Principal Hydrologist in Plymouth

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. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive.

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.

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.

Why Join Us:

• Be part of a dynamic team that tackles challenging and impactful water projects.
• Work alongside industry-leading professionals and thought leaders.
• Engage in a collaborative and inclusive work environment.
• Access to continuous learning and development opportunities.
• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• Enjoy the flexibility to work in a way that fits your lifestyle while supporting a healthy work–life balance.

Qualifications Ready to push the limits of what’s possible? Here’s what we’re looking for:

• 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 in the nuclear industry, 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 at ReasonableAdjustments@aecom.com.

At AECOM, we value everyone's unique contributions and perspectives. 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!