Senior / Principal Hydrologist (Flood Risk Consultant)

STANTEC; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading environmental consulting firm seeks a Senior or Principal Hydrologist - Flood Risk Consultant to support sustainable flood risk solutions across multiple UK locations, including Leeds. The ideal candidate will have a degree in a relevant field and expertise in hydraulic modelling. The role includes mentoring junior staff and delivering flood assessment projects. Applicants should possess strong technical and communication skills to manage multiple projects effectively. This is a full-time role with a collaborative and inclusive work environment.

Benefits

Inclusive work environment

Career development opportunities

Flexible working arrangements

Qualifications

• Experience in managing water environment projects with strong leadership.
• Achieved or working towards Chartership with a relevant professional body.
• Ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously.

Responsibilities

• Deliver climate-resilient flood risk and drainage solutions.
• Mentor junior staff and contribute to continuous improvement.
• Support planning applications with appropriate flood and drainage documentation.

Skills

Hydraulic modelling

Flood Risk Assessments (FRAs)

Report writing

GIS for spatial analysis

Communication skills

Education

Degree in Civil Engineering, Geography, Environmental Science, or related discipline

Tools

Flood Modeller

TUFLOW

InfoWorks ICM

ArcGIS Pro

QGIS

MicroDrainage (InfoDrainage)

Job description

Stantec is seeking a Senior or Principal Hydrologist - Flood Risk Consultant 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.

Our projects include enhancing the resilience of the public water supply, reducing the impact of wastewater treatment infrastructure on the water environment and working with Lead Local Flood Authorities. You will play a key role in delivering sustainable, climate‑resilient flood risk and drainage solutions, with opportunities to work across hydraulic modelling, hydrology, Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) design, flood risk appraisal, and development planning support.

You will also contribute to the growth and development of the team – mentoring junior staff, sharing technical expertise, and supporting continuous improvement across our project delivery and quality assurance processes.

About You

To be successful in this role, you will hold a degree in Civil Engineering, Geography, Environmental Science, or a related discipline, and have achieved or are working towards Chartership with a relevant professional body (e.g. CIWEM, ICE).

You will bring significant experience in delivering and managing water environment projects, with a blend of technical expertise, leadership ability, and communication skills that enable you to guide team members and build trusted client relationships. You’ll be confident managing multiple complex projects simultaneously, supporting business development opportunities, and helping shape the future direction of our water and flood risk capability.

Your experience will include some or all of the following:

• Preparation of Flood Risk Assessments (FRAs) in accordance with national planning policy
• Hydraulic modelling using software such as Flood Modeller, TUFLOW or InfoWorks ICM
• Application of hydrological methods, including FEH, ReFH2 and WINFAP for flow estimation
• Development of surface water drainage strategies incorporating SuDS, aligned with CIRIA guidance and LLFA requirements
• Surface water drainage design using tools such as MicroDrainage (InfoDrainage)
• Delivery of flood risk and drainage studies for LLFAs, including Flood Studies, Surface Water Management Plans (SWMPs), Local Flood Risk Management Plans and Flood Protection Schemes (FPSs)
• Contribution to river restoration and natural flood management schemes
• Supporting planning applications with appropriate flood and drainage documentation
• Preparation of Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs), including screening, scoping and supporting flood risk and drainage chapters
• Proficient use of GIS for spatial analysis and mapping, with experience in software such as ArcGIS Pro and QGIS
• Liaison with regulatory bodies, including LLFAs, Environment Agency, SEPA and water companies
• A sound understanding of relevant planning and technical guidance, including the NPPF, SuDS Manual, and non‑statutory technical standards
• Excellent report writing and communication skills for technical and non‑technical audiences

#UKWater

About Stantec

The Stantec community unites more than 34,000 employees working in over 450 locations across 6 continents. We have been working with our clients and communities in the UK for over 150 years. We plan, design, deliver and manage the development and infrastructure needed to support the creation of sustainable, healthy and prosperous communities.

Our teams provide effective and relevant solutions, translating our clients’ vision into valued consents, deliverable plans for projects and programmes, and efficient designs for delivery, based on technical excellence and deep market insights. We deal with today’s challenges, but also keep a fairer, better tomorrow in sight, looking at how we deliver clean growth, support radical changes in our economy and meet the needs of future communities.

Stantec provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants for future and current employment and prohibits 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.

At Stantec we want you to perform your best at every stage of the recruitment process and are committed to ensuring it is accessible to all. If you need any support or require adjustments to be made then please contact [e-mail] we will talk to you about how we can support you.

ReqID: 8234