AECOM
Senior Water Scientist and Hydrologist

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Senior Water Scientist and Hydrologist
Company Name
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 over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers, and other professionals delivering projects that create tangible impact around the world.
We're one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us.
Job Description
Opportunity Title
Senior Water Scientist or Hydrologist
About the Role
Are you ready to help us shape the future of the water industry?
Join our dynamic and multidisciplinary Water Environment team and become part of one of the world’s leading water-focused consulting groups. At AECOM, we’re at the forefront of innovation, delivering an exceptional portfolio of water programmes through long-term partnerships with key clients. Our work ensures lasting impact on both public and private sectors, from urban regeneration to river restoration.
We collaborate with public bodies like the Environment Agency, Natural England, and National Highways, as well as Water Companies, NRW, River Trusts and developers. Projects include expertise across Lower Thames Crossing and contributing to Environmental Statements (ES) and Water Framework Directive (WFD) assessments.
Our current and recent projects include:
- Developing catchment-wide river restoration plans for Water Companies.
- Delivering hydrological reviews and water balance studies to address water supply challenges and flow maintenance.
- Designing, modelling, and installing Natural Flood Management measures for protection against low-flow scenarios.
- Running hydrological models to inform designated site water levels and regulatory compliance.
- Supporting Environmental Improvement Programmes (WINEP) within Water Companies.
- Designing and helping deliver awards-quality fish passes and river restoration schemes.
- Developing strategies for catchment water quality and quantity improvements, aligning with WFD and Local Nature Recovery requirements.
Our work spans fluvial, estuarine, lacustrine, and marine environments.
Key Responsibilities
As a Senior Water Scientist or Hydrologist, you will:
- Support the preparation of high-quality, commercially astute bids and tenders for water science services, particularly for Water Companies and Government bodies such as the Environment Agency.
- Coordinate multidisciplinary teams, ensuring technical expertise including water scientists, hydrogeologists, hydromorphologists, aquatic ecologists, and flood risk specialists align with budgets, resources, and project needs.
- Identify, plan, and implement complex monitoring and fieldwork requirements such as:
- Water quality monitoring
- Flow gauging
- Hydromorphological surveys
- PWS (Public Water Supply) assessments
- Provide expert consultancy and advisory services (internal and external), including rigorous check and review processes.
- Use hydrological tools, software, and models for evidence-based solutions (e.g., analysing flow datasets, systematic gauging to evaluate hydrological patterns).
- Offer technical leadership in creating prudent, cost-effective solutions to intricate water science challenges, including identifying correlations between hydrological shifts and water quality, geomorphology, and hydroecology (e.g., wetted width, velocity alterations, and impacts on species passage).
- Act as a resourceful and collaborative member of the Water Environment team, engaging directly with internal colleagues and external clients across commercial and technical fronts.
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What Qualifications and Experience You Bring
Here’s what we’re looking for:
- A degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject such as geography, physical sciences, chemistry, mathematics, or engineering.
- Strong, hands-on experience in hydrology (low-flows and flood risk), hydromorphology, water quality, and hydroecology, coupled with a deep understanding of aquatic ecosystems.
- Proficiency in hydrological/physical modelling software, hydrodynamic modelling (for both water quality and water resources), and datasets analysis (e.g., hydrometric flow time series, low-flow climate drivers).
- GIS software expertise for large-scale tracking and modelling.
- Ability to clearly convey complex technical data (both visual and verbal formats) to stakeholders at all levels (internal/external).
- Proven track record in project management and delivery phases, from bid submission and proposal composition to managing programmes and budgets.
About AECOM
AECOM is the world’s leading infrastructure consulting firm, aligning technical mastery, digital innovation, and stewardship across the global infrastructure lifecycle. From design, engineering, and environment to construction management, clients in public and private sectors trust us to address their most critical challenges. Our global, diverse team of 50,000+ professionals unites under a shared passion for creating sustainable legacies for generations to come.
Why Join AECOM?
Freedom to Grow in a Dynamic Environment
- Flexible Work Options: Enjoy hybrid working—whether at an AECOM office, onsite with clients, or remote. Your centre of work adapts to your needs and your project’s demand.
- Pioneering Work with Impact: Forge meaningful global projects that make lasting impacts, addressing energy, transportation, water, infrastructure, and sustainability cross-disciplinarily.
- Digital Innovation Hub: Work with some of the latest technologies and thought leaders in your field. Our digital tools are designed to empower your creativity and productivity.
- Lean into Collaboration: Foster a culture of openness where all voices are heard and respected. Gender equity, neurodiversity, and inclusivity are central to how we thrive.


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Compensation, Benefits & Well-being
AECOM offers a compelling array of benefits and programmes to ensure your well-being and that of your family.
- Market-Competitive Salary & Bonuses
- Relocation Support
- Employee Assistance Programs
- Learning and Development (Proxy) – upskilling opportunities ranging from Project Management to Digital Technology to Leadership.
- Generous Time Off including flexible holiday accrual and Paid Parental Leave.
We believe growth is both a privilege and a responsibility–and we collectively invest in both yours and the global community’s. As a publicly traded Fortune 500 firm, we provide:
- Unique pathways for career development, leadership, and networking opportunities.
- A culture championing entrepreneurial spirit and forward-thinking within a collaborative environment.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
AECOM is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and are assessing approaches to promote underrepresented groups within the STEM fields.
For our Disability applicants, we provide the Disability Confident Interview scheme. Provide us prior notice through email: ReasonableAccommodationsUKI@aecom.com.
Bringing You Onboard
As part of AECOM’s security requirements, all newly-hired employees must attend a Day 1 Onboarding session at one of our global offices.
Regulations & Employment
AECOM considers confidentiality and integrity in the hiring process. Allegations of fraud or misconduct will be investigated expeditiously.
Location Proposal Work Location: Hybrid Company Location: Global, focusing on UK/Europe & Other International Offices
Career Area: Science
Strategic Business Unit: Environment & Impact (DCS)
Associated Inquiries
For additional details regarding the role, feel free to connect with the recruiter on:
LinkedIn: Melissa Moody
For media, career opportunities, latest projects, and more insights—follow us:
📘 LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
Disclaimer: Information may be linked to our equal opportunity guidelines.
ReqID: J10152405
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