Senior Hydrologist: Lead Water Projects & Strategy (Hybrid)

AECOM; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 68,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Career development opportunities

AECOM University

Volunteering days

Competitive salary

Job summary

AECOM is seeking a Principal Hydrologist to join our Water team in the UK or Ireland with a flexible hybrid working model. You will lead hydrological assessments to inform flood risk, infrastructure design and environmental permitting across the UK and internationally.

You will mentor junior hydrologists, provide technical oversight on modelling and deliver high‑quality solutions for transport, energy, water and development projects while engaging clients and stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Degree in Hydrology, Civil Engineering, Environmental Science, Geography or related discipline.
• Extensive experience delivering hydrological assessments in 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

Hydrology

Project leadership

Client engagement

Regulatory guidance

Communication skills

Education

BSc/BEng/MSc in Hydrology or related

Tools

Hydrological modelling software

Job description

AECOM is seeking a Principal Hydrologist to join our Water team in the UK or Ireland with a flexible hybrid working model. You will lead hydrological assessments to inform flood risk, infrastructure design and environmental permitting across the UK and internationally.

You will mentor junior hydrologists, provide technical oversight on modelling and deliver high‑quality solutions for transport, energy, water and development projects while engaging clients and stakeholders.