Senior Hydrologist: Lead Flood Risk & Water Strategy

AECOM; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Join AECOM as a Principal Hydrologist, based in one of our UK or Ireland offices with a flexible hybrid working model. You will lead hydrological assessments for flood risk, infrastructure design and water resources strategy across the UK and internationally.

You’ll provide technical direction on rainfall-runoff modelling, catchment analysis, and environmental permitting, while mentoring junior staff and contributing to business development.

Qualifications

• Degree (BSc/BEng/MSc) in Hydrology, Civil Engineering, Environmental Science, Geography, or a related discipline.
• Extensive experience delivering hydrological assessments within consultancy or regulatory environments.
• Strong knowledge of UK hydrological guidance (e.g., FEH methods, Flood Estimation Handbook, 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 experience engaging 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, ensuring quality, accuracy, and compliance with UK regulatory guidance.
• Act as technical lead on major frameworks and multidisciplinary projects across transport, energy, water, and development sectors.
• Advise clients on flood risk policy, drainage strategy, abstraction licensing, and environmental permitting requirements.
• Mentor and develop junior hydrologists, fostering technical excellence and knowledge sharing.
• Support business development activities, including bid preparation and client relationship management.

Skills

Leadership

Client engagement

Project management

Communication

Education

Degree in Hydrology or related field

Tools

Hydrological modelling tools

Data analysis software

Job description

Join AECOM as a Principal Hydrologist, based in one of our UK or Ireland offices with a flexible hybrid working model. You will lead hydrological assessments for flood risk, infrastructure design and water resources strategy across the UK and internationally.

You’ll provide technical direction on rainfall-runoff modelling, catchment analysis, and environmental permitting, while mentoring junior staff and contributing to business development.