Principal Hydrogeologist or Technical Director (Hydrogeology)

SLR Consulting; Cork; Hybrid; EUR 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Pension

Private medical insurance

Life/income/travel insurance

Hybrid working

25 days annual leave

Cycle-to-work

Volunteer opportunities

Employee assistance programme

Job summary

SLR Consulting in Ireland seeks a Principal Hydrogeologist or Technical Director to lead its hydrogeology capability and support projects across Europe. You will mentor a small team and collaborate with Environmental, Planning and Minerals groups on quarrying and renewables initiatives.

The role involves delivering technical solutions, managing proposals, and ensuring high-quality outputs while expanding presence in growth areas and maintaining a strong safety culture.

Qualifications

• Extensive hydrogeology consultancy experience and leadership.
• Chartership or full membership of a recognised body (IAH/IGI/BGS/CIWEM).
• Full driving licence valid for travel across Ireland.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership across hydrogeology projects.
• Manage and develop team members and contribute to strategy.
• Lead delivery of hydrogeological solutions with clients/regulators.
• Prepare proposals and manage project lifecycles.
• Prepare reports and guide technical writing.
• Deliver projects from investigation to implementation.
• Champion safety, health and wellbeing culture.

Skills

Hydrogeology

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Technical writing

Education

Hydrogeology degree

Chartership / professional body

Job description

Seven quarries. Four wind farms. One exciting leadership opportunity.

SLR is a global leader in sustainability solutions, working with clients to help make sustainability happen, within a collaborative, people-first culture. This is an exceptional opportunity to join our team in Ireland, part of a European network of 80 water specialists spanning hydrogeology, hydrology, geochemistry, flood risk and drainage.

As a Principal Hydrogeologist or Technical Director (Hydrogeology) you’ll join a close-knit team of six in Ireland, partnering with our Environmental, Planning and Minerals teams. You'll play a key role in developing our hydrogeology capability in Ireland while supporting projects across Europe and internationally.

You’ll support a strong existing pipeline of quarrying and renewable energy projects, whilst expanding our presence in key growth areas including renewables, mining and mine water management, hydrogeological assessments, water abstraction licensing, EPA licensing, infrastructure and the built environment;

• Provide technical leadership across a diverse portfolio of hydrogeology projects
• Manage and develop team members, supporting their technical and professional growth, whilst contributing to team strategy
• Lead the delivery of hydrogeological solutions, working closely with clients and regulators
• Prepare proposals and manage the project lifecycle
• Prepare project reports and technical notes, and guide the team on technical writing
• Deliver projects from initial investigation and regulatory approval through to implementation
• Champion a strong culture of safety, health and wellbeing

Rewards & Benefits

SLR's 'One Team' culture is at the heart of our business, providing a collaborative and supportive environment where people can develop and grow. Through a structured career framework, regular performance reviews, and support towards chartership, professional qualifications and licences, we offer excellent opportunities for long-term career progression. Our flexible benefits and reward package includes:

• Competitive salary with discretionary bonus
• Company pension
• Private medical insurance
• Life, income, and travel insurance
• Flexible, hybrid and agile working
• 25 days' annual leave plus flexible public holidays
• Buy or sell leave options
• Core working hours
• Cross-border remote working and sabbatical opportunities
• Cycle-to-work scheme
• Volunteering and Community Giving
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Specialist support for mental health, stress and menopause - supporting our people both professionally and personally

About You

• Extensive experience in hydrogeology consultancy
• Proven project management, people management and stakeholder engagement skills
• Strong technical report writing, with experience coaching teams to produce high-quality outputs
• Experience supporting quarrying or mineral extraction projects, including site investigations, borehole design and EIA work in Ireland
• Commercial acumen with experience supporting proposals, client development and work-winning activities
• A degree in Hydrogeology or related discipline, along with Chartership or full membership of a recognised professional body (e.g. IAH, IGI, BGS, CIWEM)
• A full driving licence valid for travel throughout Ireland

Culture & Inclusion

Inclusion is fundamental to who we are. We are committed to equal opportunities and foster a workplace where everyone can thrive, supported by active Culture & Inclusion Committees and Employee Networks. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and are a Disability Confident Committed employer. If you require any adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know and we will be happy to support you.

If this Principal/Technical Director Hydrogeology role feels like a great fit for your experience and ambitions, we’d love to hear from you.