At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative water quality projects and mentor junior staff in a dynamic team.
- Company: Join AECOM, a global leader in infrastructure consulting, making a real-world impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hybrid working, competitive salary, and comprehensive benefits for your well-being.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team with excellent career growth opportunities and impactful projects.
- Why this job: Shape the future of water quality while collaborating with top professionals in the field.
- Qualifications: Expertise in water quality modelling and strong technical project delivery skills required.
The predicted salary is between 51750 - 63250 £ per year.
Company Description
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 a positive and tangible impact around the world.
We're one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us.
Job Description
Are you ready to support a team of talented engineers and consultants in shaping the future of the water industry? Join our dynamic and multidisciplinary Water Environment team in one of our rapidly growing UK offices, as well as taking advantage of our flexible hybrid working model. At AECOM, we’re at the forefront of innovation, delivering an exceptional portfolio of water programmes and projects through long-term partnerships with key clients.
As a Principal Water Quality Modeller in our growing Water Environment team, you will be a senior technical resource who will guide our more junior staff and proactively aim to enhance our offering to water utilities, as well as industrial clients, Government agencies and local authorities. You will act as technical lead on a range of exciting and challenging water quality projects, collaborating with hydrologists, network modellers and engineers.
Our current and recent modelling projects include:
- Catchment wide chemical investigations for water companies
- Delivering improvements through working on water company’s Environmental Improvement Programme (WINEP), including investigations into causes of algal bloom in reservoirs and developing mitigation to combat these.
- Design, modelling and installation of Natural Flood Management measures plus river restoration schemes
- Developing catchment wide river restoration plans for both the Environment Agency as well as various water companies
- Nutrient modelling within rivers, lakes and estuarine/ coastal environments
- Developing a modelling approach and running these to inform management decisions, such as water level dependent designated sites.
- Undertaking desk studies, consultation, water quality monitoring, and site surveys to assess the impact of major new infrastructure and developments including WFD assessments and Environmental Permitting
- Undertaking UPM studies and storm overflow investigations for water companies
- Deriving strategies to deliver catchment water quantity and quality improvements, driven by WFD and Local Nature Recovery requirements.
The majority of our work is in the fluvial environment, although a significant proportion is also focused on estuaries, lakes and the marine environment.
Here’s what you’ll do
This role will require you to lead water quality assessments in rivers and lakes, and also in transitional and coastal waterbodies, and lead the development of tools that will enable us to deliver efficiencies and innovative solutions for our clients. This position offers an unparalleled opportunity to be a technical lead in a talented and diverse team committed to innovation and efficiency.
Principal accountabilities:
- Conceptualisation and scoping of modelling approaches, with consideration of the risks and opportunities in each.
- Building and checking water quality models to assist in various studies such as Integrated Water management plan projects, permitting studies and EIAs
- Experience of any of the following packages desired: MIKE+, MIKE21/3 HD/AD/Ecolab, InfoWorks ICM, SAGIS-SIMCAT, Cormix.
- Produce and review of high-quality technical reports documenting model build and uncertainties in the model build process
- Lead and input into tenders ranging from innovative one-off projects to multimillion pound framework contracts.
- Mentor staff within the team to support their professional development
- Build relationships with clients and across other technical disciplines
- Keep up-to-date with developments in legislation and guidelines that may affect our services
- Use AECOM’s project management systems to deliver high-quality outputs to our clients in line with the agreed programme and budget
- Work closely with our clients and teams of engineers and technical specialists to help our clients deliver a wide range of fluvial and coastal surface water quality projects.
Being part of the team
We have over 100 Water Environment staff across the UK and Ireland, with hubs in Manchester, Leeds, Basingstoke, Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, Dublin, Nottingham, Croydon and Exeter. You can be based in any of these offices but will work closely with other teams across the UK.
We are a close-knit team of environmental modellers, hydrologists, water scientists, hydrogeologists, geomorphologists, hydroecologists and project managers.
Our current clients in the UK vary from water companies, private developers and local government. We also have large contracts for Middle Eastern clients where you could be working on some of the most ambitious projects in the world.
We offer a flexible hybrid working model. As a member of our team, you will enjoy a comprehensive benefits package with a range of flexible choices covering health, finance, lifestyle, well-being and more.
Qualifications
Here’s what we will need from you
- Expertise in water quality, including knowledge on compounds such as cryptosporidium, PFAS, geosmin and disinfection by products and effective treatment means
- Significant experience in fluvial and/or coastal water quality modelling software including demonstrable knowledge of Environment Agency requirements for UPM or WINEP studies, and experience of model build for such studies
- Experience completing mass balance calculations including simple, flow-weighted and Monte Carlo statistical approaches plus understanding of hydrological assessments and tools (e.g. REFH2, FEH)
- Practical knowledge of scripting programmes such as Python, Anaconda, R would be advantageous along with strong GIS skills (QGIS, ArcGIS and / or MapInfo)
- Masters degree (or equivalent) in hydrology, engineering, maths or other relevant discipline
- Experienced in technical project delivery (from bid preparation, drafting technical proposals to project management) with strong report writing skills and an ability to clearly present complex technical information visually and orally to a wide audience
If you meet some of the requirements above or have transferable skills you believe would benefit us, we would be delighted to hear from you!
Additional Information
Interested in the role or curious about life at AECOM? Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube to explore our AECOM voices, employee stories, latest projects, and much more! For further information about the role, reach out to the recruiter on LinkedIn (Melissa Moody).
Principal Water Quality Scientist/ Modeller in Holywood employer: AECOM
At AECOM, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we provide extensive career development opportunities, flexible hybrid working arrangements, and a supportive environment that values diversity and inclusion. Join us in our mission to deliver a better world while enjoying the benefits of working with a global leader in infrastructure consulting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Water Quality Scientist/ Modeller in Holywood
✨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 AECOM.
✨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 AECOM and can help us land that full-time gig.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Water Quality Scientist/ Modeller in Holywood
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 AECOM.
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. AECOM 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 Water Quality Scientist/ Modeller at AECOM. 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 AECOM
✨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 AECOM, 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 AECOM 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.
