Principal Hydrologist in Cardiff

Principal Hydrologist in Cardiff

Cardiff Full-Time 60000 - 80000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
AECO

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead hydrology projects that protect communities and shape the future of water.
  • Company: Join AECOM, a global leader in infrastructure consulting.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive salary, and career development opportunities.
  • Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to innovation and sustainability.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on water projects that benefit communities worldwide.
  • Qualifications: Degree in Hydrology or related field; experience in hydrological assessments required.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.

Lead hydrology projects that protect communities and shape the future of water!

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.

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, and environmental permitting. This is a senior role combining technical excellence, client engagement, project oversight, and team leadership within a growing water team.

Here’s what you’ll do:

  • Lead hydrological assessments to support flood risk appraisals, infrastructure design, catchment strategies, and environmental impact assessments.
  • Provide technical direction on rainfall-runoff modelling, river flow estimation, climate change allowances, and catchment analysis.
  • Oversee and review hydrological modelling outputs, ensuring quality, accuracy, and compliance with UK regulatory guidance.
  • Act as technical lead on major frameworks and multidisciplinary projects across transport, energy, water, and development sectors.
  • Advise clients on flood risk policy, drainage strategy, abstraction licensing, and environmental permitting requirements.
  • Mentor and develop junior hydrologists, fostering technical excellence and knowledge sharing.
  • Support business development activities, including bid preparation and client relationship management.

If you're passionate about innovation and turning bold ideas into reality, AECOM welcomes you. Join our team, where we don't just construct infrastructure but also uplift communities and enhance lives.

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 small initiatives to large-scale ventures, all the way 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 designed to support your future and well-being, customised to fit your lifestyle. Take advantage of career development opportunities, technical practice networks, AECOM University, volunteering days and our flexible hybrid working model to ensure a work-life balance that suits your lifestyle.

We recognise that everyone’s circumstances are different, so we’re happy to discuss part-time or flexible working arrangements that suit you.

Qualifications:

Degree (BSc/BEng/MSc) in Hydrology, Civil Engineering, Environmental Science, Geography, or a related discipline.

Extensive experience delivering hydrological assessments within consultancy or regulatory environments.

Strong knowledge of UK hydrological guidance (e.g., FEH methods, Flood Estimation Handbook, EA guidance).

Experience with hydrological modelling tools and data analysis software.

Proven ability to lead projects and provide technical oversight.

Chartered status (CEng, CSci, or CEnv) or working towards chartership.

Excellent communication skills with experience engaging clients and stakeholders.

You will also be self-motivated with an ability to work both autonomously where required, with a strong sense of commitment, a willingness to learn and a desire to work in a dynamic deadline driven team environment.

At AECOM, we believe in creating a better world through innovative and sustainable solutions. If you share our vision and are ready to make a difference, we want to hear from you.

We celebrate diversity, including neurodiversity, and believe it enriches our team. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and abilities. If you are an applicant with a disability that requires reasonable accommodation to complete the application process, please contact us.

Principal Hydrologist in Cardiff employer: AECO

At AECOM, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a collaborative and inclusive work culture that empowers our employees to thrive. As a Principal Hydrologist, you will have the opportunity to lead impactful water projects while enjoying flexible hybrid working arrangements, comprehensive benefits, and continuous professional development tailored to your career aspirations. Join us in shaping the future of water and making a meaningful difference in communities across the UK and beyond.

AECO

Contact Details:

AECO Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Principal Hydrologist in Cardiff

Get Involved in Local Environmental Initiatives

Dive into your local environmental scenes, like community clean-up projects or eco-focused events. Not only will you meet like-minded people, but it's a surefire way to showcase your passion and skills in environmental engineering tech.

Join Industry-Specific Organisations

Check out organisations like the Institution of Environmental Engineers for networking opportunities and resources. They often host events and seminars that can help us connect with key players in the industry, including potential employers like AECO.

Show Off Your Projects and Passion

Create a portfolio that highlights any relevant projects, whether it's coursework, internships, or personal initiatives. Share this online, perhaps even on platforms like GitHub or your own website, to grab the attention of hiring managers looking for talent like us.

Utilise Environmental Job Boards

Take advantage of niche job boards dedicated to environmental careers. Sites like Green Jobs, Environmental Career and EcoJobs often feature openings from companies like AECO and can help us land that full-time gig.

We think you need these skills to ace Principal Hydrologist in Cardiff

Hydrological Assessments
Rainfall-Runoff Modelling
River Flow Estimation
Climate Change Allowances
Catchment Analysis
Hydrological Modelling Tools
Data Analysis Software

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for a role in environmental engineering tech, make sure to highlight your technical skills like CAD software proficiency, data analysis, or modelling techniques. These are essential for the job and should stand out in your CV and cover letter, showing how you can contribute to projects at AECO.

Demonstrate Your Passion for Sustainability:In this field, showcasing your passion for sustainability and environmental protection can set you apart. Include any relevant projects, volunteer experience, or courses that underline your commitment to these causes. AECO will appreciate candidates who genuinely care about making a difference.

Tailor Your Application to the Role:Don't just send a generic CV and cover letter. Make sure to tailor your application to the specific role of Principal Hydrologist at AECO. Highlight experiences that align directly with the job description and give concrete examples of your work to demonstrate that you’re the right fit for a full-time position.

Include Relevant Certifications:If you have certifications related to environmental engineering or technology, like LEED Accreditation or any relevant software certifications, make sure to mention them. These qualifications can boost your application and show that you’re serious about your professional development in this competitive field.

How to prepare for a job interview at AECO

Brush Up on Environmental Regulations

Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest environmental regulations and standards. In an environmental engineering tech role at AECO, you might be asked specific questions about compliance measures, so understanding these will definitely give you an edge.

Showcase Your Technical Skills

Prepare to demonstrate your proficiency with relevant tools and software, such as AutoCAD or GIS. You might be given a practical problem to solve during the interview, so it’s a great idea to brush up on these skills and perhaps even bring a portfolio of your projects to showcase your technical prowess.

Highlight Your Passion for Sustainability

In a full-time role, employers are looking for commitment and enthusiasm. Share your experiences, studies, or projects that reflect your passion for environmental sustainability. This will show AECO that you're not just qualified but genuinely invested in the field.

Prepare for Behavioural Questions

Be ready for behavioural questions that assess how you handle teamwork, conflict, and project management. Think of examples from your studies or practical experiences where you tackled challenges effectively, showcasing both your technical and interpersonal skills.