AECOM
Principal Hydrologist
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Principal Hydrologist – Water Business
Company Description
"Lead hydrology projects that protect communities and shape the future of water!” Work with Us. Change the World.
At AECOM, we’re delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world’s trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world’s most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations.
There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of nearly 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers—and other professionals—delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world.
We’re one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us.
Job Description
"Are you ready to join a team of hydrologists and shape the future of the Water Industry?" Join our dynamic and multidisciplinary Water Team as a Principal Hydrologist. You can be based in one of our UK or Ireland offices, while also benefiting from our flexible hybrid working model.
You will be a key player in delivering impactful water projects across the UK and internationally. You will lead hydrological assessments that shape flood risk management, infrastructure planning, water resources strategy, and environmental permitting.
This is a senior role combining technical excellence, client engagement, project oversight, and team leadership within a rapidly growing Water business.
What You’ll Do:
- Lead hydrological assessments to support:
- Flood risk appraisals
- Infrastructure design
- Catchment strategies
- Environmental impact assessments
- Provide technical direction on:
- Rainfall-runoff modelling
- River flow estimation
- Climate change allowances
- Catchment analysis
- Oversee and review hydrological modelling outputs, ensuring quality, accuracy, and compliance with UK regulatory guidance (e.g., FEH methods, Flood Estimation Handbook, EA guidance).
- Act as technical lead on major frameworks and multidisciplinary projects across:
- Transport
- Energy
- Water
- Development sectors
- Advise clients on:
- Flood risk policy
- Drainage strategy
- Abstraction licensing
- Environmental permitting requirements
- Mentor and develop junior hydrologists, fostering technical excellence and knowledge sharing.
- Support business development activities, including:
- Bid preparation
- Client relationship management
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"If you're passionate about innovation and turning bold ideas into reality, AECOM welcomes you. Join us… and not only construct infrastructure but uplift communities and enhance lives."
Come Grow With Us
Become part of our dynamic Water business, which boasts roughly 600 experts across the UK & Ireland. Collaborate with top-tier engineers and consultants across a range of captivating projects, from small initiatives to large-scale ventures—from concept to completion.
Why Join Us?
- Be part of a dynamic team tackling challenging and impactful water projects.
- Work alongside industry-leading professionals and thought leaders.
- Engage in a collaborative and inclusive environment.
- Access continuous learning and development opportunities.
- Receive a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
- Enjoy flexible hybrid working to support a healthy work–life balance.
Qualifications & Requirements
Here’s what we’re looking for:
- Degree (BSc/BEng/MSc) in:
- Hydrology
- Civil Engineering
- Environmental Science
- Geography
- Or a related discipline
- Extensive experience delivering hydrological assessments in:
- Consultancy or regulatory environments
- Strong knowledge of UK hydrological guidance, including:
- FEH methods
- Flood Estimation Handbook
- Environmental Agency (EA) guidance
- Experience with hydrological modelling tools and data analysis software.
- Proven ability to lead projects and provide technical oversight.
- Chartered status (CEng, CSci, or CEnv) or working towards chartership.
- Excellent communication skills, with experience engaging:
- Clients
- Stakeholders
- Self-motivated with:
- Strong commitment
- Willingness to learn
- Ability to work both autonomously and in fast-paced, collaborative teams
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At AECOM, we deliver a better world through innovative and sustainable solutions. If you share our vision, we’d love to hear from you!
About AECOM
AECOM is the world’s trusted infrastructure consulting firm, delivering services from advisory through to design, engineering, construction management—across sectors including:
- Transportation
- Buildings
- Water
- New energy
- The environment
We strive to solve sustainable outcomes by: ✔ Championing technical and digital expertise ✔ Promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) ✔ Integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) priorities
AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm with revenue of $16.1 billion (2025)—transforming legacy infrastructure for future generations.
Freedom to Grow
AECOM offers: 🔹 Hybrid working flexibility – work from offices, remotely, or client sites, all while engaged in dynamic environments. 🔹 Inclusive workplace culture – Bring your whole self to work, using diverse talents for transformational outcomes. 🔹 Personalised support & benefits tailored to lifestyle and career development. 🔹 Career growth initiatives including AECOM University, technical networks, and volunteering days.
As an equal opportunity employer, we believe in everyone’s potential and are committed to helping you reach yours.
Diversity & Inclusion
At AECOM, we celebrate diversity, including neurodiversity, and believe it enriches our team. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and abilities.
If you require reasonable accommodation for your application process due to a disability, please contact us at [email protected] .
We offer interviews to applicants with a disability or long-term condition who meet the minimum criteria. Please use [email protected] to request participation in the Disability Confident Interview Scheme.
Application Details
- Location: Bristol, UK
- Business Group: DCS
- Legal Entity: AECOM Infrastructure and Environment UK Limited
- Business Line: Water
- Work Model: Hybrid
#LI-RP1 #AECOMUKHYDROLOGIST
Note: A mandatory in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office is required as a condition of employment.
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