vertex is currently accepting applications for a part-time Geotechnical Construction Advisor to support our clients on active construction and grading projects in southwestern Ontario. This is a flexible, field-facing project role built around local knowledge of soils and construction practice in the region.

Vertex’s geotechnical staff prepare and seal the engineering deliverables. What this role adds is an experienced set of eyes on the ground: attending sites during construction and grading, advising clients on logistics and sequencing, supporting project managers and engineers with local hands-on knowledge and resolving the conditions that only reveal themselves once the ground is open. The successful candidate will report to the Director of Geotechnical Engineering Services.

WHO THIS ROLE IS FOR

• A university or college faculty member in civil or geotechnical engineering who wants regular, paid contact with live construction projects — and a source of real field data — on a schedule that works around teaching.
• A senior engineer, technologist or geoscientist stepping back from full-time practice who wants to stay close to the work without carrying a project load or a utilization target.
• A local practitioner who knows the soils, the contractors and the municipalities of southwestern Ontario, and would rather spend a few days a week on site than in an office.

WHY THIS ROLE

• Genuinely flexible. Approximately 8 to 20 hours per week, scheduled by agreement — heavier through the construction season (April to November), lighter over the winter. Teaching terms, research commitments and other work can be planned around.
• You are not the engineer of record. Vertex’s licensed geotechnical staff carry design responsibility and sign-off. Your contribution is judgment, presence and local knowledge.
• No utilization target, no business development quota, no on-call obligation.
• Engaged the way that suits you — as a part-time employee or on an independent contract.
• Access to real project data. Borehole logs, laboratory results, instrumentation records and construction observations from across southwestern Ontario, available for teaching material or applied research subject to client confidentiality.
• A route to collaboration. Where interests align, Vertex is open to applied research, student projects and co-op placements.
• Sites are local. Work is generally within about an hour of home. No rotations, no fly-in schedules.

CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS

• Degree or diploma in civil or geotechnical engineering, or a closely related discipline.
• P.Eng. in good standing with Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO) is preferred. A P.Geo., C.E.T. or an academic background with equivalent practical grounding will also be considered, as design sign-off rests with Vertex’s licensed staff.
• Demonstrated practical knowledge of soils, earthworks and foundation construction in southwestern Ontario — the glacial tills, lacustrine and varved clays, silty deposits and shallow groundwater conditions of the Lambton, Middlesex, Elgin and Chatham-Kent areas.
• Experience on active construction sites: subgrade inspection, fill placement and compaction, excavation and shoring, dewatering, and the practical realities of working alongside contractors.
• Confidence advising clients directly and making a defensible call in the field.
• Clear written and verbal communication in English, including the ability to write concise field memoranda.
• Valid Class G Ontario driver’s licence, own transportation, and current or obtainable construction site safety training.
• Residence within reasonable driving distance of the Sarnia–London corridor.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Attend active construction and grading sites to observe conditions and advise clients and contractors on geotechnical matters as the work proceeds;
• Support clients on construction logistics and sequencing — site access, staging, earthworks phasing, material placement, and weather and drainage constraints;
• Assess subgrade, fill and excavation conditions in the field and flag departures from design assumptions early;
• Provide practical, locally informed input on soil behaviour, bearing conditions, groundwater and constructability;
• Prepare concise field notes, photographs and memoranda for the responsible Vertex project engineer, who prepares and seals the formal deliverables;
• Escalate significant findings promptly to the responsible Vertex engineer;
• Coordinate with Vertex’s remote geotechnical staff, drilling contractors and testing laboratories;
• Share practical knowledge with Vertex’s junior engineers and field technicians when on site together;
• Represent Vertex professionally to clients, contractors and municipal staff.

LOCATION AND SCHEDULE

• Field-based across southwestern Ontario, coordinated through our Sarnia, ON office. Candidates based in London or the surrounding area are equally welcome to apply.
• Approximately 8 to 20 hours per week by agreement, with seasonal variation.
• Administrative and review work can be done from home.
• The position is ongoing and part-time. A fixed-term or seasonal arrangement can be discussed.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

• Expected compensation: $80.00 to $120.00 per hour, based on experience, designation and the scope agreed.
• Mileage for site travel.
• Professional Development and Continuing Education opportunities.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THIS POSTING

• This posting is for an existing vacancy.
• Vertex uses artificial intelligence as a preliminary tool to assist with initial resume screening and candidate identification. All applications that advance beyond this stage are reviewed by a member of our hiring team, and all hiring decisions are made by people, not artificial intelligence.
  
• Applicants who are interviewed will be informed of a hiring decision within 45 days of their final interview.
• Vertex is an equal opportunity employer. Accommodation is available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.

APPLY NOW

With a track record of success, Vertex provides a fast-paced environment where people thrive. We recognize that each member brings a valuable skill set to the Vertex team and we make health, safety and community well-being a priority by supporting numerous endeavors at each of our locations across North America.

At Vertex, we value teamwork through collaboration and provide support across the entire organization.

*We would like to thank all applicants for their interest in this position, however only those selected for interviews will be contacted*