Principal Water Resources Consultant / Hydrologist

Advance Training & Recruitment Services; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading consultancy is seeking a Principal Water Resources Consultant / Hydrologist to lead hydrology projects across the UK. This role involves project leadership, mentoring, and technical delivery with a focus on hydrological modelling and water resource planning. Flexible working arrangements are available, and relocation support is offered. The ideal candidate will have a strong technical background and leadership qualities, with opportunities for professional development in a diverse and inclusive environment.

Benefits

Private medical insurance

Strong pension and life assurance package

33-35 days annual leave

Professional development support

Flexible working environment

Qualifications

• Chartered or working towards chartership with a recognised institution.
• Strong technical background in low flows and climate resilience.

Responsibilities

• Lead delivery of hydrology and water resource management projects.
• Provide line management and mentoring to junior staff.
• Ensure quality assurance and best practice on project delivery.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Hydrological Modelling

Climate Resilience

Education

Degree in hydrology

Degree in civil engineering

Degree in geography

Degree in environmental science

Tools

GR6J

Aquator

WEAP

Pywr

Job description

Job Title: Principal Water Resources Consultant / Hydrologist

Location: UK-wide – flexible working offered. Ideally 2-3 days per week in one of our regional offices (Bristol, Brighton, Cambridge, Leeds, London, Reading, Edinburgh, Glasgow or Manchester), but remote arrangements will be considered for the right candidate.

Relocation Support: Available

We’re working with a major consultancy delivering strategic water resources and hydrology projects across the UK and internationally. Due to continued growth and a strong project pipeline, they’re seeking a technically focused Principal Consultant, but are also open to appointing at Associate or Senior Associate level for more experienced candidates. Salary and grade are flexible and will reflect your background and leadership experience.

About the Role:
This role centres on technical delivery, project leadership, and mentoring. You’ll play a key role in hydrological modelling and water resource planning, working across a variety of major programmes. With plenty of secured work, there’s no expectation for business development, although you’ll have the chance to support client engagement and growth if that aligns with your interests.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the delivery of hydrology and water resource management projects
• Review and oversee technical work across the team
• Apply tools such as GR6J for rainfall-runoff modelling and support the use of climate datasets (e.g., UKCP18, CMIP5/6)
• Support the integration of water system models such as Aquator, WEAP or Pywr
• Provide line management, mentoring and technical guidance to junior staff
• Ensure quality assurance and best practice on project delivery

What We’re Looking For:

• Degree in hydrology, civil engineering, geography, environmental science, or a related field
• Chartered (or working towards chartership) with a recognised professional institution
• Strong technical background in low flows, hydrological modelling, and climate resilience
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to manage multidisciplinary teams
• Strong leadership qualities and a track record of technical project delivery

Desirable:

• Experience guiding junior consultants or managing small teams
• Familiarity with UK water resources planning and regulatory processes
• Interest in digital tools and innovation in hydrology

What’s on Offer:

• Flexible grade and salary depending on experience (Principal, Associate or Senior Associate level)
• Private medical insurance and full health support
• Strong pension and life assurance package
• 33-35 days annual leave (with option to buy/sell)
• Enhanced family, parental, and carers’ leave
• Professional development, paid memberships and structured career progression
• A highly flexible, inclusive work environment with remote options available

We welcome applications from individuals with diverse backgrounds and offer support and adjustments where needed throughout the recruitment process. If you’re a technically strong hydrologist ready to lead impactful projects-and want the flexibility to shape how and where you work-we’d love to hear from you.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity in our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.