At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead flood risk projects and mentor junior colleagues in a collaborative environment.
- Company: Join Stantec, a top-rated company focused on sustainable solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a growing team with excellent career progression.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on communities while shaping the future of water management.
- Qualifications: Degree in relevant field and experience in flood risk consulting required.
The predicted salary is between 51750 - 63250 £ per year.
The UK's flood risk landscape is changing. Climate pressures are intensifying, regulatory expectations are rising, and the communities that depend on resilient, well-managed water environments deserve solutions that are built to last. The professionals who can lead that work with both technical authority and genuine human understanding are exactly who we are looking for.
At Stantec, our Hydrology and Flood Risk team is growing because the demand for what we do is growing. We are looking for a Principal Hydrologist with a strong flood risk consulting background to join us, someone ready to take a leading role in delivering complex work and helping shape a team with real ambition.
About The Role
You will join a friendly, collaborative group of over 100 Hydrologists, Hydrogeologists, Water Resources Planners and Water Quality Scientists, with flexibility to be based from our Newcastle, Manchester, Leeds, Bristol or Cardiff offices. Your project portfolio will span the full breadth of flood risk and drainage consultancy, including enhancing the resilience of public water supply, reducing the environmental impact of wastewater infrastructure and working with Lead Local Flood Authorities. You will deliver sustainable, climate-resilient solutions across flood risk appraisal, hydraulic modelling, hydrology, SuDS design and development planning support.
At the Principal level, your contribution will extend well beyond technical delivery. You will mentor junior colleagues, lead quality assurance processes, support business development and play an active part in shaping the future direction of our flood risk and water environment capability.
Your experience will span some or all of the following:
- Preparation of Flood Risk Assessments in line with national planning policy
- Hydraulic modelling using Flood Modeller, TUFLOW or InfoWorks ICM
- Hydrological methods including FEH, ReFH2 and WINFAP
- Surface water drainage strategies and SuDS design
- LLFA studies including SWMPs, Local Flood Risk Management Plans and Flood Protection Schemes
- River restoration and natural flood management
- EIA preparation
- GIS analysis using ArcGIS Pro or QGIS
- Liaison with the Environment Agency, SEPA, LLFAs and water companies
Your Impact
The projects you lead will protect communities from flooding, support the long-term security of public water supply and contribute to the restoration of natural systems under pressure across the UK. That is work with real consequences, and your technical leadership will sit at its heart. Beyond the projects, the people you develop will carry the expertise and standards you help instil throughout their careers. At the principal level, that kind of lasting influence is one of the most rewarding parts of the role, and it is something our team takes real pride in.
About You
You hold a degree in Civil Engineering, Geography, Environmental Science, or a related discipline, and you are Chartered with CIWEM, ICE, or a similar professional body, or actively working towards it. You bring significant experience managing and delivering water environment projects, combining deep technical knowledge with the leadership and communication skills that build trusted, long-term client relationships.
You are confident managing multiple complex projects simultaneously, contributing to business development conversations and helping steer the strategic direction of a growing discipline. You produce high-quality technical reports for both technical and non-technical audiences, and you bring the rigour and attention to detail that work of this consequence demands.
Most importantly, you are looking for a role where your expertise and leadership matter equally. A place where you can do excellent work, develop excellent people and be part of a team that is genuinely going somewhere.
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 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 for professional subscriptions. A professional progression plan, supporting you to become chartered with ICE.
We are better together: A supportive and collaborative team environment and Early Careers peer group and 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 working.
About Stantec
The Stantec community unites more than 34,000 employees working in over 450 locations across 6 continents. We have been working with our clients and communities in the UK for over 150 years. We plan, design, deliver and manage the development and infrastructure needed to support the creation of sustainable, healthy and prosperous communities.
Our teams provide effective and relevant solutions, translating our clients’ vision into valued consents, deliverable plans for projects and programmes, and efficient designs for delivery, based on technical excellence and deep market insights. We deal with today’s challenges, but also keep a fairer, better tomorrow in sight, looking at how we deliver clean growth, support radical changes in our economy and meet the needs of future communities.
Stantec provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants for future and current employment and prohibit discrimination on the grounds of race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. We prohibit discrimination in decisions concerning recruitment, hiring, referral, promotion, compensation, fringe benefits, job training, terminations or any other condition of employment. Stantec is in compliance with laws and regulations and ensures equitable opportunities in all aspects of employment. Building an inspired, inclusive work environment that attracts, supports, and develops world-class talent is a crucial key to our success. If you are excited by this role but worry that your experience doesn’t exactly align, we encourage you to apply. At Stantec we want you to perform your best at every stage of the recruitment process and are committed to ensuring it is accessible to all. If you need any support or require adjustments to be made then please contact [email protected] and we will talk to you about how we can support you.
Principal Hydrologist (Flood Risk Consultant) in Bristol employer: Stantec UK Careers
Stantec is an exceptional employer, offering a collaborative and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. With access to industry-leading technologies and a strong commitment to sustainability, you'll have the opportunity to work on impactful projects while enjoying competitive benefits, flexible working arrangements, and a clear path to professional progression. Join us in Redditch or Newcastle to be part of a team that values your contributions and supports your career aspirations in the water industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Hydrologist (Flood Risk Consultant) in Bristol
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✨Join Industry-Specific Organisations
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We think you need these skills to ace Principal Hydrologist (Flood Risk Consultant) in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for a role in environmental engineering tech, make sure to highlight your technical skills like CAD software proficiency, data analysis, or modelling techniques. These are essential for the job and should stand out in your CV and cover letter, showing how you can contribute to projects at Stantec UK Careers.
Demonstrate Your Passion for Sustainability:In this field, showcasing your passion for sustainability and environmental protection can set you apart. Include any relevant projects, volunteer experience, or courses that underline your commitment to these causes. Stantec UK Careers will appreciate candidates who genuinely care about making a difference.
Tailor Your Application to the Role:Don't just send a generic CV and cover letter. Make sure to tailor your application to the specific role of Principal Hydrologist (Flood Risk Consultant) at Stantec UK Careers. Highlight experiences that align directly with the job description and give concrete examples of your work to demonstrate that you’re the right fit for a full-time position.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have certifications related to environmental engineering or technology, like LEED Accreditation or any relevant software certifications, make sure to mention them. These qualifications can boost your application and show that you’re serious about your professional development in this competitive field.
How to prepare for a job interview at Stantec UK Careers
✨Brush Up on Environmental Regulations
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest environmental regulations and standards. In an environmental engineering tech role at Stantec UK Careers, you might be asked specific questions about compliance measures, so understanding these will definitely give you an edge.
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Prepare to demonstrate your proficiency with relevant tools and software, such as AutoCAD or GIS. You might be given a practical problem to solve during the interview, so it’s a great idea to brush up on these skills and perhaps even bring a portfolio of your projects to showcase your technical prowess.
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✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Be ready for behavioural questions that assess how you handle teamwork, conflict, and project management. Think of examples from your studies or practical experiences where you tackled challenges effectively, showcasing both your technical and interpersonal skills.
