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Principal Hydrogeologist – Groundwater Team (Leeds)
Let’s transform society together…
At Sweco, a leading design, engineering, environment and regulatory consultancy across Europe, we’re city planners, urban innovators, digital transformers and net zero changemakers. This is an exciting opportunity to join our Groundwater Team in Leeds as a Principal Hydrogeologist.
The Role: Creating Impact
These roles offer flexible working—with a minimum of 3 days per week in the office and the freedom to adjust start and finish times—allowing you to shape sustainable futures while balancing your personal commitments.
Your Mission
As a Principal Hydrogeologist, you’ll deliver high-impact groundwater projects and act as a technical discipline lead within multi-disciplinary teams. With our 20,000-strong expertise pool across Northern Europe, you’ll ensure our clients succeed—from public and private water supply projects to Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs), highways schemes, and groundwater monitoring for major developments.
Key examples of current work:
- Long-term water resources and water quality investigations (including WINEP and associated schemes).
- Development of private water supplies.
- Groundwater flooding studies, dewatering assessments, and permitting.
- Supporting private and public clients through all project stages—from preliminary design to full construction.
Key Responsibilities
- Project management: Oversee groundwater projects or specialise as a discipline lead, meeting time, cost, and quality goals while working alongside project leaders to expand Sweco’s water business.
- Client relationship: Maintain direct contact with clients to align project delivery with their objectives, standards, and needs.
- Technical leadership: Provide guidance, training, and mentoring to colleagues—nurturing the next generation of hydrogeological expertise.
- Business development: Engage with the groundwater sector and participate in professional bodies (e.g., Geological Society, CIWEM) to foster innovation and new business opportunities.
Requirements
To succeed, you need a blend of technical prowess, leadership, and industry insight.
Must-Have Experience & Qualifications
- BSc in Hydrogeology or related geoscience discipline—preferably MSc or PhD.
- Chartered membership with the Geological Society or CIWEM.
- Commercial hydrogeological experience (e.g., water resources, EIAs, dewatering, and site Investigation methods).
- Strong UK water company experience (a preference).
- Hands-on experience with Modflow supported by Groundwater Vistas (or similar modelling tools).
- Project leadership: Demonstrated ability to manage multi-disciplinary teams to high standards.
- Contract knowledge: Familiarity with common site investigation contract frameworks will add value.
- Technical communication/SKills:
- Fluent, engaging written teamwork—clear reports, collaboration, and critical reviewing of others’ work.
- Technical Modelling/software expertise—Modflow (Groundwater Vistas), AquiferWin 32, Diver Office, ArcGIS and field equipment.
- A constructive networker, keeping ahead of industry trends and expanding professional relationships.
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What’s in it for you?
At Sweco, growth isn’t just encouraged—it’s a mindset. This role gives you an opportunity to:
✅ Grow technically and commercially – Grow with us, learning from top experts across Sweco. ✅ Develop your expertise – Support professional institutions and expand your network within the field. ✅ Transform society – Make meaningful projects a reality—whether it’s providing water security, shaping communities, or embracing Sustainability.
From the outset, you’ll be challenged to contribute to influential projects while evolving alongside Sweco.
Comprehensive Benefits
We’re passionate about giving back as much as we get. Here’s how we support you at Sweco:
Wellbeing & Work-Life
- Flexible & Hybrid Work (FlexWorks Policy)
- 25 days annual leave (with +5 optional days)
- Global Talent Community (access to tailored networking and events)
Financial & Social Benefits
- Competitive total rewards, including Salary Sacrifice EV Scheme and cotepetitive pension contribution.
- Life Assurance and Private Medical coverage.
- Cycle-to-Work Scheme and Employee Assistance Programme (mential health, financial, legal, and work-life support).
- Company car or car allowance for eligible roles.
Career Development
- Two professional subscribed paid for directly (a financial reward for maintaining your industry credentials).
- Supporting event attendance (conferences, CPD, and networking).
- Recognition opportunities such as Annual Bonus tied to performance milestones.
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Social Impact: We plant a tree for every new starter—because no change is more impactful than the one we contribute to growing.
About Us: More Than a Business
At Sweco, we design the future sustainably. Our teams—crossing borders, sectors, and mindsets—create solutions for the modern world.
Transforming the future of cities, communities, and environments means tackling urbanisation, digitalising infrastructure, and focusing on net-zero innovation. They’re big challenges—but together, they’re exciting ones.
We value impact over hierarchies. From our hybrid working policies to a clear path for career advancement, our mission is to empower our people to fulfill their ambitions—while you do the same for our clients.
See our other work here.
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
At Sweco, we believe diversity is a strength—whether through identifying talent, fostering collaboration, or celebrating different backgrounds. We strive for an inclusive culture across all aspects of our business, from recruitment to boardroom levels.
Our Commitments:
👥 Affirming the Armed Forces Covenant: Supporting veterans, reservists, and their families equally. ✅ Fair Pay: Sweco is a Trusted Living Wage Employer. 🌚 All Inclusive Recruitment: Our Disability Confident Commitment includes offering guaranteed interviews to applicants meeting the role’s minimum requirements. please note: Pre-employ screenings must not impede access.
Reasonable Adjustments
If you are a candidate with a disability and would benefit from support e.g., during application processes, please get in contact with Sweco’s Inclusive Recruitment Team:
Email us at GB_Function-HR-Resourcing@sweco.co.uk, including:
- Your name
- Best contact method (phone/e-mail)
- The job title and vacancy reference number.
The earlier you reach out, the sooner Sweco can arrange to accommodate your needs.
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