Water Framework Directive Specialist

AtkinsRéalis; United States; Hybrid; USD 87,000 - 128,000; Full time

Job summary

At AtkinsRéalis is seeking a motivated professional to lead Water Framework Directive compliance assessments across UK projects. The role involves steering WFD chapters in EIA/DCO processes, collaborating with environmental specialists, and supporting client-facing work winning activities.

The candidate will mentor junior staff, develop standardised WFD approaches, and travel across the UK as needed to deliver high-quality environmental solutions.

Qualifications

• Significant consultancy experience in Water Framework Directive compliance assessments.
• Experience delivering WFD-related chapters in EIA/DCO processes.
• Proven ability to lead multi-disciplinary project teams and mentor staff.

Responsibilities

• Lead undertaking of Water Framework Directive compliance assessments.
• Lead technical WFD chapters in the EIA/DCO process.
• Support in work winning activities.
• Collaborate with AtkinsRéalis specialists to ensure WFD compliance.
• Liaise with internal and external teams to deliver environmental outcomes.
• Develop standardised and automated WFD assessment processes.
• Mentor junior staff and manage project teams.

Skills

WFD compliance

Project leadership

EIA/DCO process

Data interpretation

Report writing

Mentoring junior staff

Stakeholder liaison

IT/data software

Mitigation options

Autonomous working

Education

Degree in a relevant discipline

Post-graduate qualification

Chartered with a professional body

Tools

IT software

Job description

We are seeking to expand our Sustainable River Management team. If you are looking to deliver interesting and significant projects, influence environmental outcomes at the project level and beyond, and work within a strong culture of wellbeing, innovation and inclusivity, this is the place for you. We are looking for a well-motivated individual to join our dynamic team and to help ensure projects are compliant with the Water Framework Directive (WFD) / Water Environment Regulations (WER) legislation. You should have significant experience in undertaking Water Framework Directive compliance assessments and expertise in a technically related subject. Our team is technically progressive and offers a wonderful opportunity for you to work with like-minded specialists. We operate national and international technical networks to develop and share the very best ideas and practice in our industry. We encourage the production of papers/articles and support our staff in presenting their work at conferences. We actively support staff in their career progression. This is an exceptional environment for you to develop your technical and commercial skills. We value flexible working and encourage working from different offices across the region, flexible hours and home working. We also support part time workers who make up an essential component of our team. The role can be based any of offices where we have a Water Management Consultancy team namely eg Birmingham, Bristol, Glasgow, Oxford, London/Epsom, Manchester, Peterborough or Swansea offices. We work for clients across the UK and overseas, including central government, regulators, water companies, NGOs and local authorities. We have a strong pipeline of work secured with multiple entities on a wide range of projects. We are leading on a variety of unique water industry projects which offer excellent opportunities. Preferred locations: Birmingham, Bristol, London/Epsom, Manchester, Oxford or Peterborough. Other locations would be considered, as appropriate.Your role

• To lead the undertaking of Water Framework Directive compliance assessments.
• Lead technical WFD chapters in the EIA/DCO process.
• To support in work winning activities.
• Collaborative working with other AtkinsRéalis's specialists to ensure projects are compliant with the Water Framework Directive legislation.
• Liaise with internal and external project teams to deliver the best environmental outcomes for affected projects to ensure WFD compliance.
• To work with others in the standardisation and automisation of the WFD assessment process.
• To work effectively as part of a team and with other professionals (environmental scientists, ecologists, water quality specialists, engineers, planners to name but a few) throughout AtkinsRéalis, to provide a consistent and integrated service to our clients.
• To work collaboratively with the wider team delegating to, reviewing the work of and mentoring more junior staff.
  To succeed within this role, you must have a flexible, 'hands‑on', proactive approach to your work and be able to demonstrate significant consultancy experience. You must be able to work independently as well as part of a wider team and be comfortable applying your skills in a commercial environment., A degree in a relevant discipline and a relevant post‑graduate qualification is essential.
• Experienced in undertaking a range of Water Framework Directive compliance assessments across small and large‑scale, complex projects.
• You will need to be chartered with an appropriate professional body.
• Experience of leading assessments of this type and managing project teams.
• A proven ability to undertake, and review data to drive evidence‑based solutions.
• A proven ability to present findings in a well‑structured, concise argument (verbal or written), supported by evidence.
• A proven understanding of the linkages between the Water Framework Directive (WFD) and Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) mitigation requirements.
• A proven ability to write reports in concise, plain English appropriate to audiences.
• The role requires the individual to be numerate, literate and familiar with IT and software appropriate to the tasks undertaken.
• Experienced in the development of mitigation options that deliver improvements in channel form and function including river restoration, instream enhancements and river realignments that can contribute to mitigation to ensure projects achieve WFD compliance.
• Experience in having led Article 4.7 / Regulation 19 assessments and accompanying Applicability Assessments.
• A valid driving licence and availability for travel across the UK and occasionally overseas where appropriate would also be beneficial.

The Individual

• The candidate should be highly motivated, enthusiastic and proactive; focussed on achieving and delivering technical excellence and sustainable outcomes.
• The individual would need to be skilled at collaborative working, have experience of leading projects and teams, have good interpersonal skills and an ability to communicate effectively.
• In addition, they would need to be flexible, adaptable and prepared to take on new challenges in a commercial environment. Finally, the candidate would need to have excellent communication, report writing and presentation skills.
  AtkinsRéalis is one of the world's most respected design, engineering and project management consultancies, with over 50,000 employees worldwide. At AtkinsRéalis, we offer more than just a job. We offer an opportunity to make a difference and shape the world to benefit future generations and the natural environment. We have a multi‑disciplinary Sustainable River Management team within our Water Management Consultancy group who come together to create award‑winning habitats. The team continues to grow and has now over 60 specialists across the United Kingdom. We have a reputation for technical excellence, innovation and actively shaping the future of our industry. We are a friendly and approachable team. We enjoy the work we do and have fun while doing it., We're AtkinsRéalis, a world‑class engineering services and nuclear organization. We connect people, data and technology to transform the world's infrastructure and energy systems. Together, with our industry partners and clients, and our global team of consultants, designers, engineers and project managers, we can change the world. We're committed to leading our clients across our various end markets to engineer a better future for our planet and its people., At AtkinsRéalis, we seek to hire individuals with diverse characteristics, backgrounds and perspectives. We strongly believe that world‑class talent makes no distinctions based on gender, ethnic or national origin, sexual identity and orientation, age, religion or disability, but enriches itself through these differences.
  Explore the rewards and benefits that help you thrive - at every stage of your life and your career. Enjoy competitive salaries, employee rewards and a brilliant range of benefits you can tailor to suit your own health, wellbeing, financial and lifestyle choices. Make the most of a myriad of opportunities for training and professional development to grow your skills and expertise. And combine our hybrid working culture and flexible holiday allowances to balance a great job and fulfilling personal life.