Principal Modeller / Hydrologist

Morson Edge; Greater London; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering consultancy in the UK is seeking a Principal Hydraulic Modeller / Hydrologist to provide technical leadership in flood risk management projects. The role focuses on developing and verifying advanced hydraulic and hydrological models. Key responsibilities include leading model development, mentoring junior staff, and collaborating with engineers while ensuring high-quality project delivery. Ideal candidates should have a degree in a relevant discipline and significant experience in flood risk projects. Contract duration is 6 months, inside IR35.

Qualifications

• Significant experience delivering hydraulic and hydrological modelling within flood risk or water environment projects.
• Expert user of Flood Modeller, TUFLOW, HEC-RAS and / or InfoWorks ICM.
• Proven ability to lead technical delivery, review complex models and produce high‑quality reports.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development, checking and verification of hydraulic models.
• Deliver modelling outputs in support of flood alleviation schemes.
• Mentor and develop junior team members.

Skills

Hydraulic modelling

Hydrological modelling

Flood Modeller

TUFLOW

HEC-RAS

InfoWorks ICM

Flood flow estimation methodologies

Communication skills

Education

Degree in Hydrology, Civil Engineering, Environmental Science or related discipline

Tools

Flood Modeller

TUFLOW

HEC-RAS

InfoWorks ICM

Job description

Principal Hydraulic Modeller / Hydrologist - Flood Risk & Catchment Modelling

Role Overview

We are seeking a Principal Modeller / Hydrologist to provide technical leadership across a portfolio of flood risk and water environment projects in the UK. This role will focus on the development, verification and application of advanced hydraulic and hydrological models to support flood alleviation schemes, river restoration, drainage strategies and flood risk mapping programmes.

You will lead modelling strategy, guide technical direction across projects and mentor junior staff, while working closely with engineers, environmental specialists and clients to deliver resilient, sustainable flood risk management solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development, checking and verification of hydraulic models using platforms such as Flood Modeller, TUFLOW, HEC-RAS and InfoWorks ICM
• Deliver modelling outputs in support of flood alleviation schemes, flood risk assessments and drainage strategies, river restoration and watercourse improvement projects
• Lead the estimation of flood flows using established methodologies within the Flood Estimation Handbook (FEH)
• Scope and conceptualise modelling and hydrological approaches, identifying risks, limitations and opportunities at project outset
• Produce and technically review high‑quality reports, clearly documenting assumptions, uncertainties and modelling limitations
• Provide technical leadership during tendering, contributing to bids ranging from one‑off commissions through to multi‑million‑pound frameworks
• Mentor and develop junior team members, supporting professional growth and technical capability
• Build strong working relationships with clients and multi‑disciplinary project teams
• Maintain awareness of evolving legislation, guidance and industry best practice affecting flood risk and modelling services
• Manage delivery using internal project management systems to achieve quality, programme and budget targets
• Collaborate closely with engineers and environmental specialists to deliver fluvial, coastal, surface water and drainage flood risk projects

Candidate Profile

• Degree in Hydrology, Civil Engineering, Environmental Science or a related discipline
• Significant experience delivering hydraulic and hydrological modelling within flood risk or water environment projects
• Expert user of Flood Modeller, TUFLOW, HEC-RAS and / or InfoWorks ICM
• Strong knowledge of FEH flood flow estimation methodologies
• Proven ability to lead technical delivery, review complex models and produce high‑quality reports
• Experience supporting bids and framework delivery environments
• Comfortable mentoring junior staff and acting as a technical authority
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to translate modelling outputs into clear, actionable advice

This role offers the opportunity to shape major flood risk management and water environment programmes while acting as a senior technical leader within a multidisciplinary delivery team.

Contract - 6 Month Initial -Inside IR35