Principal Hydrologist

At Jacobs, we're challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world's most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission‑critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting‑edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good.

With roles available at multiple levels, you will join our 2000‑strong Water and Environment team, delivering sustainable, resilient solutions to a diverse portfolio of clients including the Environment Agency, Lead Local Flood Authorities, Utility Companies, National Highways Agencies, National Rail Companies and Airports.

• Play a key role in the growth and capability footprint of the Hydrology Team.
• Interface with stakeholders across all technical and commercial matters.
• Support project teams, including coordinating planning and tender (preparing schedule and scope of works).
• Provide technical expertise for hydrological studies including FRM, EIAs, Reservoir engineering, Low Flow, and Water Resources studies.
• Continuously develop subject‑matter expertise in the application of UK Flood hydrologic analysis in line with the Flood Estimation Handbook (FEH).
• Proactively contribute to the ongoing development of a supportive team environment, taking an active role in the mentoring and professional development of colleagues.
• Check and review calculations and technical deliverables.
• Write and review technical reports.

• Experience in Water Resource Studies.
• Experience in the use of R/RStudio and Python for data analysis and visualisation.
• A sound knowledge of hydraulic analysis of culverts/bridges using CIRIA methods.
• Knowledge of hydrometry.
• Strong hydrology software skills such as Qube, Low Flows 2.
• A track record in developing (or a desire to develop) the professional development of peers and colleagues.

Joining Jacobs not only connects you locally but globally. Our values stand on a foundation of safety, integrity, inclusion and belonging. We put people at the heart of our business, and we truly believe that by supporting one another through our culture of caring, we all succeed. We value positive mental health and a sense of belonging for all employees.

With safety and flexibility always top of mind, we’ve gone beyond traditional ways of working so you have the support, means and space to maximize your potential. You’ll uncover flexible working arrangements, benefits, and opportunities, from well‑being benefits to our global giving and volunteering program, to exploring new and inventive ways to help our clients make the world a better place.

No matter what drives you, you’ll discover how you can cultivate, nurture, and achieve your goals – all at a single global company. Find out more about life at Jacobs.

We aim to embed inclusion and belonging in everything we do. We know that if we are inclusive, we’re more connected and creative. We accept people for who they are, and we champion the richness of different perspectives, lived experiences and backgrounds in the workplace, as a source of learning and innovation. We are committed to building vibrant communities within Jacobs, including through our Jacobs Employee Networks, Communities of Practice and our Find Your Community initiatives, allowing every employee to find connection, purpose, and belonging.

Find out more about our Jacobs Employee Networks here.

Jacobs partners with VERCIDA to help us attract and retain talent from a wide range of backgrounds. For greater online accessibility please visit  to view and access our roles.

As a disability confident employer, we will interview disabled candidates who best meet the criteria. We welcome applications from candidates who are seeking flexible working and from those who may not meet all the listed requirements for a role.

We value collaboration and believe that in‑person interactions are crucial for both our culture and client delivery. We empower employees with our hybrid working policy, allowing them to split their work week between Jacobs offices/projects and remote locations enabling them to deliver their best work.

Your application experience is important to us, and we’re keen to adapt to make every interaction even better. If you require further support or reasonable adjustments with regards to the recruitment process (for example, you require the application form in a different format), please contact the team via Careers Support.