Senior Hydrologist | Flood Hydraulic Modeller

Stantec; Leeds; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading environmental consultancy in the UK is seeking a Senior Hydrologist - Flood Hydraulic Modeller to join their Hydrology and Flood Risk discipline. The candidate should hold a degree in Civil Engineering or related fields, with substantial experience in hydraulic modelling and project management. Responsibilities include managing multiple projects, mentoring junior staff, and developing flood risk strategies. This role offers the chance to work on significant hydraulic modelling projects across the UK while ensuring sustainable and climate-resilient solutions.

Benefits

Equal employment opportunities

Inclusive work environment

Qualifications

• Chartered or working towards Chartership with CIWEM, ICE or similar.
• Strong track record in delivering hydraulic modelling projects.
• Experience in producing high-quality technical reports.

Responsibilities

• Deliver and manage hydraulic modelling projects.
• Develop modelling methodologies and prepare fee proposals.
• Mentor and supervise junior staff.

Skills

Hydraulic modelling

Project management

Client relationship building

Technical report writing

GIS tools usage

Education

Degree in Civil Engineering, Geography, Environmental Science or a related subject

Tools

Flood Modeller

TUFLOW

InfoWorks ICM

ArcGIS Pro

QGIS

Job description

You will hold a degree in Civil Engineering, Geography, Environmental Science or a related subject, and be Chartered or working towards Chartership with CIWEM, ICE or a similar body. You'll bring a strong track record in delivering and managing hydraulic modelling projects, combining technical expertise with leadership, communication skills, and the ability to foster trusted client relationships. You'll be comfortable managing multiple complex projects, supporting business development, and helping steer the future of our flood risk and water environment services. Your experience will include the following:

• 1D/2D hydraulic modelling using Flood Modeller, TUFLOW or InfoWorks ICM (fluvial, pluvial and/or tidal)
• Delivering hydraulic modelling, flood risk and water environment studies
• Developing modelling methodologies and preparing fee proposals
• Supervising, mentoring and training junior staff
• Quality assurance and technical review of hydraulic models
• Preparing Flood Risk Assessments (FRAs) in line with national planning policy
• Applying hydrological methods (FEH, ReFH2, WINFAP) for flow estimation
• Using GIS tools (ArcGIS Pro, QGIS) for spatial analysis and mapping
• Liaising with LLFAs, the Environment Agency, SEPA and water companies
• Understanding relevant planning and technical guidance (NPPF, SuDS Manual, non-statutory drainage standards)
• Producing high-quality technical reports for a range of audiences

Other experience, which is desirable but not essential:

• Developing surface water drainage strategies incorporating SuDS (CIRIA guidance, LLFA requirements)
• Surface water drainage design experience (e.g. MicroDrainage/InfoDrainage)
• Delivering studies for LLFAs (Flood Studies, SWMPs, Local Flood Risk Management Plans, FPSs)
• Involvement in river restoration or Natural Flood Management schemes
• Supporting planning applications with flood and drainage documentation
• Contributing to Environmental Impact Assessments, including flood and drainage chapters

Stantec is seeking a Senior Hydrologist - Flood Hydraulic Modeller to join our growing Hydrology and Flood Risk discipline within the Water Environment team. You can be based in one of our Edinburgh, Glasgow, Manchester, Leeds, Newcastle, Bristol, or Cardiff offices, joining a friendly team and a collaborative group of over 90 Hydrologists, Hydrogeologists, Water Resources Planners, and Water Quality Scientists.

This role offers the opportunity to work on a wide range of hydraulic modelling projects, including 1D-2D flood risk modelling and Strategic Resource Options (SRO) assessments. Our work encompasses public water supply resilience, mitigating the impact of infrastructure on the water environment, and supporting Local Flood Authorities. Typical project work includes modelling new infrastructure in floodplains, eel screen installation assessments, reservoir decommissioning studies, and river restoration – predominantly using Flood Modeller‑TUFLOW packages.

Some of these programmes include nationally significant SRO work, contributing to long‑term water supply resilience and security across the UK. You will play a key role in delivering sustainable, climate‑resilient flood risk and drainage solutions, with opportunities to also work across hydrology, Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) design, flood risk appraisal, and development planning support.

As a senior member of the team, you will also help shape our capability – mentoring junior colleagues, sharing technical expertise, and driving continuous improvement across project delivery and quality assurance.

Stantec provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants for current and future employment and prohibit discrimination on the grounds of race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. We prohibit discrimination in decisions concerning recruitment, hiring, referral, promotion, compensation, fringe benefits, job training, terminations or any other condition of employment. Stantec is in compliance with laws and regulations and ensures equitable opportunities in all aspects of employment. Building an inspired, inclusive work environment that attracts, supports, and develops world‑class talent is a crucial key to our success. If you are excited by this role but worry that your experience doesn’t exactly align, we encourage you to apply.