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Principal Hydrologist
Company Description
"Lead hydrology projects that protect communities and shape the future of water!"
At AECOM, we’re delivering a better world—improving transportation, energising communities, ensuring access to clean water, and transforming skylines. As a trusted infrastructure consulting firm, we partner with clients globally to tackle the world’s most complex challenges.
With growing infrastructure investment worldwide, our team of nearly 50,000 professionals—including planners, engineers, scientists, and digital innovators—delivers projects with lasting positive impact. Join us in shaping a better future.
About the Role
"Are you ready to join a team of hydrologists and shape the future of the Water Industry?"
Start here. Grow here.
The Principal Hydrologist role offers flexibility with a hybrid working model while based in UK or Ireland office locations, including Bristol. You’ll drive hydrology projects across the UK and internationally, leading flood risk assessments, infrastructure planning, and water resource strategies.
This senior role combines technical expertise, client engagement, project leadership, and team mentorship. You’ll play a pivotal role in our dynamic water team of ~600 global experts.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead hydrological assessments, including flood risk appraisals, infrastructure design support, catchment strategies, and environmental impact assessments.
- Provide technical direction on:
- Rainfall-runoff modelling
- River flow estimation
- Climate change adaptation frameworks
- Catchment analysis techniques
- Oversee and review hydrological models for quality, accuracy, and regulatory compliance (e.g., UK’s Flood Estimation Handbook).
- Act as technical lead for global multidisciplinary projects in transport, energy, water, and development sectors.
- Guide clients on flood risk policy, drainage strategies, abstraction licensing, and environmental permitting.
- Mentor junior hydrologists, fostering technical excellence and knowledge sharing.
- Support business development, including bid preparation and client relationship management.
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Requirements
- Degree (BSc, MSc, or higher degree) in Hydrology, Civil Engineering, Environmental Science, Geography, or a related field.
- Extensive consultancy/regulatory experience delivering hydrological assessments (e.g., within the UK’s hydrological framework).
- Strong familiarity with UK-specific methodologies (e.g., FEH, Flood Estimation Handbook, Environmental Agency guidance).
- Proficient in hydrological modelling tools (e.g., Riv Öffentlichkeit, MIKE, WMS) and data analysis software.
- Proven leadership in project management and technical oversight.
- Chartered status (CEng, CSci, or CEnv) or active pursuit of chartership.
- Excellent client facing communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Self-motivated with the flexibility to work autonomously and thrive in dynamic, deadline-driven teams.
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Why Join us?
✅ Global impact: Lead transformative water infrastructure projects that protect communities. ✅ Industry leaders: Collaborate with top-tier hydrologists and engineers across 600 experts in UK & Ireland. ✅ Inclusive culture: Velop yourself in an equitable, forward-thinking environment. ✅ Career growth:
- Access to AECOM University and technical networks.
- Flexible hybrid working model.
- Part-time/remote discussions. ✅ Comprehensive benefits:
- Competitive salary.
- Personalised well-being support.
- Volunteering days.
- Continuous learning opportunities.
About AECOM
AECOM provides end-to-end infrastructure consulting, from advisory to construction management, across transport, water, energy, and environmental sectors. Rooted in sustainability and inclusivity, our Fortune 500 firm delivered $16.1B in revenue in FY 2025.
Join us to deliver sustainable legacies for future generations.
It’s time to grow with us. #AECOMUKHYDROLOGIST
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