At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead climate-resilient projects in flood risk and drainage while mentoring junior hydrologists.
- Company: Join a top sustainable consulting firm with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working, and comprehensive health benefits.
- Other info: Be part of a growing team dedicated to sustainability and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on Scotland's water resilience and community safety.
- Qualifications: Chartered professional with over ten years in water environment projects.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 € per year.
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.
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.
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.
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: Recognised by Corporate Knights as one of the world's top 10 most sustainable companies in 2025 and named Best Place to Work and International Consulting Firm of the Year by NCE Awards in 2024.
We do what is right: Industry‑leading training and development as well as paid professional subscriptions. A professional progression plan supports you to become chartered with ICE. We are better together: A supportive and collaborative team environment and an early‑careers peer group and ERG network. Growth: We're on an exciting growth journey across the UK and 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 and life assurance, discounted gym membership and more.
Hybrid / Flexible working: Enjoy a healthy work‑life balance with our hybrid approach to flexible working.
Senior Principal Hydrologist (Flood Risk & Sustainable Drainage) in Edinburgh employer: Stantec
Stantec is an exceptional employer, offering a collaborative and inclusive work environment in either Edinburgh or Glasgow, where you can make a meaningful impact on Scotland's water resilience and flood risk management. With a strong commitment to employee growth through industry-leading training, professional development opportunities, and a supportive team culture, Stantec ensures that your contributions are valued while providing competitive benefits and a healthy work-life balance through flexible working arrangements.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Principal Hydrologist (Flood Risk & Sustainable Drainage) in Edinburgh
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at the company through LinkedIn or industry events. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might just get your foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical skills and project experiences. Be ready to discuss how you've tackled complex projects and how you can bring that expertise to the team.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for sustainable solutions! Make sure to highlight any relevant experience with nature-based solutions or flood risk assessments during your conversations with potential employers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Principal Hydrologist (Flood Risk & Sustainable Drainage) in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. Highlight your expertise in hydraulic modelling, flood risk assessments, and any relevant software like Flood Modeller or ArcGIS Pro.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're passionate about hydrology and how your experience aligns with our mission. Share examples of projects you've led and how they made a difference in your community.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this role involves mentoring junior colleagues, be sure to mention any leadership experiences you have. We want to see how you've supported others in their professional journeys and contributed to team success.
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of getting noticed, apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Stantec
✨Know Your Technical Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your hydraulic modelling skills and hydrological methods. Be ready to discuss your experience with tools like Flood Modeller, TUFLOW, and GIS software. The interviewers will want to see that you can confidently lead projects and tackle complex challenges.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves mentoring junior colleagues, be prepared to share examples of how you've supported others in their professional development. Highlight any experiences where you've led teams or projects, and demonstrate your ability to inspire and guide others.
✨Engage with the Company’s Values
Familiarise yourself with the company's commitment to sustainability and community impact. Be ready to discuss how your values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their mission of enhancing Scotland's water resilience and environmental protection.
✨Prepare for Client Interaction Scenarios
As a trusted voice for clients, you’ll need to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical audiences. Think of examples where you've successfully managed client relationships or navigated complex discussions, and be ready to share these during your interview.
