AECOM
Principal Hydrologist
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Principal Hydrologist – Water Team
About the Role
"Lead hydrology projects that protect communities and shape the future of water!"
Work with us and change the world.
At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. As the world’s trusted infrastructure consulting firm, we partner with clients to solve their most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations. With accelerating infrastructure investment, our services are in great demand. Join our global team of nearly 50,000 professionals and bring your bold ideas and big dreams to shape impactful work across every industry.
Start here. Grow here.
For hydrology professionals ready to deliver, AECOM’s Water Team invites you to join as a Principal Hydrologist.
Based in one of our UK or Ireland offices, supported by a flexible hybrid working model, you’ll lead hydrological assessments—informing flood risk management, major infrastructure decisions, water resource planning, and environmental compliances. This senior role blends technical expertise, client engagement, project leadership, and team development in a dynamic, growing water team.
Responsibilities
Strategic & Technical Leadership
- Lead hydrological assessments to support:
- Flood risk appraisals
- Infrastructure design
- Catchment strategies
- Environmental impact assessments (EIAs)
- Provide technical direction on:
- Rainfall-runoff modelling
- River flow estimation (EIAs, Wightman, Haworks, REHL)
- Climate change and timescale allowances
- Catchment modelling and analysis
- Oversee and review hydrological modelling outputs, ensuring:
- Quality and compliance with UK regulatory guidance (e.g., FEH methods, Flood Estimation Handbook)
- Embedding climate and trend analysis
Project & Client Engagement
- Act as technical lead on major multi-disciplinary projects across:
- Water, transport, energy, and development sectors
- Advise clients on:
- Flood risk policy and strategy
- Drainage and drainage robustness
- Abstraction licensing and water resources planning
- Environmental permitting and regulatory compliance
- Engage stakeholders and clients to deliver technical clarity and project insights
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Mentorship & Business Growth
- Mentor junior hydrologists, fostering technical excellence and knowledge transfer
- Support bid preparation and client relationship management to grow business opportunities
Requirements
Education & Experience
- 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 working knowledge of UK hydrological methods (e.g., FEH, Catchment Desire, valves and pipe network analysis).
Professional Standards
- Chartered status (CEng, CSci, or CEnv) or actively working towards it.
- Certified or equivalent experience required for technical authority.
- A2CSA Flood Risk certification or evidence of experience influencing consenting and planning decisions.
Soft Skills
- Exceptional technical communication with strong client-facing skills.
- Ability to deliver in fast-paced environments, balancing multitasking and quality in a deadline-driven role.
- Self-driven with a passion for innovation and collaborative decision-making.
About AECOM
AECOM is the world’s trusted infrastructure consulting firm, delivering expertise across the project lifecycle from advisory to construction. As a Fortune 500 company, we combine digital innovation, a culture of equity and inclusivity, with a commitment to clear, sustainable solutions for a better world. Our team of 600+ UK/Ireland Water Professionals tackles projects of all scales, from concept to construction, powered by:
- Competitive salary and benefits
- Career development (AECOM University, mentorship, practitioner networks)
- Flexible hybrid working tailored to your lifestyle
- Vibrant teams with diverse opportunities for collaboration
- Stakeholder involvement programs and volunteering days
- Strong support for part-time or flexible options.
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Perks and Benefits
- Career growth pathways and continuous learning
- Technical practice networks for specialisation deep dive
- Promote from within culture – long-term development beyond new graduate levels
- Full suite of benefits including health, pension, discounts, and formal recognition programs
- Hybrid flexibility with 30% remote work capacity for working from home and office becomes integrated
- Progress & Equality at AECOM – we commit to fair processes supporting healthy professional development
Why Join AECOM?
✔ Lead meaningful projects driving tangible change for communities ✔ Collaborate with industry leaders in water infrastructure ✔ A supportive, inclusive environment where input matters ✔ Global career progression with revenue growth opportunities ✔ Balanced lifestyle with modern working flexibility
Our creative, purpose-driven ethos celebrates imagination and achieves tangible outcomes. Join a global firm where diversity fuels exceptional work.
We are an EEO Employer – committed to supporting equal opportunities for all.
Apply now and make your difference with AECOM.
#AECOMUKHydrologist #DrivingProgress "Freedom to Grow in a World of Opportunity" – AECOM Building a Brighter Tomorrow.
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