Principal Water Quality Consultant (Modeller) in Ledston

Coastal and estuarine water quality is one of the most technically demanding and environmentally significant areas of water science. The demand for genuinely skilled water quality modellers has never been higher. At Stantec, we work 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. We are looking for a Principal Water Quality Modeller to bring deep technical expertise and ambition to apply it to work that moves the needle. Based at several office locations, 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 offers real opportunities to work overseas, including on major projects in the United States.

Key Responsibilities

• 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, spanning hydrodynamics, multiphase flows, particle tracking, advection dispersion, water quality and chemical processes.
• You will work with a broad range of stakeholders, identifying pollution sources, pathways and impacts on sensitive receptors, and help develop both engineered and nature‑based solutions.
• Projects cover everything from reducing carbon and improving biodiversity to meeting increasingly stringent regulatory standards across fresh and marine waters.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in 2D and 3D hydrodynamic and water‑quality modelling, and either Chartered or actively working towards Chartered status with a relevant professional institution.
• 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 is a strong advantage.
• Communicates clearly and confidently with a broad range of stakeholders, from clients and regulators to colleagues across multidisciplinary teams.
• Thinks differently, challenges conventional approaches and is driven by the opportunity to improve the environments and communities the work serves.

What We Offer

• 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, discounted gym membership and more.
• Industry‑leading training and development, paid professional subscriptions, professional progression plan to support chartered status with ICE, a supportive and collaborative team environment, early careers peer group and a wider ERG network.
• Hybrid / flexible working – enjoy a healthy work‑life balance with our hybrid approach to flexible working.

Stantec provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants for future and current employment and prohibits 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. If you need any support or require adjustments to be made then please contact careers.UK@stantec.com and we will talk to you about how we can support you.