Principal Hydrologist

RPS Group Limited; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent engineering consultancy in London is searching for a Principal Hydrologist with extensive experience in flood risk assessment and drainage design. You will be responsible for delivering planning applications and mentoring junior staff. The role offers a hybrid working environment and opportunities for professional development within a support system that values collaboration and innovation. Ideal candidates should have a chartered status and a background in managing larger projects.

Benefits

Accredited training programs

Professional development opportunities

Flexible working arrangements

Qualifications

• 8–12+ years of experience in hydrology or similar role.
• Experience in delivering Flood Risk Assessments.
• Proficiency in flow modelling from conceptual to detailed design.

Responsibilities

• Deliver Flood Risk Assessments and planning applications.
• Consult with Local Planning Authorities and stakeholders.
• Mentor junior staff and improve drainage design capabilities.

Skills

Flood Risk Assessment

Drainage Design

Client liaison

Project management

AutoCAD proficiency

Education

Chartered Engineer (CEng) or Chartered Scientist (CSci)

Tools

Flow modelling packages

AutoCAD

Job description

RPS, a TetraTech company, are looking for a Principal Hydrologist to join our Hydrology Team in London. The opportunity would suit an individual with around 8–12+ years of experience or more with a current similar role.

What you’ll be doing

The Hydrology team in RPS deals with all areas of Water Environmental development issues. We support planning applications for housing developments for all things from drainage design and flood risk to Nutrient Neutrality and WFD. We provide similar support to DCO projects ranging from road and rail to energy projects and projects for water companies. We act as the go‑to problem solver for all things water related and if this fits with your interests this will be the team for you.

Essential responsibilities

• Having an understanding and in-depth experience of delivering Flood Risk Assessment, Drainage Design and planning applications.

Desirable responsibilities

• Undertake and complete flow modelling from conceptual stage to detailed design stage using one of the key recognised flow modelling packages used in the UK.
• Undertake consultations with Local Planning Authorities (LPA), Lead Local Flood Authorities (LLFA) and other Stakeholders including Water Companies and Regulators.
• Undertake site walkovers and other technical and departmental duties associated with the role.
• Provide support in completing Flood Risk Assessments and ES Chapters.
• Support in bid preparation and fee proposals.
• Research and business development of potential new clients.
• Attendance at client and regulatory meetings.
• Keep up to date with drainage design trends, customer awareness and design techniques.
• Contribute to the development and mentoring of junior staff and the continual improvement of the Drainage team design and modelling capability.
• Experience with AutoCAD or similar.

Who we’re looking for

You will have around 8–12+ years’ experience or more, preferably be chartered with ICE or CIWEM, as either CEng or CSci. Be interested in project delivery as well as team management and be happy to manage larger projects and liaise with clients.

What is in it for you?

We’re proud to be an accredited training provider, internationally recognised and providing robust fully accredited professional training programmes – to master’s degree level professional qualifications in leadership & management and executive coaching & mentoring, we provide learning and development for everyone.

We support our people to innovate, collaborate and build meaningful careers. Our network of people and knowledge will expand your horizons and give you access to a variety of interesting projects.

Why choose RPS, a Tetra Tech company

In 2023 RPS joined Tetra Tech, enabling us to combine our expertise with the reach and resources of a prestigious global organisation.

We design, and manage projects in urbanisation, natural resources, and sustainability. As part of Tetra Tech’s strong team across 550 offices in over 120 countries, we deliver solutions that create lasting value in an increasingly urbanised and resource‑scarce world. By leveraging our global expertise, we enable our clients to develop winning solutions for their clients and communities.

As a Tetra Tech company, RPS is proud to provide market‑leading development and project opportunities for our people, supporting their growth while addressing the challenges that matter. Our people drive our success, and this is where you come to build a career.

We’re a connected community, working together to achieve exceptional outcomes. We understand the need to work flexibly, empowering our people to create a work‑life balance that’s right for them. We also understand the importance of collaboration and social connection in the office environment. With agile offices and hybrid working offered as standard, we trust our people to find the right balance to meet client needs – this is a workplace that works for you.

About Tetra Tech

Tetra Tech is the leader in water, environment, and sustainable infrastructure, providing high‑end consulting and engineering services for projects worldwide. With over 30,000 employees working together, Tetra Tech provides clear solutions to complex problems by Leading with Science® to address the entire water cycle, protect and restore the environment, design sustainable and resilient infrastructure, and support the clean energy transition.

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