Groundwater Specialist

Thames Water; England; Hybrid; GBP 46,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK water and wastewater company is seeking a Groundwater Specialist to join their Water Resources Team. This role involves using hydrogeological expertise to support sustainable water abstraction and safeguard chalk rivers. The successful candidate will analyze data to inform operational decisions and contribute to strategic plans. A degree in a relevant field is required, alongside a collaborative mindset and enthusiasm for fieldwork. Competitive salary and benefits included.

Benefits

26 days holiday per year

Generous Pension Scheme

Access to health and wellbeing benefits

Qualifications

• Strong foundation in hydrogeology and familiarity with groundwater modelling tools.
• Ability to interpret incomplete datasets and communicate insights to non-specialists.
• Collaborative mindset and confidence to work across teams.

Responsibilities

• Technical specialist shaping groundwater resource management.
• Analyse data to guide operational and investment decisions.
• Provide expert input to strategic plans for water security.

Skills

Hydrogeology

Data analysis

Collaboration

Education

Degree in Geology, Environmental Science, or Engineering

Postgraduate qualification in Hydrogeology

Tools

Groundwater modelling tools

Job description

We are looking to recruit a Groundwater Specialist to join our Water Resources Team. As part of this team, you’ll help secure the future of this vital resource. You’ll use your hydrogeological expertise to protect groundwater quality, support sustainable abstraction, and safeguard precious chalk rivers across our region. This is your opportunity to make a tangible environmental impact that will last for generations.

Key responsibilities

• Be a technical Specialist shaping the future of groundwater resource management at Thames Water
• Analyse data (e.g. CCTV surveys, pumping tests, and monitoring networks) to guide operational and investment decisions
• Provide expert input to strategic plans such as the Water Resources Management Plan and Drought Management Plan, and contribute to regulatory reports and projects that define the region's long-term water security
• Identify optimisation opportunities and help mitigate environmental and drought-related risks
• Collaborate with colleagues across Operations, Engineering and Asset Management to translate data insights into real-world solutions
• Get hands‑on with the environment – you'll have regular opportunities to visit groundwater sources, treatment works, and monitoring sites to see your work in action and better understand the assets and landscapes you're helping to protect

Base Location

Hybrid working from our Reading office, 2 days a week.

Working Pattern

Full‑time, Monday–Friday (36 hours per week), although we would consider 4 days a week also.

Salary

Paying a salary of between £46,000 and £55,000 per annum based on experience.

What you’ll bring to the role

• A strong foundation in hydrogeology and familiarity with groundwater modelling tools and data analysis.
• The ability to interpret incomplete datasets and communicate insights clearly to non‑specialists.
• A collaborative mindset and the confidence to work across technical and operational teams.
• A degree in Geology, Environmental Science, or Engineering, ideally complemented by a postgraduate qualification in Hydrogeology (or equivalent experience).

Extra qualities that would be a great fit for our team

• Previous experience in the water industry or in groundwater resources management would be an advantage.
• A full UK driving licence and enthusiasm for occasional fieldwork and site visits across our region – from urban groundwater sources to the stunning chalk rivers that define our landscape.

What’s in it for you

Joining Thames Water means becoming part of a supportive, innovative team where your strategic vision makes a tangible difference. You'll play a vital role in creating sustainable water management strategies. Alongside career growth and professional recognition, you’ll receive:

• Competitive salary from £46,000 to £55,000 per annum depending on experience.
• 26 days holiday per year, increasing to 30 with the length of service (plus bank holidays).
• Generous Pension Scheme through AON.
• Access to lots of benefits to help you take care of you and your family’s health and wellbeing, and your finances – from annual health MOTs and access to physiotherapy and counselling, to Cycle to Work schemes, shopping vouchers and life assurance.

Who are we

We’re the UK’s largest water and wastewater company, with more than 16 million customers relying on us every day to supply water for their taps and toilets. We want to build a better future for all, helping our customers, communities, people, and the planet to thrive. It’s a big job and we’ve got a long way to go, so we need help from passionate and skilled people, committed to making a difference and getting us to where we want to be in the years and decades to come.

Learning more about our purpose and values

Find out more about our benefits and perks.

Working at Thames Water

Thames Water is a unique, rewarding, and diverse place to work, where every day you can make a difference, yet no day is the same. As part of our family, you’ll enjoy meaningful career opportunities, flexible working arrangements and excellent benefits.

Why choose us

Real purpose, real support, real opportunities. Come and join the Thames Water family. Why choose us? Learn more.

Diversity and Inclusion

We’re committed to being a great, diverse, and inclusive place to work. We welcome applications from everyone and want to ensure you feel supported throughout the recruitment process. If you need any adjustments, whether that’s extra time, accessible formats, or anything else just let us know, we’re here to help and support.

Customer Support Experience

When a crisis happens, we all rally around to support our customers. As part of Team Thames, you’ll have the opportunity to sign up to support our customers on the frontline as an ambassador. Full training will be given for what is undoubtedly an incredibly rewarding experience. It’s also a great opportunity to learn more about our business and meet colleagues.

Disclaimer: due to the high volume of applications we receive, we may close the advert earlier than the advertised date, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.