AECOM
Principal Hydrologist
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Senior Principal Hydrologist
Location: Bristol, UK | Work Model: Hybrid | Team: Water | Business Group: DCS
About AECOM At AECOM, we’re the world’s trusted infrastructure consulting firm, shaping the future of water, transport, energy, and sustainability. Whether it’s protecting communities, managing flood risks, or designing resilient water infrastructure, our projects create long-term impact. We’re backed by $16.1 billion in revenue (FY2025) and a global team of 50,000 innovators.
About the Role
Lead hydrological projects that protect communities and shape the future of water!
Join our Water Team as a Principal Hydrologist, based in Bristol, UK, and take advantage of our hybrid working model. This is a senior, high-impact role where you’ll lead technical excellence, client relationships, and team leadership on critical water projects across the UK and beyond.
As the Principal Hydrologist, you’ll:
- Lead hydrological assessments for flood risk management, infrastructure planning, water resources strategy, and environmental permits.
- Direct rainfall-runoff modelling, river flow estimates, climate-impact assessments, and catchment analysis.
- Oversee and review high-complexity hydrological models, ensuring compliance with UK regulatory standards (e.g., FEH methods, EA guidance).
- Technically lead multidisciplinary frameworks in water, transport, energy, and development.
- Provide expert guidance on flood policy, drainage strategy, abstraction licensing, and environmental permits.
- Mentor junior hydrologists to foster expertise and cultivate talent.
- Support business development, bid submissions, and client relationship management.
This is a role for a self-driven innovator—someone who thrives in ambitious deadlines while championing sustainable, impactful water solutions.
Key Responsibilities
Technical Leadership
- Design and execute cutting-edge hydrological solutions for high-profile projects.
- Evaluate impact of climate change on water systems and advocate for resilient strategies.
- Ensure accurate hydrological data collection, analysis, and reporting aligned with regulatory frameworks.
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Project & Team Oversight
- Deliver end-to-end water projects from concept to completion, managing scope, timelines, and budgets.
- Guide junior professionals in best practices, fostering career growth within the team.
- Collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams (engineers, planners, ecologists) on large-scale initiatives.
Client & Stakeholder Engagement
- Act as trusted advisor to industry leaders, policymakers, and private sector clients.
- Articulate complex hydrological concepts clearly to diverse stakeholders.
Requirements
Qualifications
- Degree (BSc/MSc/PhD) in Hydrology, Civil Engineering, Environmental Science, Geography, or a related discipline.
- Extensive consultancy/experience in hydrological assessments, preferably within UK regulatory environments (Environment Agency, flood mitigation, water resources).
Technical & Regulatory Expertise
- Proficient in hydrological modelling tools (e.g., MIKE, Infoworks, RiverWare, HEC) and statistical analysis (Python, R, Excel).
- Deep understanding of UK hydrological standards: Flood Estimation Handbook (FEH), Environment Agency guidance.
- Experience with climate Change Impact Models and sustainable drainage systems (SuDS).
Leadership & Soft Skills
- Chartered status (CEng, CSci, CEnv) desirable; commitment to professional registration a plus.
- Proven ability to lead projects, mentor teams, and drive innovation in demanding sectors.
- Exceptional communication and presentation skills (client reports, bid submissions, technical reviews).
- Commitment to disruptive thinking: Aligning water solutions with long-term sustainability goals.
What We Offer
Career Growth
- Work in a dynamically growing team of 600+ water experts in the UK & Ireland.
- Develop as a global leader in hydrology through world-class training (e.g., AECOM University).
- Mentorship & industry recognition: Advance your career in a firm rated Top for Learning & Development.
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Flexible Culture
- Hybrid working model: Flexibly rotate between Bristol office, remote work, or client sites.
- Focus on balance: Support well-being initiatives, volunteering days, and flexible benefits.
Compensation & Benefits
- Market-leading salary tied to experience and performance.
- Comprehensive benefits package:
- Pension scheme with employer support.
- Health & well-being programs tailored to individual needs.
- Career development allows upward progression and internal mover programmes.
- Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer: Inclusive culture celebrating diverse perspectives.
Why Join AECOM?
✔ Shape the future of water: Projects from catchment management to megaprojects with measurable societal impact. ✔ Innovate with purpose: Use data-driven hydro-solutions for climate resilience, efficiency, and equity. ✔ Thrive in health: Workplace designed for well-being with technology to manage your workload.
Application Reminders
Diversity & Inclusion: AECOM proudly welcomes neurodiverse, disabled, and underrepresented applicants. If you require reasonable adjustments, reach out to: aaaf@aecom.com
Disability Confident Employer: Eligible candidates with disabilities/long-term conditions go straight to the interview stage.
Next Steps
Ready to redefine water strategy? Apply now and let’s build legacies of impact together.
🔗 Connect for updates: AECOM Water LinkedIn 📝 Learn more: Candidate Brochure
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