Water Quality Scientist in London

Do you want to make a lasting impact on the health of our rivers, estuaries, and communities? Join us in tackling one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time: water quality. Whether it’s addressing emerging chemical risks from water recycling schemes, river restoration or addressing PFAS or de-icing risks from airports, your work will help protect ecosystems, influence national policy, and secure clean water for future generations. Be part of a passionate, nationally leading team committed to creating a more resilient and sustainable world.

This position is available as either full‑time or part‑time and can be based in any of our office locations. Our largest team presences are in Birmingham, Bristol, Derby, Edinburgh, Epsom, Glasgow, London, Oxford, Peterborough, Swansea and Manchester – however we have offices in many other locations across the UK where you could be based.

Could you take a key role in water quality services within our friendly and successful water management consultancy? This is an excellent opportunity for a candidate looking to progress their career at an exciting time for the industry. Our Water Management Consultancy operates at the interface between people and the water environment, with specialisms in water quality, water resources planning, flood risk management and climate analysis. Our team thrives on solving complex challenges related to water quality, resources, and climate resilience.

As a Water Quality Specialist, you'll play a pivotal role in shaping our water management solutions. Collaborating with a friendly and accomplished team, you'll contribute to projects that safeguard our environment, enhancing water quality. This is an exciting opportunity to make a difference in two industries that are at the forefront of emerging environmental issues and evolving rapidly.

Recent projects delivered by our water quality team include Strategic Resource Options for Thames Water, Southern Water and Anglian Water, river restoration schemes, working with regulators and the water industry to improve bathing water quality, and supporting airports with Regulation 61 PFAS assessments.

You will join a team of nearly 200 water management specialists, supporting our clients in making the right strategic investment decisions for critical infrastructure, in changing futures and climates, in areas as diverse as water resources, natural capital, mature-base solutions, flood management, green infrastructure, energy and transportation. We work for clients across the UK, including central government, regulators, the water industry, airports, NGOs, and local authorities. Beyond the UK, we play an important role in supporting major international development banks and private clients in driving forwards sustainable water management solutions for irrigation, potable water supply and wider infrastructure schemes.

You will be joining an established and successful team, working with our water quality Technical Authority on the coordination and delivery of water quality investigations. You will work effectively as part of a team and with other professionals (environmental scientists, engineers, planners) throughout AtkinsRéalis to provide a consistent and integrated service to our clients. You also will champion high standards of performance, influence project development and deliver sustainable outcomes. You will undertake your own work to an excellent standard, and review the work of others, leading on projects and frameworks as appropriate. You will additionally work closely with our clients to develop trusted relationships, supporting them in a confident, professional manner. You will support on bid preparation and help develop new areas of business for the team. We will support and train you with all of this and make sure that you can undertake Continual Professional Development in accordance with requirements of a professional institute.

We are looking for someone flexible, prepared to take on new challenges and learn new skills. Experience in water quality data analysis and risk assessment methodologies for both the water industry and airport sector. You will have a degree or higher in an environmental or science subject; you will ideally be chartered or working towards chartership. You will have good numerical and data analysis skills and good writing skills. You will have a good knowledge of environmental water quality regulation; for example, the Water Framework Directive, Bathing Water Directive, Storm Overflow Assessment Framework (SOAF) and Storm Overflows Discharge Reduction Plans (SODRP). You will have experience of emerging water quality contaminants, including PFAS, and their assessment to ensure regulatory compliance and protection of environmental and human health. You will have an ability to develop innovative approaches in new technical areas and in data‑poor environments to support clients in decision‑making. You will be highly self‑motivated, possessing strong enthusiasm, commitment to delivering sustainable outcomes and focused on delivering technical excellence. A skilled collaborative worker, you will have great interpersonal skills and an ability to communicate effectively with different teams, clients, and stakeholders. You will be well‑organized, able to plan ahead and deal with multiple projects running in parallel.

Explore the rewards and benefits that help you thrive – at every stage of your life and your career. Enjoy competitive salaries, employee rewards and a brilliant range of benefits you can tailor to suit your own health, wellbeing, financial and lifestyle choices. Make the most of a myriad of opportunities for training and professional development to grow your skills and expertise. And combine our hybrid working culture and flexible holiday allowances to balance a great job and fulfilling personal life.

This role may require security clearance and offers of employment will be dependent on obtaining the relevant level of clearance. If this is necessary, it will be discussed with you at interview. The vetting process is delivered by United Kingdom Security Vetting (UKSV) and may require candidates to provide proof of residency in the UK of 5 years or longer. We are committed to creating a culture where everyone feels that they belong - a place where we can all be ourselves, thrive and develop to be the best we can be. So, we offer a range of family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements and employee resource groups to support all employees. As an Equal Opportunities Employer, we value applications from all backgrounds, cultures and ability.