Senior Environmental Water Quality Consultant (Modelling) in Manchester

Water quality sits at the intersection of science, engineering and genuine environmental responsibility. As standards tighten, systems grow more complex, and the pressure on our inland waters and coastlines intensifies, the need for skilled, curious water quality modellers has never been greater. At Stantec, we are working in partnership with water companies across the UK and Ireland to develop sustainable solutions that address the real environmental needs of our communities and natural systems. We are looking for a Water Quality Modeller who wants to bring their technical skills to work that genuinely matters, in a team that will support them every step of the way.

About The Role

You will work within a core of scientific and engineering specialists, supporting clients primarily across the water sector as well as the energy and infrastructure sectors. Together, you will identify pollution sources, pathways and receptors and develop solutions for both natural and urban catchments, across estuarine, marine and coastal environments. Day to day, you will deliver technically sound quantitative models to support wider project delivery, author and review evidence‑led technical reports, and provide timely input to multidisciplinary programmes of work. You will build and maintain client relationships, contribute to the continuous development of our water quality services, and play an active role in mentoring junior colleagues and strengthening connections across disciplines. Our expanding project portfolio covers a wide range of water quality challenges, from reducing carbon and improving biodiversity to meeting increasingly stringent regulatory standards. No two projects are the same, and that variety is something the team genuinely values.

Your Impact

The models you build and the reports you produce will directly inform decisions that shape the health of rivers, estuaries and coastlines across the UK. Your work will help clients and communities achieve environmental outcomes that are both sustainable and efficient, contributing to a water environment that is cleaner, more resilient and better understood. As you grow in the role, you will also help develop your junior colleagues, passing on knowledge and building the kind of collaborative, expert team that can take on the challenges ahead.

About You

You hold a degree in Science, Mathematics or Engineering, with postgraduate qualifications or relevant industry experience. You are working towards or have already achieved Chartered status with a relevant professional institution. You have working experience with at least one water quality modelling package, such as MIKE, Delft3D, Telemac, or AEM3D, with demonstrable application in estuarine, marine, or coastal systems. You have a solid grounding in physico‑chemical water quality and the regulatory standards that apply to fresh and marine waters, and a basic understanding of coding in Python or R. You are a confident communicator, comfortable working with a broad range of stakeholders across multidisciplinary teams. You think outside the box, enjoy challenging conventional approaches and are motivated by the idea that your work leaves the environment in a better state than you found it.

Why Join Us

• We put people first: We're proud of our friendly, inclusive and collaborative environment where everyone feels valued and driven to succeed.
• We are driven to achieve: Named in the top 50 companies to work by Glassdoor 2025. Recognised by Corporate Knights as one of the world's top 10 most sustainable companies in 2025. Named 'Best Place to Work' and 'International Consulting Firm of the Year' at the NCE Awards 2024.
• We do what is right: Industry‑leading training and development, as well as paid professional subscriptions. A professional progression plan to support you in becoming chartered with ICE.
• We are better together: A supportive and collaborative team environment and Early Careers peer group, and a wider ERG network.
• Growth: We're on an exciting growth journey across the UK - we want you to be part of it!
• Great Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus schemes, enhanced pension plan, annual leave with the option to buy/sell additional days, private medical insurance, group income protection & life assurance included as standard as well as discounted gym membership and lots more.
• Hybrid/Flexible working: Enjoy a healthy work‑life balance with our hybrid approach to flexible work.