The Foundation Repair & Waterproofing Specialist is responsible for investigating, diagnosing, estimating, and recommending appropriate solutions for foundation, structural, drainage, and water intrusion concerns. This role requires strong hands-on industry experience and the ability to assess properties with limited prior information to determine the probable source of water ingress, structural movement, settlement, or related deficiencies.
This role is responsible for identifying root causes, not symptoms, and recommending appropriate exterior-based repair solutions consistent with Shield’s service model and expertise. This role combines technical assessment, client education, estimating, relationship building, and coordination with operations to ensure projects are properly scoped, profitable, and executable.
Attending residential properties, often with limited information, to determine the root cause of foundation, waterproofing, drainage, or structural issues and develop the appropriate repair solution based on actual site conditions. This role requires the ability to accurately identify and assess issues including:
- Source of basement water ingress, seepage, and moisture intrusion
- Horizontal cracks and vertical cracks
- Honeycombing, snap ties, cold joints
- Wall displacement, structural movement
- Foundation settlement, structural movement, shifting, and sinking
- Below-grade waterproofing, drainage, and hydrostatic pressure-related failures
- Failed weeping tile or sump systems
- Window well drainage deficiencies
- Grading or surface drainage problems
- Determining when a structural engineer is required
- Preparing accurate and competitive estimates with clearly defined scopes while considering labor, materials, equipment, subtrades, operational requirements, and overall project profitability
- Ensuring estimates align with operational capabilities, production realities, and pricing standards
- Coordinating with Shield’s operations team to support successful project execution
- Maintaining communication with clients throughout the project lifecycle
- Building and maintaining strong relationships with clients, referral partners, restoration companies, property managers, and industry contacts
- Practicing knowledge-based sales
- Generating new business opportunities through networking, referrals, relationship development, and community involvement
- Participating in meetings, training, and company initiatives while continuing to develop technical knowledge and industry expertise
- Representing the Shield brand professionally and ethically at all times
Minimum 3–5 years hands-on experience in:
- Foundation repair (external repair methods)
- Exterior waterproofing
- Structural stabilization
- Drainage correction
- Concrete repair
- Underpinning/piling systems
Strong practical understanding of:
- Below-grade foundation systems
- Water intrusion pathways
- Hydrostatic pressure
- Groundwater behavior
- Drainage systems
- Grading and surface water management
- Weeping tile systems
- Sump systems
- Foundation settlement
- Structural movement
- Structural versus non-structural cracking
- Ability to confidently diagnose water intrusion and foundation issues onsite without predefined scopes or the assistance of subcontractors
- Ability to identify probable root causes and determine appropriate long-term repair solutions
- Understanding that Shield primarily specializes in exterior foundation repair and waterproofing solutions rather than interior symptom-management systems
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, structural details, and RFPs
- Strong organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities
- High level of professionalism, accountability, integrity, and attention to detail
- Ability to work independently and perform effectively in a fast-paced environment
- Valid Class 5 driver’s license with acceptable driver’s abstract
- Ability to attend job sites and active construction environments as required
Previous hands-on field experience performing foundation repair or waterproofing work. Experience working with:
- Underpinning and piling systems
- Structural concrete repair
- Drainage correction
- Excavation
- Existing industry relationships and referral network connections
- Safety certifications including CSTS, First Aid, Fall Protection, or related training
- Base salary of $60,000 + commission (somewhat negotiable – our current estimators are 100% commission and make over $100k a year)
- 5% commission on net profit up to $1.5M
- 7% commission on net profit above $1.5M
- Travel, real estate, and similar inspections are billed at a standard call-out fee, which is split 50/50 between Shield and the employee
- Monthly payroll is processed on the 28th and reflects commissions on jobs completed and fully paid in the prior month. Applicable tax deductions are applied in accordance with CRA requirements.
- Company vehicle and use of fuel card (business use only)
- Benefits package including a Health Spending Account upon completion of the probationary period
Vacation pay is paid monthly at 4% of gross earnings (including salary and commission). Time off requires approval, and vacation during the busy season (April–October) is limited.
