Principal Water Quality Consultant (Modeller) in Belfast

Coastal and estuarine water quality is one of the most technically demanding and environmentally significant areas of water science. As political and public pressure intensifies, standards tighten, and the complexity of the systems we need to model continues to grow, the demand for genuinely skilled water quality modellers has never been higher. 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 inland waters and coastlines.

About The Role

Based in Belfast, you will work within a core of scientific and engineering specialists, supporting clients primarily across the water sector as well as energy and infrastructure. The role is predominantly UK-focused, but there are real opportunities to work with colleagues overseas, including on major projects in the United States. At the heart of this role is the scoping, data collection, development, execution and presentation of multidimensional environmental water quality models. These models simulate the behaviour of reservoirs, lakes, transitional waters and coastal environments, and your work will span hydrodynamics, multiphase flows, particle tracking, advection dispersion, water quality and chemical processes.

You will work with a broad range of stakeholders, contribute to identifying pollution sources, pathways and impacts on sensitive receptors, and help develop both engineered and nature-based solutions. Our expanding project portfolio covers everything from reducing carbon and improving biodiversity to meeting increasingly stringent regulatory standards across fresh and marine waters.

Your Impact

The models you build here will inform decisions that shape the health of some of the UK's and Ireland's most sensitive aquatic environments. Your work will help communities, regulators and water companies understand complex systems and make confident, evidence-based choices about how to protect and improve them. This is a role with real scope for technical development and career progression, through existing contracts and client relationships both in the UK and internationally. The further you grow, the further the work can take you.

About You

You bring extensive experience in 2D and 3D hydrodynamic and water-quality modelling, and you are either Chartered or actively working towards Chartered status with a relevant professional institution. You are comfortable working independently and with minimal supervision, bringing the kind of technical authority that comes from years of applied experience. Your expertise includes a strong understanding of numerical modelling equations and discretisation, 2D mesh generation and proven experience with software such as MIKE, Delft3D or Telemac across relevant applications. A grounding in physicochemical water quality, oceanography and the regulatory standards that govern fresh and marine waters would be a strong advantage.

You communicate clearly and confidently with a broad range of stakeholders, from clients and regulators to colleagues across multidisciplinary teams. You think differently, challenge conventional approaches and are driven by the opportunity to improve the environments and communities your work serves.

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 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.

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.