Senior Hydrologist / Flood Modeller

Penguin Recruitment; Easter Howgate; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A specialized recruitment agency is seeking an experienced Senior Hydrologist in Edinburgh. This role involves leading flood risk assessments, providing drainage advice, and mentoring junior staff. Candidates should have significant experience, relevant qualifications, and proficiency in modelling software. The role offers competitive salary and benefits including flexible working arrangements and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Flexible working arrangements

25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Company pension scheme

Health and wellbeing bonus

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Chartered status or working toward chartership.
• Minimum 3-5 years post-qualification experience in related fields.
• Strong technical knowledge of flood risk assessment.

Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation of Flood Risk Assessments and reports.
• Mentor and guide junior team members.
• Work closely with stakeholders to ensure project compliance.

Skills

Flood risk management

Drainage strategy

Team leadership

Modelling software

Excellent communication

Education

Degree in hydrogeology, civil/environmental engineering

Tools

FEH

Flood Modeller

HEC-RAS

Causeway Flow

AutoCAD

Job description

Job Title: Senior Hydrologist
Location: Edinburgh
Hybrid: Flexible working options available

Position Summary

We are looking for an experienced Senior Hydrologist to join a busy, innovative team in Edinburgh. This role offers the chance to work on a wide range of water and environmental projects, providing expert flood risk and drainage advice across both public and private sector developments. You'll be part of a supportive team, leading projects, mentoring junior staff, and contributing to technically robust solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation of Flood Risk Assessments, drainage strategies, and related technical reports.
• Provide expert input to site assessments, modelling, and sustainable drainage solutions.
• Mentor and guide junior team members on technical and project management matters.
• Work closely with clients, local authorities, and stakeholders to ensure project compliance and delivery.
• Keep up to date with legislation, industry standards, and best practice in hydrogeology and flood risk.
• Support business development activities, including tenders and technical proposals.

Requirements

• Chartered status (GeolSoc, CIWEM, IES, IEMA, or equivalent) or working toward chartership.
• Degree (BSc/MSc) in hydrogeology, civil/environmental engineering, or related discipline.
• Minimum 3-5 years post‑qualification experience in flood risk, drainage, or water resources.
• Strong technical knowledge of modelling software such as FEH, Flood Modeller, HEC‑RAS, Causeway Flow, and AutoCAD.
• Excellent communication, organisation, and team leadership skills.
• UK driving licence and willingness to travel for project sites.

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Flexible working arrangements
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Company pension scheme
• Health and wellbeing bonus
• Professional development and mentoring opportunities

Penguin Recruitment is operating as a Recruitment Agency for this position. For more information, contact Andy Hopkins, our Civil Engineering specialist with over 30 years' recruitment experience.