About Helix Geotechnical

Helix Geotechnical Consulting Ltd. provides geotechnical engineering, construction materials testing, instrumentation and construction monitoring services throughout Alberta.

We are currently looking for an MSE Wall Construction Monitor / Field Technician to support an active project in Northern Alberta.

This is a field-focused position suited to someone with direct experience working around mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) walls, reinforced soil structures, retaining walls and gabion basket systems.

The successful candidate does not necessarily need an engineering degree. We are looking for someone who understands how these systems are actually built, knows what to look for during construction and can accurately document and communicate site conditions.

Responsibilities The MSE Wall Construction Monitor will be responsible for:

- Monitoring MSE wall and retaining wall construction activities in the field.
- Observing installation of facing systems, MSE panels/blocks, gabion baskets and related components.
- Monitoring placement of geogrid, reinforcing straps and other soil reinforcement systems for correct type, length, spacing, orientation and connection.
- Monitoring structural backfill placement, lift thickness and compaction.
- Observing foundation preparation, leveling pads and bearing surfaces prior to wall construction.
- Monitoring wall alignment, batter, elevation and general workmanship throughout construction.
- Confirming construction generally follows approved drawings, shop drawings, specifications and installation requirements.
- Monitoring drainage, filter materials and other components associated with the retaining wall system.
- Identifying damaged, incorrectly installed or potentially non-conforming materials and workmanship.
- Coordinating or assisting with soil compaction testing where required.




- Taking clear photographs, measurements and detailed field notes throughout each shift.
- Preparing accurate daily field reports documenting construction progress and observations.
- Immediately communicating deficiencies, deviations or construction concerns to the Helix project engineer.
- Working professionally with contractors, equipment operators, supervisors, consultants and client representatives on site.

Qualifications Direct MSE wall or similar retaining wall experience is strongly preferred.

Ideal candidates will have experience with some or all of the following:

- Mechanically Stabilized Earth (MSE) wall construction.
- Reinforced soil retaining walls.
- Geogrid and/or steel reinforcement systems.
- Precast MSE wall panels or segmental retaining wall systems.
- Gabion basket installation.
- Structural backfill and earthworks.
- Compaction and lift placement.
- Civil, road, bridge, mining or industrial construction.
- Construction inspection, quality control or field monitoring.
- Reading construction drawings, specifications and shop drawings.

Experience working directly as an MSE wall installer, civil foreman, earthworks supervisor, field technician or construction inspector will be considered valuable. A Civil Engineering Technology diploma or similar technical education is considered an asset but is not required for someone with robust practical experience.

Additional assets include

- Alberta Transportation / Transportation and Economic Corridors project experience.




- Nuclear density gauge certification and compaction testing experience.
- CSTS 2020.
- WHMIS 2015.
- Standard First Aid.
- H2S Alive.
- Valid Class 5 driver's licence with a clean driving record.

Work Assignment This position will primarily support a project in Northern Alberta.

Candidates must be comfortable with:

- Working extended shifts and longer days based on the contractor's construction schedule.
- Working consecutive days and weekends when required.
- Extended stays at an out-of-town project location.
- Working outdoors in varying weather conditions.
- Working independently for extended periods while maintaining regular communication with the Helix engineering team.
- Active civil and heavy-equipment construction environments.

Living Out Allowance (LOA) will be provided for the Northern Alberta project.

Compensation

$25.00–$35.00 per hour, depending on MSE wall, civil construction and inspection experience.

Overtime will be paid in accordance with company policy and applicable requirements.

There may also be opportunities to continue with Helix on future geotechnical, construction monitoring, materials testing and infrastructure projects following completion of this assignment.

What We're Looking For

Above all, we are looking for someone who knows civil construction and understands retaining wall construction in the field.

You should be comfortable identifying when something does not look right, documenting it properly and raising the issue before construction continues.

If you have hands-on experience building, supervising or inspecting MSE walls, reinforced earth structures or gabion walls, we would like to hear from you.

Pay: $25.00-$35.00 per hour

Benefits

- Company car
- Mileage reimbursement

Work Location: In person

📌 MSE Wall Construction Monitor / Field Technician (Fort McMurray)
🏢 Helix Geotechnical Consulting
📍 Fort McMurray