Environmental Data Scientist​/Hydrologist

Environmental Data Scientist / Hydrologist

Wallingford, UK (remote options considered)
£38,000 – £42,000

We are working with a fast-growing environmental consultancy that is seeking a Senior Environmental Data Scientist / Hydrologist to join its team in the Wallingford area. This position is ideal for someone who thrives in a collaborative scientific environment and wants to deepen their expertise in hydrological modelling, data analysis and environmental software development.

Role Overview

The successful candidate will join a multidisciplinary science and software team responsible for designing, improving and maintaining national hydrological modelling systems. These tools support key decisions relating to river behaviour, flood mitigation and long-term water management.

A major focus of the role will be on enhancing a widely used water-resource modelling platform, along with contributing to updates of national flood-estimation tools. The position also involves exploring ways machine learning can be integrated into existing hydrological methods to improve accuracy and expand capability.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and refine hydrological modelling methods for a national water-resources platform

• Contribute to the enhancement of leading flood-estimation tools used across the UK

• Research and apply machine learning techniques to hydrological datasets

• Incorporate scientific findings into commercial software, including interface testing and usability improvements

• Work closely with regulators, end users and technical specialists to ensure tools remain accurate, compliant and user-friendly
 
• Support ongoing scientific research and translate outcomes into practical solutions

Skills & Experience Required:

• A good degree (2:1 or above) in a numerate or environmental discipline such as hydrology, earth sciences or civil engineering; postgraduate study is welcome but not essential

• Strong programming capability in Python and/or R

• Experience designing or applying machine learning models to environmental or geospatial data

• Ability to process and analyse complex datasets such as spatial or time-series formats (e.g. NetCDF, ASCII)

• Strong communication skills, able to explain technical concepts to both specialists and non-specialists

• Demonstrated knowledge or experience in hydrology, water-environment work or related environmental science

What the First Year Looks Like:

During the first 12 months, the new team member will:

• Build familiarity with the organisation’s hydrological modelling tools and software suite

• Develop Python modules and apply ML approaches to real hydrological challenges

• Gain an understanding of the UK’s regulatory framework for water and flood-risk activities

• Collaborate with partner research institutions and engage with national regulators

• Produce high-quality technical reports and documentation

• Begin progressing toward professional chartership (e.g., CIWEM or equivalent)

As experience grows, they will have opportunities to:

• Contribute to long-term scientific and commercial development strategies

• Identify innovative opportunities for new products, capabilities or modelling approaches

• Lead elements of research and development projects

• Support the preparation of client proposals

Benefits & Culture:

• Employee-ownership structure with tax-free profit-share bonuses

• Additional performance-related bonus opportunities

• Clear pay bands and transparent promotion pathways

• Share-option opportunities for senior grades (subject to tenure)

• Exceptional holiday allowance of over 40 days including buy/sell options

• Pension scheme with employer contributions starting at 5% and increasing with service

• Health-cash plan including virtual GP access, counselling support and routine healthcare cashback

• Cycle-to-Work scheme

• Annual volunteering day focused on environmental or educational projects

• Structured appraisal process with tailored development plans

• Up to five dedicated training days per year

• Financial support for membership of professional bodies

• Flexible working hours supported by robust IT provision

• Individual tech budget for computing equipment

• Regular staff events, team days and social activities

If you are interested in this Senior Environmental Data Scientist / Hydrologist, please contact Callum via (url removed)