Drainage Engineer in Peterborough

Apply for the Drainage Engineer role at Go Construct.

What does a drainage engineer do?

As a drainage engineer, you will be responsible for designing drainage systems to ensure safe water or sewerage flow. Duties may include on‑site visits, project meetings, and technical design work. Drainage engineering is a discipline within civil engineering, and as such some duties may crossover between these roles.

Responsibilities

• Lead project meetings
• Visit sites to gain an understanding of the project
• Plan drainage systems using computer modelling software
• Liaise with other teams and departments
• Prepare costs and schedules
• Work with clients to ensure their requirements are fulfilled and expectations met
• Use advanced computer modelling tools
• Assess the environmental impact of proposed works
• Keep up to date with changing legislation and codes of practice to ensure compliance
• Answer technical queries
• Visit the site during construction to ensure works are completed to specification
• Help design flood management or defence systems
• Combine an in‑depth understanding of physics and computer‑based design tools

How to become a drainage engineer

There are several routes to becoming a drainage engineer. You are likely expected to hold a university degree, but you could also complete a college course, an apprenticeship, or apply directly to an employer if you have relevant experience.

University

You will usually be expected to hold a Foundation Degree in a relevant subject such as:

• Geology
• Geography
• Geophysics
• Geotechnology
• Civil Engineering
• Physics
• Engineering
• Environmental Science
• Environmental Engineering

College / Training Provider

You may need to attend a specialist college or training provider to start your journey. Courses such as a Level 4 HNC in Civil Engineering or a Level 5 HND in Construction and the Built Environment can be followed by on‑the‑job training to qualify.

Apprenticeship

Completing an apprenticeship in a drainage or waterworks company, or an advanced civil engineering apprenticeship, can provide a route into the industry. For an Advanced Civil Engineering Apprenticeship you’ll need:

• 5 GCSEs (including English, maths and science) at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent
• 1–2 A Levels, or equivalent

Work

With some engineering experience you can apply directly to a company and gain on‑site experience. You might start as an assistant to a more experienced drainage engineer and progress as your abilities improve.

Skills

• Mathematics, geography and science knowledge
• Knowledge of engineering science and technology
• Analytical thinking skills
• Attention to detail
• Excellent communication skills

Qualifications

• Level 2 NVQ in Construction Operations – Drainage Construction
• Level 3 Apprenticeship in Civil Engineering for Technicians
• Level 2 Construction‑related qualification progressing to higher levels
• Modern Apprenticeship in Civil Engineering Construction Technical at SCQF Level 6

Salary

• Newly trained drainage engineers can earn £23,000
• Trained drainage engineers with experience can earn up to £51,000*
• Self‑employed drainage engineers set their own pay rates

*Salaries vary by location, employer, level of responsibility, and overtime. Salaries are compiled from multiple industry sources.