Lead Specialist (Water Resources Hydrology)

Full time, permanent position. You will be based in either Edinburgh, Central Scotland (for access to Motherwell) or Dingwall. Interviews will take place w/c 1st June. SEPA is dedicated to protecting Scotland’s environment and leading projects that make a difference. In this role you will have the opportunity to be part of a purposeful, science‑driven team.

Role Overview

• Provide technical leadership and expertise on surface water resources evidence and advice within SEPA and externally, influencing strategic approaches to water resources regulation, planning and climate adaptation.
• Oversee the evidence side of SEPA’s operational water scarcity incident response service, delivering the weekly water scarcity report and associated communications, enquiries and media engagement.
• Drive the transformation of the service, incorporating scientific, innovative and technological advances.
• Support the team in delivering expert surface water evidence and advice across the organisation and to external partners, and lead on the most complex, high‑risk and occasionally contentious cases.
• Provide technical direction for surface water resources projects, such as modelling and mapping for water body classification and regulatory authorisations, and supporting the delivery of River Basin Management Plan regulatory actions.
• Work collaboratively with other specialists in the team and across SEPA to integrate surface and groundwater resources evidence and advice, enabling holistic water resources management across catchments.

Qualifications

• Degree in an appropriate scientific discipline or equivalent experience.
• Extensive hydrological experience and knowledge, including a comprehensive understanding of water resources processes, modelling and climate change impacts, and knowledge of legislative and regulatory requirements within a Scottish context.
• Effective leadership skills, including strategic thinking, solution‑focused mindset, strong collaborative and influence skills, and demonstrable project management and organisational capability.
• Strong people skills – empathy, tact and sound judgement when mentoring, supporting staff and balancing priorities.
• Excellent communication skills, with a proven ability to translate complex concepts into clear, accessible messages for non‑technical stakeholders and the public.

Benefits

• Hybrid and flexible working opportunities.
• Up to 35 days annual leave and 7 additional public holidays each year (pro rata).
• Paid time off to support wellbeing and enable volunteering in your community.
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
• Progressive family‑friendly policies.
• Training and development opportunities to improve skills and competencies.
• Additional lifestyle benefits such as access to an online employee discount platform, credit union facilities and a Cycle‑to‑Work scheme.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

SEPA is committed to promoting equality, diversity and good relations in everything it does. We only recruit on merit, ensuring a fair and anonymous shortlisting process. We support flexible working arrangements such as part‑time, reduced hours, job sharing and remote working. We are a ‘Disability Confident’ employer and will provide reasonable adjustments and equipment to support you in the role. Applicants with visual impairments can request job descriptions and application forms in Braille, large print or on tape. Successful candidates will undergo Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) pre‑employment checks. For questions or assistance with the recruitment process, contact SEPA’s Recruitment Team at recruitment@sepa.org.uk.