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Principal Flood Risk Modeller
Principal Flood Risk Modeller – Water Team, Bristol
[Role Title] Principal Flood Risk Modeller
We’re Sweco.
We’re future planners, city shapers, urban innovators, digital transformers, net zero ambassadors, community connectors and lifestyle improvers.
We’re difference makers.
We’re Europe’s leading design, engineering, environment and regulatory consultancy, and we’re now recruiting for this exciting opportunity in Bristol.
About the Role
This flexible role (minimum 3 days per week on-site, with adjustable start/finish times) offers the chance to play a key technical leadership role in flood risk management. As a Principal Flood Risk Modeller, you’ll help shape sustainable water solutions, make communities safer from flood risks, and supercharge resilience—influencing decision-making through innovative hydrology and climate change approaches.
In partnership with the UK’s most demanding clients, regulators, and cross-disciplinary teams, you’ll deliver world-class flood risk management while mentoring colleagues and converging industry best practices.
Key Responsibilities
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Leading and contributing to a portfolio of flood risk assessments, Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs), flood management schemes and alleviation projects
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Defining technical excellence in flood risk and hydraulic modelling across the UK, ensuring quality and precision.
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Applying expert analysis to guide flood mitigation strategies and adaptation measures, shaping solutions to complex challenges
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Mentoring junior and mid-level colleagues, fostering growth through guidance and project oversight
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Collaborating in optioneering, outline, and schematic design phases for flood mitigation.
Essential Skills & Qualifications
Technical Requirements
✔ A clearly related Master’s degree (MSc/MEng) or PhD in hydrology, hydraulic modelling, water resources or another applied environmental science
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✔ Chartered status (either C.Eng or C.WEM)
✔ Deep experience in hydraulic modelling for a wide range of construction/Infrastructure projects
✔ Outstanding understanding of:
- UK hydrology and open channel hydraulics
- common modelling tools (Infoworks ICM, Flood Modeller Pro, TUFLOW, HEC-RAS, etc.)
- End-to-end flood risk assessment and natural flood management practices
Leadership & Delivery
✔ Proven track record of project leadership with tight management of deliverables, milestones, quality standards and control strategies
✔ Strong grasp of economic appraisals (MCM, Benefit-Cost techniques etc.)
✔ Experience navigating Environment Agency requirements, statutory/regulatory consultations, and collaborating with Lead Local Flood Authorities (LLFAs)
Certification & Compliance
Outside experience includes:
- Optioneering and schematic design,
- Knowledge of sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) and Flood Risk Assessment guidelines
Why Join Sweco?
Professional Growth
Work alongside passionate, high-performing peers, learning from industry leaders who drive technical excellence. This is a role for someone with career-focused energy, eager to level-up disciplines and deliver meaningful water solutions.
Impact & Purpose
Transforming societies, communities benefit directly from:
- Safer infrastructure, and
- Smart flood resilience systems, backed by Sweco’s shared vision of sustainability.
Perks & Support
✅ Flexible/part-time, hybrid Flexworks Policy (terms on application) ✅ Competitive pension package (up to 6%) ✅ Concession at the RAC (annual income protection) ✅ Private medical insurance, discount on prescriptions and film/sport subscriptions ✅ ECV 45 equity scheme (all-you-can-drive car/trips) ✅ Discretionary Annual Bonus Scheme ✅ Payment of two professional institute memberships a year ✅ 25 days holiday + bank holidays, optionally extended by 5 days
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About Sweco
Transforming our world
We’re experts in sustainable communities, cities, and built environments. Our multi-disciplinary teams resolve today’s pressing challenges, from climate resilience, to zero-carbon innovation in a digital-first era.
A business where costumer focus equals long-term value. Whoever you are, we’ve created a culture where you can thrive:
Work/Life Balance Policy
Sweco puts flexible work styles into practice through:
- Naming and individualised hours Hybrid and part-time schemes, where applicable Reasonable childcare/health needs considered
** commitment to equality & inclusion**
It’s our goal to champion every person’s voice in our teams. Sweco is committed to an inclusive workplace that values diversity and ensures a welcoming, meritocratic culture accommodating all human experiences.
- Women in Engineering, Armed Forces Covenant (discretionary adjustments for veterans/subsequently affected family)
- Real Living Wage employer
- Disability Confident Committed, supporting disabled, neurodiverse professionals, including interviews for fit-at-promise candidates
¿Rénoçaing a Disability?
Requests: [message GB_Function-HR-Resourcing@sweco.co.uk] with:
- Name & preferred contact method
- Role title
- Requisition number
Include your details and reason for requesting (reasonable) adaptations.
Insights
Connect with us below: 🔹 Join Sweco’s Talent Network for updates on vacancies and our shared-forces events.
Understand the process:
- Only serious applications reach the team.
- The Anticipated Closing Date, the company reserves the right to shorten notice.
Ready to transform water markets with us? Apply via [Sweco’s careers portal]
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