Water Resources Planning Specialist

Joining ARUPArup’s purpose, shared values and collaborative approach has set us apart for 80 years, guiding how we shape a better world. We work across the entire water cycle, with utilities, local and regional governments, commercial and domestic water users and other partners. From designing and maintaining key water infrastructure to advising on natural catchments and flood defences, we help clients to consider the long-term economic, environmental and social dimensions of their proposals.

The opportunity

We are seeking a Water Resources Planning Specialist to join our growing Water Resources team, supporting water companies to develop resilient, sustainable and evidence-based plans to meet future water needs.

Water resources planning is central to responding to climate change, population growth, environmental protection and long-term resilience. Working across Water Resource Management Plans, Drought Plans, regional planning studies and Strategic Resource Options, you will help clients make informed decisions about future water supplies, drought resilience and investment priorities.

This is primarily a technical specialist role, rather than a project management position. You will take ownership of defined technical work packages, working alongside specialists in hydrology, environmental assessment, economics, engineering and digital delivery to develop robust planning evidence and clear recommendations.

The role will focus on:

Water resources planning, strategy development and supply-demand balance assessment.

Drought resilience, adaptive planning and climate change scenario testing.

Water resources modelling, data analysis and interpretation of planning evidence.

Option appraisal, best-value planning and Strategic Resource Options.

Environmental and regulatory assessment, including SEA, HRA and WFD-related inputs.

Clear technical reporting, client workshops, consultations and regulatory submissions.

Is this role right for you?

If you have all or some of the skills and experience below, and a passion for making a difference in the water sector - we’d love to hear from you.

Experience in water resources planning, water company planning, hydrology, environmental assessment or a related discipline.

A degree, or equivalent experience, in water resources, civil engineering, environmental engineering, geography, environmental science, hydrology or a related subject.

Understanding of WRMPs, Drought Plans, supply-demand balance assessment and resilience planning.

Strong numerical, analytical and problem-solving skills, with experience analysing technical or environmental datasets.

Ability to prepare clear technical reports and communicate complex information simply.

Strong organisational skills, attention to detail and the ability to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams. Desirable:

Experience supporting SROs or regional planning studies.

Knowledge of water resources and drought planning guidance, including relevant methods and emerging issues.

Knowledge of climate change adaptation, adaptive planning, options appraisal or best-value planning.

Understanding of SEA, HRA or WFD.

Experience with GIS, spatial analysis, digital delivery, regulatory submissions or consultation.

Chartered status, or progress towards chartership, with CIWEM, ICE or another relevant institution.

You do not need to meet every requirement to apply. If you bring relevant experience, strong analytical skills and a willingness to keep learning, we would like to hear from you.

This role is intended for an established technical professional who is developing recognised expertise in water resources planning. You will lead defined technical work packages, provide high-quality planning advice and contribute to major water resources…