Associate Groundwater Modeller

Groundwater modelling sits at the heart of how the UK plans and protects its water supply. Every major abstraction decision, every environmental impact assessment, every investment case for water infrastructure relies on models that are robust enough to inform policy and withstand regulatory scrutiny. The demand for this work is growing- and so is the complexity. We’re looking for an Associate Groundwater Modeller to join our groundwater resources team within the Water Management Consultancy.

This isn’t a delivery-only role. At Associate level, you’ll own a portfolio of projects, lead client relationships, develop new areas of business and shape how the team grows. You’ll still be technically hands‑on where it matters, but the balance shifts towards leadership, commercial ownership and building something bigger.

The role is flexible across the UK, with our core groundwater teams based in Birmingham, Epsom, Oxford and Peterborough.

Owning and growing a portfolio of groundwater modelling projects—winning, delivering and managing work across our client base of water companies, regulators and major water users. Building and maintaining trusted client relationships, understanding their strategic challenges and positioning AtkinsRéalis as their partner of choice for groundwater work. Leading complex technical work to a high standard—conceptualisation, data gathering, numerical modelling, interpretation and reporting—while delegating effectively across the team.

Developing new areas of business for the team, identifying opportunities and shaping proposals that extend our reach into new clients and new problem areas. Contributing to the development of innovative approaches and digital tools that strengthen how we deliver groundwater modelling toring and developing junior staff, providing training on modelling approaches and building the team’s capability over time. Working across disciplines—collaborating with hydrologists, water resource planners, environmental scientists and digital specialists on projects spanning water supply, strategic planning, resource optimisation and environmental assessment.

Championing high standards of technical performance and quality across everything the team produces.

You’re an experienced groundwater modelling specialist who’s ready to step into a role where you own the client relationship, the commercial picture and the team development—not just the technical delivery.

Degree in science, engineering or mathematics, with a postgraduate qualification in hydrogeology or a related subject. Ideally chartered through a relevant professional body. Comprehensive experience building, developing and updating conceptual and numerical groundwater models at regional scale, including model use for assessing abstraction impacts on the environment.

Ideally experienced with UK regional groundwater models. Wider experience across water resources hydrogeology and hydrology—WINEP investigations (low flow, WFD No Deterioration, Environmental Destination, catchment water quality), signal and pumping tests, borehole design, groundwater flooding or water resource planning.

Strong understanding of UK hydrogeology and the operational and environmental regulatory framework.

Proficient in MODFLOW (ideally including MODFLOW
6) and other groundwater flow models, as well as recharge models such as 4R or SWAc. Coding skills in Python, R, Fortran, VBA or similar are desirable, as is experience with GIS.

Proven experience leading projects through the full lifecycle—problem definition, data collection, analysis, interpretation and recommendations.

A strong communicator who’s effective at all levels, from technical peer review through to client‑facing…