Principal/Senior Hydrologist

About the Role

Our client is looking for an experienced Principal or Senior Hydrologist to join their growing Water Management team on a long-term contract basis.

You'll play a key role in delivering technically challenging hydrology and flood risk projects across the UK, working alongside regulators, infrastructure providers, local authorities and private sector clients. This position offers the opportunity to provide technical leadership while contributing to a diverse portfolio of high-profile environmental and infrastructure schemes.

A strong background in Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and consenting is essential for this role.

About the Client

Our client is a well-established engineering and environmental consultancy delivering innovative solutions across major infrastructure, environmental and water management projects throughout the UK. They are recognised for their collaborative culture, technical excellence and commitment to professional development.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the technical direction of hydrological studies.
• Undertake the estimation of design flood flows and hydrographs.
• Provide specialist technical input into flood risk management and water resource projects.
• Lead the production of Flood Risk Assessments (FRAs) and Environmental Impact Assessments (Water Resources Chapter).
• Prepare Environmental Statements and Flood Risk Activity Consent applications.
• Manage project packages, resources and programme delivery.
• Coordinate project teams and maintain high-quality technical outputs.
• Carry out quality assurance reviews.
• Support, mentor and develop junior team members.
• Promote innovation and technical excellence across project delivery.
• Produce clear, concise and technically accurate reports.

What Our Client is Looking For

• Degree in Civil Engineering, Geography, Environmental Science, Water Resources, Engineering Hydrology or a related analytical discipline.
• Extensive experience applying hydrological methodologies, including the Flood Estimation Handbook (FEH).
• Proven experience leading hydrological assessments and flood risk studies.
• Strong experience producing Environmental Impact Assessments and supporting environmental consenting.
• Demonstrable experience preparing Environmental Statements and Flood Risk Activity Consent applications.
• Excellent project management and technical leadership skills.
• Experience with quality assurance processes.
• Competent using ArcGIS Pro and QGIS.
• Strong technical report writing and communication skills.

Desirable experience includes

• Water resource assessments.
• Surface Water Management Plans (SWMPs).
• Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS).

What Our Client Offers

• Competitive day rate.
• Long-term contract with an initial duration of 12+ months.
• Inside IR35 engagement.
• Flexible working with fully remote or office-based options.
• Opportunity to work on nationally significant infrastructure and environmental projects.
• Collaborative and highly experienced technical teams.

Eligibility

• Applicants must have the right to work in the UK.
• Candidates must be currently living in the UK.
• This role is offered on an Inside IR35 contract basis.

Opportunity for Growth

This is an excellent opportunity to join a highly respected consultancy delivering complex and impactful projects across the UK. You'll have the chance to lead significant technical work, collaborate with industry experts and further develop your expertise while contributing to nationally important environmental and infrastructure programmes.