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- Tasks: Lead innovative projects tackling flood risk and sustainable drainage in Scotland.
- Company: Join Stantec, a top-rated company focused on sustainability and community impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working, and extensive professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative team culture with strong support for career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in communities while shaping the future of water management.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in water environment projects; Chartered status preferred.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
Scotland's water environment faces some of the most pressing challenges of our time. Flood risk is increasing. Climate resilience has never mattered more. And the communities that depend on a safe, sustainable water supply deserve solutions that are built to last. At Stantec, our Scotland Hydrology and Flood Risk team is doing exactly that work, and we are looking for a Senior Principal Hydrologist to help lead it. If you have spent a decade or more building deep expertise in the water environment and you are ready for a role where that expertise genuinely shapes a team, a client relationship and a region, this is the opportunity.
About The Role
Based in either our Edinburgh or Glasgow office, you will join a collaborative UK group of over 90 Hydrologists, Hydrogeologists, Water Resources Planners and Water Quality Scientists. Scotland is a key and growing part of that network, and this role sits at the heart of its next chapter.
Your work will span flood risk and drainage, hydraulic modelling, hydrology, nature-based solutions and development planning. You will lead the delivery of complex, climate-resilient projects, engage with our key client Scottish Water, and play an active role in shaping the direction of the Scotland hydrology team as it continues to grow.
Day to day, you will manage multiple projects simultaneously, support business development opportunities and mentor junior colleagues on their journey towards chartership. You will be a trusted voice for clients and a steady hand for the people around you.
Your technical toolkit will include experience leading work across some or all of the following:
- hydraulic modelling using Flood Modeller, TUFLOW or InfoWorks ICM;
- hydrological methods including FEH, ReFH2 and WINFAP;
- surface water drainage strategies incorporating SuDS;
- flood risk assessments and EIAs in line with national planning policy;
- river restoration and natural flood management;
- GIS-based spatial analysis using ArcGIS Pro or QGIS.
You will also be comfortable liaising with regulatory bodies including SEPA, local authorities and water companies.
Your Impact
The projects you lead here will enhance the resilience of Scotland's public water supply, reduce the environmental impact of wastewater infrastructure and protect communities from flood risk. That is work worth doing, and it requires someone who brings both technical authority and genuine care for the outcomes they are creating.
Beyond the projects themselves, your impact will be felt in the team you help to build. By mentoring the next generation of hydrologists and driving continuous improvement across project delivery, you will leave a mark that lasts long after any individual scheme is complete.
About You
You hold a degree in Civil Engineering, Geography, Environmental Science or a related discipline, and you are Chartered with a relevant professional body such as CIWEM or ICE. You bring more than ten years of experience delivering water environment projects, ideally within the regulated water sector.
You are as comfortable in a client meeting as you are in a technical review. You communicate clearly with both technical and non-technical audiences, manage complexity without losing sight of the detail, and lead with the kind of quiet confidence that brings out the best in the people around you.
Most importantly, you are looking for more than just another senior role. You want to be somewhere your leadership makes a real difference, to your team, your clients and the 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 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.
Senior Principal Hydrologist (Flood Risk & Sustainable Drainage) in Glasgow employer: Stantec UK
Contact Detail:
Stantec UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Principal Hydrologist (Flood Risk & Sustainable Drainage) in Glasgow
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the hydrology and flood risk field. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers or during interviews, make sure to highlight your experience with hydraulic modelling and flood risk assessments. Share specific examples of projects you've led that demonstrate your skills and impact.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to pop up. Reach out directly to companies like Stantec that you're interested in. Express your enthusiasm for their work in flood risk and sustainable drainage, and ask if they have any upcoming opportunities.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s recent projects and challenges in Scotland's water environment. Tailor your responses to show how your background aligns with their goals. And remember, we at StudySmarter are here to help you ace those interviews!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Principal Hydrologist (Flood Risk & Sustainable Drainage) in Glasgow
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that align with the Senior Principal Hydrologist role. Highlight your expertise in flood risk, hydraulic modelling, and any relevant projects you've led. We want to see how you can make a real difference!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about tackling Scotland's water challenges and how your leadership can shape our team. Be genuine and let your personality come through – we love to see the real you!
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Don’t forget to mention your technical toolkit! Whether it's Flood Modeller or GIS-based spatial analysis, make sure we know what you bring to the table. This role requires a solid understanding of hydrology and flood risk, so be clear about your experience.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our amazing team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Stantec UK
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your technical knowledge, especially around hydraulic modelling and flood risk assessments. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've worked on and how your expertise can contribute to Stantec's mission of enhancing Scotland's water resilience.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
As a Senior Principal Hydrologist, you'll be expected to lead and mentor. Prepare examples of how you've successfully guided teams or mentored junior colleagues in the past. Highlight your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
✨Engage with the Community
Stantec values community impact, so think about how your work has benefited local communities. Be ready to share your thoughts on sustainable drainage solutions and how they can improve public water supply and reduce flood risks.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare insightful questions that show your genuine interest in the role and the company. Inquire about the team's current projects, future challenges in flood risk management, or how Stantec plans to grow its hydrology team in Scotland. This will demonstrate your enthusiasm and strategic thinking.