AECOM
Principal Hydrologist
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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. Our work helps people and communities thrive—whether through improving infrastructure, providing access to clean water, or transforming environments. As the world’s trusted infrastructure consulting firm, we partner with clients to solve complex challenges and build legacies for future generations.
There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With growing infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in high demand. Join nearly 50,000 professionals—planners, engineers, scientists, and innovators—delivering globally impactful projects.
Company Philosophy: "One global team, common purpose—deliver a better world."
About the Role: Principal Hydrologist
Location: Bristol, UK (with hybrid working flexibility) Team: Water Business Unit (~600 experts across UK & Ireland)
"Are you ready to join a team of hydrologists and shape the future of the Water Industry?"
Join our dynamic, multidisciplinary Water Team as a Principal Hydrologist and take a lead role in UK and international water projects. Your expertise will drive hydrological assessments, flood risk strategies, infrastructure planning, and regulatory compliance.
This is a senior position combining: ✔ Technical leadership (flood risk, resource strategy, climate change modelling) ✔ Client-facing engagement (policy advice, stakeholder consultation) ✔ Project oversight & team mentorship ✔ Returning innovation to industry
Core Responsibilities
1. Technical Expertise
- Lead hydrological assessments supporting:
- Flood risk appraisals and drainage strategies
- Infrastructure design (transport, energy, water, development)
- Catchment-based strategies and environmental impact assessments (EIAs)
- Provide technical direction on:
- Rainfall-runoff modelling and river flow estimation
- Climate change allowances in hydrological forecasting
- Catchment analysis techniques and regulatory considerations
- Ensure hydrological modelling outputs meet UK regulatory standards (FEH, EA guidance), with rigorous quality checks.
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2. Multidisciplinary Project Leadership
- Act as senior technical lead across complex frameworks bridging:
- Water, transport, energy, and development sectors
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, advising on:
- Flood risk policy and drainage systems
- Abstraction licensing and environmental permits
3. Team & Business Growth
- Mentor junior hydrologists, fostering knowledge-sharing and skill development.
- Support bid writing and client relationship management, driving business development.
Requirements
Essential Qualifications
- Degree in:
- Hydrology (BSc/BEng/MSc)
- Civil Engineering
- Environmental Science/Geography
- Related quantitative discipline
- Extensive consultancy or regulatory experience in:
- Hydrological assessments
- UK-specific hydrology (FEH methods, Flood Estimation Handbook, EA guidance)
- Modelling tools (e.g., MIKE, HECRAS, Infoworks) and data analysis software.
- Technical leadership ability (such as project management & stakeholder consultation).
- Professional registration (CEng, CSci, or CEnv) or working toward chartership.
- Strong written & verbal communication – ability to engage clients/stakeholders clearly.
Complementary Attributes
- Self-motivated, proactive team player – comfortable working autonomously or collaboratively.
- Thrives under pressure, delivering in deadline-driven environments.
- Passionate about sustainability & cutting-edge water solutions.
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Why Join AECOM?
Impact: Shape projects from small-scale interventions to major priorities, improving lives in communities across the UK and internationally. Collaboration: Join a global team of experts, benefiting from interdisciplinary insights. Growth: Career development through: → AECOM University (professional training) → Technical networks and mentorship opportunities → Volunteer programs for personal enrichment Flexibility: Hybrid work model tailored to your lifestyle – balance ambitions with well-being.
Perks & Culture
- Competitive salary and tailored benefits.
- Flexible, inclusive environment respecting diverse strengths.
- Commited diversity & inclusion (disability-friendly hiring scheme).
"At AECOM, we build a better tomorrow"* – Start yours here.
Apply now to explore projects impacting real people, or visit @AECOM Water Team to see our work in action.
Equality Note: AECOM is an Equal Opportunity Employer and offers tailored interview support via [email protected], [@emaila]gmail.com].
Technical specialisms required: Water Resources, Flood Risk, Climate Change Adjustments, HyRodynamic Modelling.
Apply here: #AECOMUKHYDROLOGIST — EOE Certification
AECOM’s Commitments
- Secure recruitment standards; mandatory on-site onboarding post-acceptance.
- Ongoing DEI initiatives, including neurodiversity policies.
- Legally inclusive recruitment:ungi, and confidentialibility of applicants’ data.
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