Principal Environmental Consultant - Water Quality

At Jacobs, we challenge today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world's most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, and mission‑critical outcomes. In this role, you will be a key member of cross‑functional project teams, delivering water quality improvements that meet and exceed quality standards for generations to come.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership and direction for water quality studies – modelling, investigations, data analytics, urban pollution modelling, and EIAs.
• Collaborate with business leaders to deliver continued growth and expand the capability footprint.
• Interface with stakeholders and manage all technical and commercial matters.
• Support project teams by coordinating planning and tendering, including schedule and scope of works.
• Develop impact assessment strategies and processes to mitigate risks from chemical contaminants in major new water resource and supply options and environmental enhancement opportunities.
• Ensure quality, process, and governance are embedded and underpinned in all policy and regulatory development, meeting and exceeding current and future regulatory regimes and specifications.
• Continuously develop subject‑matter expertise in the application of UK and European water quality modelling standards and analytics.
• Check and review calculations and technical deliverables.
• Write and review technical reports.
• Proactively contribute to the ongoing development of a supportive team environment and mentor colleagues.

Qualifications

• Sound knowledge of a core discipline such as estuarine and coastal modelling or the impact of PFAS on drinking water, with subject‑matter expertise.
• Degree qualified in a relevant environmental subject (Environmental Science, Earth Science, Geography).
• Chartered or Fellow member of CIWEM or equivalent.
• Proven experience of technical review skills, able to programme, run and complete high‑quality environmental assessments.
• A track record in supporting the professional development of peers and colleagues.
• Good understanding of water quality policy and legislation, key environmental legislation and issues.
• Collaborative approach, supporting the personal development of colleagues and peers.
• Comfortable working across multiple disciplines, including emerging chemicals, nature‑based solutions, natural flood risk management, urban pollution modelling, nutrient modelling, environmental permitting.
• Exposure to stakeholders/clients such as Defra, Environment Agency, Natural Resources Wales, Planning Authorities, Lead Local Flood Authorities, Environmental NGOs, National Highways.

Equal Opportunity Statement

As a disability‑confident employer, we welcome applications from candidates who are seeking flexible working and from those who may not meet all the listed requirements for this role. We are committed to supporting disabled candidates throughout the recruitment process.