Principal Hydrologist

Company Description

Lead hydrology projects that protect communities and shape the future of water.

Join our dynamic and multidisciplinary Water Team as a Principal Hydrologist. You may be based in one of our UK or Ireland offices while enjoying a flexible hybrid working model.

You will be a key player in delivering impactful water projects across the UK and internationally, leading hydrological assessments that inform flood risk management, major infrastructure planning, water resources strategy, and environmental permitting.

• Lead hydrological assessments for flood risk appraisals, infrastructure design, catchment strategies, and environmental impact assessments.
• Provide technical direction on rainfall‑runoff modelling, river flow estimation, climate change allowances, and catchment analysis.
• Oversee and review hydrological modelling outputs, ensuring quality, accuracy, and compliance with UK regulatory guidance.
• Act as technical lead on major frameworks and multidisciplinary projects across transport, energy, water, and development sectors.
• Advise clients on flood risk policy, drainage strategy, abstraction licensing, and environmental permitting requirements.
• Mentor and develop junior hydrologists, fostering technical excellence and knowledge sharing.
• Support business development activities, including bid preparation and client relationship management.

• Degree (BSc/BEng/MSc) in Hydrology, Civil Engineering, Environmental Science, Geography, or a related discipline.
• Extensive experience delivering hydrological assessments within consultancy or regulatory environments.
• Strong knowledge of UK hydrological guidance (e.g., FEH methods, Flood Estimation Handbook, EA guidance).
• Experience with hydrological modelling tools and data analysis software.
• Proven ability to lead projects and provide technical oversight.
• Chartered status (CEng, CSci, or CEnv) or working towards chartership.
• Excellent communication skills with experience engaging clients and stakeholders.
• Self‑motivated, able to work autonomously, and a willingness to learn in a dynamic deadline‑driven team environment.

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• Flexible hybrid working model to support work–life balance.
• Career development opportunities, technical practice networks, and AECOM University.
• Volunteering days and personalised wellbeing programmes.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

We are a Disability Confident Employer and will offer an interview to applicants who have a disability or long‑term condition, who meet the minimum/essential criteria for the role. If you would like to apply through the Disability Confident Interview Scheme, please contact Reasonab