Senior Hydrologist & Lead Flood Risk Specialist

AECOM; Basingstoke; Hybrid; GBP 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Career development opportunities

Flexible working arrangements

Industry-leading benefits

Job summary

AECOM is seeking a Principal Hydrologist to lead hydrological assessments and shape water strategy across the UK and internationally. Based in a UK or Ireland office with a flexible hybrid model, you will drive technical direction, client engagement, and project oversight in a growing water team.

You will manage senior projects, advise on flood risk and environmental permitting, and mentor junior hydrologists while contributing to business development and cross-sector frameworks.

Qualifications

• Degree in Hydrology, Civil Engineering, Environmental Science, Geography, or related discipline.
• Extensive experience delivering hydrological assessments in consultancy/regulatory contexts.
• Strong knowledge of UK hydrological guidance (FEH, FEH methods, EA guidance).
• Experience with hydrological modelling tools and data analysis software.
• Proven ability to lead projects and provide technical oversight.
• Chartered status (CEng, CSci, or CEnv) or working towards chartership.
• Excellent communication skills with clients and stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead hydrological assessments to support flood risk appraisals, infrastructure design, catchment strategies, and environmental impact assessments.
• Provide technical direction on rainfall-runoff modelling, river flow estimation, climate change allowances, and catchment analysis.
• Oversee and review hydrological modelling outputs for quality and regulatory compliance.
• Act as technical lead on major frameworks and multidisciplinary projects across sectors.
• Advise clients on flood risk policy, drainage strategy, abstraction licensing, and environmental permitting.
• Mentor and develop junior hydrologists and foster knowledge sharing.
• Support business development, bid preparation, and client relationship management.

Skills

Hydrology knowledge

Client engagement

Leadership

Communication

Project management

Education

BSc/BEng/MSc in Hydrology or related

Tools

Hydrological modelling tools

Data analysis software

Job description

AECOM is seeking a Principal Hydrologist to lead hydrological assessments and shape water strategy across the UK and internationally. Based in a UK or Ireland office with a flexible hybrid model, you will drive technical direction, client engagement, and project oversight in a growing water team.

You will manage senior projects, advise on flood risk and environmental permitting, and mentor junior hydrologists while contributing to business development and cross-sector frameworks.