AtkinsRéalis
Water Framework Directive Specialist
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Sustainable River Management Team Leader – Water Framework Directive Compliance
About the Role
AtkinsRéalis is one of the world’s most respected design, engineering, and project management consultancies, with over 50,000 employees globally. We offer more than a job—we provide an opportunity to make a difference by shaping the world sustainably to benefit future generations and the environment. Our multi-disciplinary Sustainable River Management team, part of the Water Management Consultancy group, specialises in delivering award-winning river habitats.
With 60+ specialists across the UK, we prioritise technical excellence, innovation, and future industry leadership—while fostering a friendly, inclusive, and well-being-focused team culture. We’re seeking a passionate individual to expand our team and lead Water Framework Directive (WFD) / Water Environment Regulations (WER) compliance initiatives.
If you’re committed to delivering impactful projects, driving environmental outcomes at both project and policy levels, and thriving in a collaborative, forward-thinking culture, we want to hear from you.
Key Responsibilities
Technical Leadership
- Lead Water Framework Directive (WFD) compliance assessments, ensuring projects adhere to regulatory requirements.
- Author and lead technical WFD chapters in Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) and Definitive Project Reports (DCOs).
- Collaborate with internal teams (ecologists, engineers, planners, water quality specialists) to deliver integrated environmental solutions.
Team Support & Mentorship
- Mentor and review work of junior colleagues, fostering growth within the team.
- Support work-winning activities, contributing to strategic bidding and client engagement.
Process & Innovation
- Work with colleagues to streamline and automate WFD assessment processes for efficiency.
- Develop technically advanced mitigation strategies, including:
- River restoration
- Instream enhancements
- River realignments
- Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) alignment
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Client & Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration
- Liaise with internal/external partners (water companies, regulators, NGOs, local authorities) to ensure regulatory compliance and sustainable outcomes.
- Present findings clearly, supporting commercial and technical decision-making.
About You
Essential Requirements
- Degree in a relevant environmental/engineering discipline (e.g. ecology, hydrobiology, civil engineering) with a postgraduate qualification (preferred).
- Chartered membership of a recognised professional body (e.g. CIWEM, ICE).
- Proven experience (minimum 5 years) in:
- Conducting small-to-large-scale WFD compliance assessments.
- Leading Article 4(7) / Regulation 19 WFD assessments and Applicability Assessments.
- Managing competent data analysis to derive technically robust findings.
- Strong verbal/written communication skills, with the ability to present complex science in plain English.
- Numeracy, IT proficiency, and familiarity with industry software (e.g. GIS, statistical tools, reporting platforms).
- Commercial awareness and experience working in a consultancy environment.
Desirable Qualities
- Experience in river restoration/realignments and instream enhancement projects.
- International experience (UK/EU/DAC+ countries a bonus).
- Paid mileage benefits/driving licence/aviation clearance for UK/overseas travel.
- Driving licence (essential for site visits).
- Practical hands-on experience (e.g. fieldwork sampling, ecological surveying).
Personal Attributes
- Proactive, tech-savvy, and solution-oriented mindset.
- Ability to thrive in a dynamic, collaborative team with diverse stakeholders.
- Strong work ethic, adaptability, and commitment to environmental integrity.
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Benefits & Culture
- Competitive starting salary: Reflective of experience and location.
- Flexible, hybrid working – choose between 5-2 office days/week from locations nationwide.
- Parent/family support practices (childcare guidance, parental leave).
- Investment in professional development:
- Conference funding
- Technical training opportunities
- Contribution to industry pubished articles and conference presentations.
- Wellbeing culture – Health initiatives, flexible holiday allowance.
- Reward and recognition programme including:
- Pension scheme
- Financial perks (e.g. employee rewards, stock options)
- Policy for disability inclusion – guaranteed interview if meeting criteria.
About AtkinsRéalis
We combine engineering expertise, global scale, and purpose-driven innovation to build a sustainable future. Our legacy spans 110+ years, seen in occupiers like HS2, Sellafield, Siemens Energy, Turkish Government.
Undergirding our work is a commitment to equality, diversity, and well-being:
- Inclusive hiring practices (EEO policies, Disability Confident Leader).
- Range of family-friendly policies (part-time, phased return-to-work).
- Gender parity initiatives and resource groups for representation.
Security Note
If offered, security clearance may be required (via UKSV) for certain project roles.
Join us to turn blueprints into lasting impact—where technical excellence meets Earth’s sustainability. Explore career opportunities. // Atkinsrealis.com | Part of LinkedIn
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