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Principal Hydrologist
Principal Hydrologist – Water Team
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.
About the Role
Join our dynamic and multidisciplinary Water Team as a Principal Hydrologist. You can be based in one of our UK or Ireland offices whilst also taking advantage of 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 inform:
- flood risk management
- major infrastructure planning
- water resources strategy
- environmental permitting
This is a senior role combining technical excellence, client engagement, project oversight, and team leadership within a growing water team.
Responsibilities
Here’s what you’ll be doing:
-
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
- compliance with UK regulatory 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
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Why you're a good match
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-
Mentor and develop junior hydrologists, fostering:
- technical excellence
- knowledge sharing
-
Support business development activities, including:
- bid preparation
- client relationship management
Benefits
Come grow with us.
Become part of our dynamic Water business, which boasts around 600 experts across the UK & Ireland. Collaborate with top-tier engineers and consultants to deliver a variety of captivating projects from concept to completion.
At AECOM, you’ll thrive in an inclusive and forward-thinking environment where your contributions are valued.
You’ll enjoy a range of core and personalised benefits, including:
- Career development opportunities
- Technical practice networks
- AECOM University
- Volunteering days
- Flexible hybrid working model
- Support for work-life balance
We’re happy to discuss part-time or flexible working arrangements that suit your lifestyle!
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 work environment.
- Access to continuous learning and development opportunities.
- Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
- Enjoy flexibility to work in a way that fits your lifestyle while supporting a healthy work-life balance.
Requirements
Qualifications & Experience
-
Degree (BSc/BEng/MSc) in:
- Hydrology
- Civil Engineering
- Environmental Science
- Geography
- or a related discipline
-
Extensive experience delivering hydrological assessments within:
- consultancy
- regulatory environments
-
Strong knowledge of UK hydrological guidance, including:
- FEH methods
- Flood Estimation Handbook
- EA guidance
-
Experience with:
- hydrological modelling tools
- data analysis software


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Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
-
Proven ability to:
- lead projects
- provide technical oversight
-
Chartered status (CEng, CSci, or CEnv) or willing to work towards chartership
Soft Skills
-
Excellence in communication, with experience engaging:
- clients
- stakeholders
-
Self-motivation to work:
- autonomously or collaboratively
- within a dynamic, deadline-driven team
Additional Information
About AECOM
AECOM is the world’s trusted infrastructure consulting firm, delivering professional services throughout the project lifecycle, including:
- advisory
- planning
- design and engineering
- program and construction management
Our global teams are driven by a common purpose to deliver a better world. We champion:
- unrivaled technical and digital expertise
- culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion
- commitment to environmental, social and governance (ESG) priorities
AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm, with revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Discover how we’re delivering sustainable legacies by visiting aecom.com.
Diversity & Inclusion
We celebrate diversity, including neurodiversity, and believe it enriches our team. Applications from all backgrounds and abilities are welcome. If you require reasonable accommodation to complete the application process, please contact us at [email protected].
If you meet some of the requirements or have transferable skills, we’d love to hear from you!
Day 1 Onboarding
All newly hired employees must attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.
Location
State / Province: Bristol, City of Work Location Model: Hybrid
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Final Note: At AECOM, we protect your information and secure our recruitment processes. Fraudulent hiring activity is not tolerated.
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