Principal Flood Risk Assessor

Penguin Recruitment; Hemel Hempstead; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Penguin Recruitment is seeking an experienced Principal Hydrologist in Hemel Hempstead, offering hybrid working and a clear route for progression within a leading environmental and engineering consultancy. You will lead flood risk assessments, hydrology studies and EIA contributions, mentoring junior staff and liaising with clients and regulators on major UK projects.

The role requires Chartered status and a strong background in hydrology, modelling and client engagement, with opportunities to

Qualifications

• Chartered member of a relevant professional institution.
• Strong background in hydrology, flood risk assessment and hydraulic modelling.
• Skilled in FEH, WINFAP, Flood Modeller, HEC-RAS and similar software.
• Proficient in AutoCAD, WinDES and MS Office applications.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise and manage multiple workstreams.
• Confident communicator, able to work collaboratively and independently.

Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of Flood Risk Assessments, hydrology reports and EIA documentation.
• Prepare and review technical tenders, calculations, model files and supporting reports.
• Coordinate project delivery, ensuring high standards and timely completion.
• Liaise with LLFAs, the Environment Agency and other regulatory bodies.
• Use hydrological modelling tools including FEH, WINFAP, Flood Modeller and HEC-RAS.
• Support drainage assessments and outline design work.
• Assist with project programmes, communication and internal coordination activities.
• Mentor junior hydrologists and engineers, offering technical checking and guidance.
• Keep up to date with design standards, legislation and best practice.
• Contribute to business development and client relationship activities where appropriate.

Skills

Hydrology

Flood risk assessment

Hydraulic modelling

Leadership

Project coordination

Client engagement

Tools

FEH

WINFAP

Flood Modeller

HEC-RAS

AutoCAD

WinDES

MS Office

Job description

Overview

Location: Hemel Hempstead (hybrid working available). A fantastic opportunity has arisen for an experienced Principal Hydrologist to join a leading environmental and engineering consultancy delivering hydrology, flood risk and land development services across the UK. This is an excellent position for someone who enjoys technical leadership, client engagement and contributing to the successful delivery of major development and infrastructure projects.

The Opportunity

Based in Hemel Hempstead, with hybrid working available, you will lead the preparation of Flood Risk Assessments, drainage assessments, EIA contributions and hydrological modelling studies. You will act as a key point of contact for clients and stakeholders, while supporting and mentoring junior colleagues across a wide range of challenging and rewarding projects. This is a technically varied role offering a clear route for progression within a respected and supportive team.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of Flood Risk Assessments, hydrology reports and EIA documentation.
• Prepare and review technical tenders, calculations, model files and supporting reports.
• Coordinate project delivery, ensuring high standards and timely completion.
• Liaise with LLFAs, the Environment Agency and other regulatory bodies.
• Use hydrological modelling tools including FEH, WINFAP, Flood Modeller and HEC-RAS.
• Support drainage assessments and outline design work.
• Assist with project programmes, communication and internal coordination activities.
• Mentor junior hydrologists and engineers, offering technical checking and guidance.
• Keep up to date with design standards, legislation and best practice.
• Contribute to business development and client relationship activities where appropriate.

About You

• Chartered member of a relevant professional institution.
• Strong background in hydrology, flood risk assessment and hydraulic modelling.
• Skilled in FEH, WINFAP, Flood Modeller, HEC-RAS and similar software.
• Proficient in AutoCAD, WinDES and standard MS Office applications.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise and manage multiple workstreams.
• Confident communicator, able to work collaboratively and independently.

Why This Role?

You will join a forward-thinking consultancy known for delivering high-quality hydrological and land development work. The team promotes flexible working, professional development and a positive, inclusive culture. With a strong pipeline of varied and impactful projects, this role offers a great platform to develop your technical, managerial and client-facing skills while contributing to significant UK schemes.