Principal Contaminant Hydrogeologist​/Groundwater Modeller | Energy

The Opportunity

Contaminated land and groundwater modelling at the highest technical level requires more than strong analytical skills. It requires professional judgement to navigate complex, high-stakes decisions, the communication skills to translate that complexity into clear advice, and the leadership to guide both projects and people in the right direction.

Contaminated land and groundwater modelling at the highest technical level requires more than strong analytical skills. It requires professional judgement to navigate complex, high-stakes decisions, the communication skills to translate that complexity into clear advice, and the leadership to guide both projects and people in the right direction. At Stantec, our Energy and Resources Group is looking for a Principal Contaminant Hydrogeologist and Groundwater Modeller to bring exactly that combination to a growing, collaborative team.

If you have built significant experience in contaminated site assessment, groundwater modelling and regulatory engagement, and you are ready for a role where your technical authority genuinely shapes outcomes, this is the opportunity.

Based in Edinburgh, Glasgow, High Wycombe, Birmingham or Shrewsbury, you will take a leading technical role across complex contaminated land, hydrogeology and groundwater modelling projects spanning energy, infrastructure, industrial and regulated-sector clients. You will act as technical lead on demanding projects, provide technical review and quality assurance, guide modelling strategy and support risk-based decision-making across a varied and challenging portfolio. You will design ground and hydrogeological investigations, develop, review and apply conceptual, analytical and numerical groundwater flow and contaminant transport models, and prepare and technically review hydrogeological risk assessments and contaminated land reports.

Beyond the technical work, you will mentor colleagues, contribute to service development and support the continued growth of a team that is ambitious about where it is heading. A willingness to travel to UK offices and project sites is required. Your desirable experience may include groundwater flow modelling using packages such as MODFLOW, FEFLOW or Visual MODFLOW; aquifer test design, supervision and interpretation;

groundwater remediation options appraisal and remedial strategy development; environmental permitting and regulatory liaison; and hydrogeological risk assessment for industrial, energy, infrastructure, waste, nuclear or regulated sites.

The technical leadership you provide here will underpin how some of the most complex contaminated site and groundwater challenges in the UK are understood, assessed and resolved. Your conceptual models, risk assessments and modelling work will inform decisions that protect groundwater resources, support regulatory compliance and deliver remediation outcomes that leave environments in a genuinely better condition. The colleagues you mentor, and the technical standards you help set, will shape the team's capabilities long after individual projects are complete.

At the principal level, that kind of influence is one of the most enduring parts of the role.

You hold a degree in Hydrogeology, Geology, Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Civil Engineering, Chemistry or a related discipline, with a relevant MSc or PhD, which is a valuable addition. You bring significant experience in hydrogeology, contaminated land assessment, groundwater risk assessment and environmental consultancy, ideally within a consulting environment. You have demonstrable capability in conceptual site model development, groundwater flow and contaminant transport modelling, and the assessment and consolidation of complex chemical and geological datasets.

You review and prepare technical reports to a high standard, communicate complex findings clearly to clients, regulators and project teams, and bring the professional judgement that high-consequence work demands. You are a collaborative, considered technical leader who is as motivated to develop the people around you as you are to solve difficult groundwater problems.

• We put people first:
  We're proud of our friendly, inclusive and collaborative environment where everyone feels valued and driven to succeed.
• We are driven to achieve:
  Named in the top 50 companies to work by Glassdoor 2025. Recognised by Corporate Knights as one of the world's top 10 most sustainable companies in 2025. Named 'Best Place to Work' and 'International Consulting Firm of the Year' at the NCE Awards 2024.
• We do what is right:
  Industry-leading training and development, as well as paid professional subscriptions. A professional progression plan, supporting you to become chartered.
• We are better together: A supportive and collaborative team environment and Early Careers peer group, and a wider ERG network (see more on our ERGs here: Stantec Employee Resource…