Principal Hydrologist

TN United Kingdom; City of Edinburgh; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated professional to join their team in Edinburgh. This role involves training junior staff, managing environmental assessments, and liaising with clients and regulators. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in hydrology and project management, with opportunities for flexible working arrangements. The company values diversity and offers a supportive environment for professional growth. If you are passionate about environmental solutions and eager to make a difference, this position is perfect for you.

Benefits

Competitive Salaries

Healthcare

Pension

25 Days Annual Leave

Flexible Working

Family-Friendly Policies

Life Insurance

Critical Illness Cover

Qualifications

• Demonstrable track record in delivering water assessments for planning applications.
• Experience in project direction and client liaison is essential.

Responsibilities

• Training and developing junior team members.
• Managing production of water assessments and risk assessments.
• Client liaison and project management.

Skills

Project Management

Client Liaison

Communication Skills

Hydrology Knowledge

Mentoring

Education

Formal Training in Hydrology

Job description

About the role

Working alongside the existing team, and with support from the hydrology & hydrogeology team leader, key aspects of the role will include:

1. Training and developing junior team members;
2. Preparing and managing junior staff producing EIA-R and EA water environment assessments to support planning applications;
3. Managing the production of Private Water Supply risk assessments;
4. Designing and managing surface water and groundwater monitoring programmes;
5. Preparing Controlled Activity Regulation authorisation applications for water abstractions, effluent discharges, engineering activities, and construction site licences;
6. Client liaison and project management;
7. Liaising with regulators and agreeing scope of works on behalf of our clients;
8. Proposal writing and business development.

The preferred location is at any of our offices in Scotland, but relevant experience may allow for other locations, including hybrid or remote working. We welcome applications from those wishing to return to work or who prefer agile or part-time arrangements.

About you:

While not essential, formal training in hydrology is desirable. We expect you to have a demonstrable track record in delivering water assessments supporting planning applications for wind, electrical transmission, hydrogen, solar, and substation development projects. Experience with linear development assessments, such as pipelines, is also valued.

You should be professional and effective in communication. A full current UK driving licence is required. The role is primarily office-based, with occasional site visits and attendance at meetings.

Experience in project direction, client liaison, and project management is expected. Ability to work independently and as part of a team is essential. Mentoring and staff development experience would be advantageous.

About us

SLR is a global leader in environmental and advisory solutions, with over 3400 staff across 6 regions, including over 1000 in Europe. We foster a collaborative, supportive environment that promotes professional development. Our benefits include competitive salaries, a comprehensive package with pension, healthcare, travel, life insurance, critical illness cover, and a structured career framework. We offer 25 days of annual leave, flexible, agile, and hybrid working, and family-friendly policies.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at SLR

We are committed to being an equal opportunities employer, fostering an inclusive environment through various committees and networks. We welcome applications from all backgrounds, including underrepresented groups such as LGBTQ+ individuals, ethnic minorities, women, and those with disabilities or neurodivergence.

For more information on our DE&I efforts, please visit our website.

To apply

If interested, please click apply or submit your application. For any special adjustments needed during the recruitment process, let us know. As a Disability Confident employer, we ensure equitable support for all applicants.