Senior Civil Engineer - Water in London

About the Trust
We’re one of the UK’s biggest charities and we care for 2,000 miles of canals, rivers, docks and reservoirs because we believe life is better by water. We’re looking for people who support our cause and want to make a difference for future generations.
Along with our waterways we also manage museums, archives and the country’s third largest collection of historic buildings, as well as the nature and wildlife that calls our canals home. All of this enables us to provide wellbeing opportunities for millions of people each year.
Senior Water Engineer Role
The Water Management Team plays a vital role in keeping the canal network operating safely and sustainably. The Senior Water Engineer is responsible for the strategic and operational management of water resources across the network, typically covering one of six regions in England and Wales, and supports safe, efficient and environmentally responsible water delivery.
The role includes managing water resources, operating hydraulic structures to control flows, and delivering flood‑risk management measures. This work is supported by telemetry and SCADA systems to monitor water levels, flows and asset performance, enabling informed, data‑driven decisions.
Working closely with engineering, operational and environmental teams, the role helps optimise asset performance, reduce water loss and ensure compliance with regulatory standards. A strong focus is placed on long‑term resilience, including assessing the impacts of climate change, drought and extreme weather, to shape sustainable water management strategies across the network.
This role follows a 37‑hour, Monday to Friday working pattern. The vacancy will be offered on a remote working basis, with a requirement to attend our main hub spaces as and when required. Travel is a key component of the role undertaking site inspections and field‑based work across the network. Occasional overnight stays may be required to facilitate site visits across geographically dispersed assets.
The Senior Water Engineer sits within a small specialist engineering team, working closely with the wider Water Management function and external partners to lead water‑related projects across the network. Responsibilities include optimising water supply and demand, overseeing hydraulic assets and managing flood risk using real‑time telemetry and SCADA data. The role provides technical leadership across asset management, maintenance planning, capital programmes and incident response, including drought and flood events. It also contributes to long‑term resilience through sustainable water management and climate‑change adaptation, while engaging effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities
Asset Management – feeders water control structures.
Water Control.
SCADA managing water control telemetry.
Support on wider Trust projects – guidance on water control flood risk.
Statutory Consultee in the LA planning process.
Working with partner agencies and authorities representing the Trust.
Water Abstraction and Licensing.
About You
The Senior Water Engineer will need to be a great communicator and able to establish and maintain relationships with both external parties to help them fulfil their visions, guiding them to deliver achievable plans, and also internal teams to gather support all whilst protecting the interests of the Trust and promoting our position.
Technical Skills
A degree or master’s in Civil Engineering (BEng/MEng) or a water‑management‑related discipline, with evidence of ongoing professional development.
Chartered or Incorporated Engineer status with a relevant professional body (or actively working towards).
Extensive experience in civil engineering, ideally within the water or waterway environment, including flood risk management, drainage design and the operation and maintenance of water‑control systems.
Strong knowledge of health and safety, asset management, historic infrastructure and the natural environment.
Collaborative, solutions‑focused approach, with the ability to work effectively with cross‑functional teams, stakeholders, contractors and internal and external partners.
Confidence in negotiation and decision‑making, with the ability to balance competing risks, priorities and resources across multiple functions.
Qualifications
A degree or master’s in Civil Engineering (BEng/MEng) or a water‑management‑related discipline, with evidence of ongoing professional development.
Ideally, Chartered or Incorporated Engineer status with a relevant professional body (or actively working towards).
General Skills
Experience working in diverse, multi‑disciplinary teams, with strong communication skills and the ability to present technical information to non‑technical audiences.
Confidence in negotiation and decision‑making, with the ability to prioritise conflicting cross‑functional risks while supporting colleagues and balancing wider business needs.
Experience managing workloads within a small team.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and digital tools, with experience using GIS or mapping systems.
A valid driving licence and access to a vehicle, as the role requires travel to sites not accessible by public transport.
What We Offer
In addition to your annual base salary of £44,750 – £50,750 we also offer a Car Cash Allowance (£425 per month), a competitive pension scheme, increasing holiday entitlement and a range of employee benefits.
We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce where everyone can thrive. We welcome applicants from across all sectors of the community.
We want everyone to have the opportunity to perform at their best during our recruitment process. If you require any reasonable adjustments – whether for a disability, neurodiversity or health condition – please let us know what you need and how we can support you. We’ll work with you to make any necessary changes.
All of our jobs can be considered on a part‑time, flexible or job share basis.
We operate a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the role. You are considered disabled under the Equality Act 2010 if you have a physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long‑term negative effect on your ability to carry out normal day‑to‑day activities. We recognise not everyone who is classified as disabled under the Equality Act personally identifies this way, or with this definition of disability. Please do not let this discourage you from applying under the scheme.
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