Utilities Engineering Lead

GFT is seeking a Utilities Engineering Lead to join our Transportation Group. This role follows a hybrid work model, requiring regular attendance at our Toronto, Ontario office.

Working on the transportation team at GFT offers the opportunity to engage in transformative projects that enhance transportation infrastructure and improve community connectivity. Whether working on highways and bridges or traffic engineering, our team excels in resilient, sustainable design and construction, delivering innovative solutions that address the complexities of modern,  multimodal roadway systems and ensure safe, efficient, and reliable travel for all. Explore some of our signature transportation projects here.

What you’ll be challenged to do:

As Utilities Lead, your role and responsibilities will be to guide and oversee a team working to maintain and operate essential utility systems, such as water, wastewater, electrical infrastructure, telecommunications and gas, ensuring reliable service delivery, compliance with safety regulations, and timely execution of maintenance, repairs, and operational projects. Key responsibilities include team leadership, performance monitoring, resource management, operational coordination, equipment maintenance, and reporting. 

In this capacity, the successful candidate will be responsible for the following: 

• Leadership & Team Development: Lead, mentor, and coordinate a multidisciplinary utilities engineering team, fostering accountability, professional growth, and continuous improvement.
• Utility System Oversight: Direct the planning, design, and operation of utility infrastructure—including water, wastewater, electrical, telecommunications, and gas—ensuring safe, reliable, and efficient service delivery.
• Project & Resource Management: Oversee project scheduling, budgets, and resource allocation. Guide staff and contractors in the execution of maintenance and capital projects, ensuring timely and high-quality outcomes.
• Regulatory & Safety Compliance: Ensure all operations and designs comply with safety standards, industry regulations, and environmental requirements.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Serve as a primary liaison with municipalities, utility agencies, and project partners, providing progress updates, resolving issues, and building strong client relationships.
• Reporting & Performance Monitoring: Track and evaluate system performance, operational challenges, and project progress, preparing clear reports and recommendations for senior management and clients.
• Field Support: Provide oversight during inspections and site visits to support compliance, issue resolution, and training—while delegating day-to-day equipment operation to utility staff.

What you will bring to our firm:  

• University Degree in Civil Engineering, Environmental Science, Water Resources Engineering or related field of practice is required
• Registered P.Eng.
• Strong knowledge of utility infrastructure, maintenance practices, and safety regulations specific to the type of utility (e.g., water treatment, electrical distribution). 
• Demonstrated leadership skills to motivate a team, as well as strong oral and written communication skills to interact with team members, management, and other departments. 
• Ability to quickly identify and resolve issues, preventing service disruptions and ensuring continued operational flow. 
• Proven ability to organize and manage multiple tasks, projects, and schedules effectively. 
• Involves working outdoors in various weather conditions and may require physical labor. 
• Requires availability for emergency response and potential weekend and holiday work on a rotational basis to maintain constant utility service. 
• Can work in public and private utilities, including water treatment plants, waste disposal facilities, and power distribution networks. 

Compensation:

Salary is dependent upon experience and geographic location.

Featured Benefits: 

• Hybrid (in-person and remote) work environment.
• Comprehensive benefits package including wellness programs, parental leave, and pet insurance, in addition to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.
• Competitive paid-time-off (PTO) accrual.
• Tuition reimbursement for continued education.
• Commitment to professional development, access to internal and external training programs, and support of active participation in professional organizations
• Incentive compensation for eligible positions.

At GFT, a privately held AEC firm, we innovate where transportation, water, power, and buildings converge. We call this the Infrastructure of Life.

We measure our success by the strength of our relationships – that’s why we’re the employer of choice for 5,000+ of the industry’s brightest engineers, planners, architects, inspectors, designers, and more.

Our clients choose us for our expertise and prefer us for our nimble approach, creativity, and personal touch. Backed by over a century’s experience, together, we’re building a lasting legacy for future generations: stronger communities, a healthier planet, and better lives.

GFT: Ingenuity That Shapes Lives™ 

GFT is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veterans’ status or other characteristics protected by law.

Unsolicited resumes from third party agencies will be considered the property of GFT.

Location: Toronto, Ontario

No relocation assistance will be provided for this position.

Local candidates will be given preference.

Employment Status: Full-Time

Salary dependent upon experience and geographic location

#LI-Hybrid
#LI-MS1