At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead climate-resilient projects in flood risk and sustainable drainage.
- Company: Join Stantec, a top-rated company focused on sustainability and community impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, bonuses, enhanced pension, and private medical insurance.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in Scotland's water environment and mentor the next generation.
- Qualifications: Degree in relevant field and over ten years of experience in water projects.
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.
Senior Principal Hydrologist (Flood Risk & Sustainable Drainage) employer: Stantec UK
At Stantec, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. As a Senior Principal Hydrologist in our Edinburgh or Glasgow office, you will not only lead impactful projects that enhance Scotland's water resilience but also benefit from industry-leading training, mentorship opportunities, and a supportive team environment. Join us to make a meaningful difference while enjoying competitive benefits and being part of a company recognised as one of the best places to work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Principal Hydrologist (Flood Risk & Sustainable Drainage)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the hydrology and flood risk sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself to potential colleagues at Stantec. You never know who might have a lead on that perfect role!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! Prepare to discuss your past projects in detail during interviews. Highlight your experience with hydraulic modelling and flood risk assessments, and how you've made a difference in previous roles. This is your chance to shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to appear. Reach out directly to Stantec through our website and express your interest in the Senior Principal Hydrologist role. A personal touch can make all the difference!
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for the unexpected! Interviews can throw curveballs, so brush up on your technical knowledge and be ready to tackle scenario-based questions. Show them you’re not just a candidate, but the solution they need for Scotland's water challenges.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Principal Hydrologist (Flood Risk & Sustainable Drainage)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Senior Principal Hydrologist role. Highlight your experience in flood risk, hydraulic modelling, and any relevant projects you've led. We want to see how your expertise aligns with our mission to tackle Scotland's water challenges.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this role involves mentoring junior colleagues and leading projects, don’t forget to mention your leadership experiences. Share examples of how you've guided teams or influenced client relationships. We’re looking for someone who can inspire others while driving project success.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your skills and experiences. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications at a glance.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, you’ll find all the information you need about the position and our team there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Stantec UK
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your technical knowledge related to hydraulic modelling, flood risk assessments, and nature-based solutions. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've worked on and how your expertise can contribute to the team's goals at Stantec.
✨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 junior colleagues or managed complex projects. Highlight your ability to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical audiences.
✨Understand the Company Culture
Familiarise yourself with Stantec's values and their commitment to sustainability and community impact. Be ready to discuss how your personal values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their collaborative environment.
✨Prepare Questions
Have thoughtful questions ready for your interviewers about the team dynamics, ongoing projects, and future growth opportunities within the Scotland Hydrology and Flood Risk team. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
