Senior / Principal Hydrologist (Flood Risk Consultant)
Senior / Principal Hydrologist (Flood Risk Consultant)

Senior / Principal Hydrologist (Flood Risk Consultant)

Edinburgh Full-Time 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Deliver sustainable flood-risk solutions and mentor junior staff in a collaborative environment.
  • Company: Join Stantec, a global leader in creating sustainable communities.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, diverse projects, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on climate resilience and water management.
  • Qualifications: Degree in relevant field and experience in water environment projects.
  • Other info: Dynamic team with over 80 experts and excellent career advancement opportunities.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.

Senior / Principal Hydrologist (Flood Risk Consultant)

Stantec is seeking a Senior or Principal Hydrologist – Flood Risk Consultant to join our growing Hydrology and Flood Risk discipline within the Water Environment team. You can be based in one of our Edinburgh, Glasgow, Manchester, Leeds, Newcastle, Bristol, or Cardiff offices, joining a friendly team and a collaborative group of over 90 Hydrologists, Hydrogeologists, Water Resources Planners, and Water Quality Scientists.

Our projects include enhancing the resilience of the public water supply, reducing the impact of wastewater treatment infrastructure on the water environment and working with Lead Local Flood Authorities.

You will play a key role in delivering sustainable, climate‑resilient flood risk and drainage solutions, with opportunities to work across hydraulic modelling, hydrology, Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) design, flood risk appraisal, and development planning support.

You will also contribute to the growth and development of the team – mentoring junior staff, sharing technical expertise, and supporting continuous improvement across our project delivery and quality assurance processes.

About You

To be successful in this role, you will hold a degree in Civil Engineering, Geography, Environmental Science, or a related discipline, and have achieved or are working towards Chartership with a relevant professional body (e.g. CIWEM, ICE). You will bring significant experience in delivering and managing water environment projects, with a blend of technical expertise, leadership ability, and communication skills that enable you to guide team members and build trusted client relationships. You’ll be confident managing multiple complex projects simultaneously, supporting business development opportunities, and helping shape the future direction of our water and flood risk capability.

  • Preparation of Flood Risk Assessments (FRAs) in accordance with national planning policy
  • Hydraulic modelling using software such as Flood Modeller, TUFLOW or InfoWorks ICM
  • Application of hydrological methods, including FEH, ReFH2 and WINFAP for flow estimation
  • Development of surface water drainage strategies incorporating SuDS, aligned with CIRIA guidance and LLFA requirements
  • Surface water drainage design using tools such as MicroDrainage (InfoDrainage)
  • Delivery of flood risk and drainage studies for LLFAs, including Flood Studies, Surface Water Management Plans (SWMPs), Local Flood Risk Management Plans and Flood Protection Schemes (FPSs)
  • Contribution to river restoration and natural flood management schemes
  • Supporting planning applications with appropriate flood and drainage documentation
  • Preparation of Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs), including screening, scoping and supporting flood risk and drainage chapters
  • Proficient use of GIS for spatial analysis and mapping, with experience in software such as ArcGIS Pro and QGIS
  • Liaison with regulatory bodies, including LLFAs, Environment Agency, SEPA and water companies
  • A sound understanding of relevant planning and technical guidance, including the NPPF, SuDS Manual, and non‑statutory technical standards
  • Excellent report writing and communication skills for technical and non‑technical audiences

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. 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 info@stantec.com and we will talk to you about how we can support you.

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Senior / Principal Hydrologist (Flood Risk Consultant) employer: Stantec

Stantec is an exceptional employer, offering a collaborative work culture where over 80 hydrologists and water specialists thrive in delivering sustainable flood-risk solutions. With a strong commitment to employee growth through mentorship and continuous improvement, Stantec provides meaningful opportunities for professional development in vibrant locations like Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Leeds, making it an ideal place for those passionate about enhancing community resilience and environmental stewardship.
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Contact Detail:

Stantec Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior / Principal Hydrologist (Flood Risk Consultant)

✨Network Like a Pro

Get out there and connect with professionals in the hydrology field! Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!

✨Show Off Your Skills

When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience with hydraulic modelling and flood risk assessments. We want to see how you can bring your expertise to the table, so don’t hold back on showcasing your past projects!

✨Prepare for the Interview

Do your homework on Stantec and the specific role you’re applying for. Brush up on your knowledge of SuDS design and flood risk management strategies. We love candidates who come prepared with questions and insights about our work!

✨Apply Through Our Website

Make sure to apply directly through our website for the best chance at landing that Senior/Principal Hydrologist role. We keep an eye on applications that come through our platform, so don’t miss out on this opportunity!

We think you need these skills to ace Senior / Principal Hydrologist (Flood Risk Consultant)

Hydraulic Modelling
Flood Risk Assessment (FRA)
Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) Design
Surface Water Drainage Strategies
Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA)
GIS Proficiency
Project Management
Technical Report Writing
Communication Skills
Leadership Skills
Regulatory Liaison
Knowledge of National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF)
Experience with Flood Modeller, TUFLOW, or InfoWorks ICM
Application of Hydrological Methods (FEH, ReFH2, WINFAP)

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior/Principal Hydrologist role. Highlight your experience with flood risk assessments, hydraulic modelling, and any relevant software you've used. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about flood risk consultancy and how your background makes you a great fit for our team. Don’t forget to mention your leadership experience and mentoring skills!

Showcase Your Projects: Include specific examples of projects you've worked on that relate to flood risk and drainage solutions. We love seeing how you've contributed to sustainable practices and collaborated with local authorities. It helps us understand your hands-on experience!

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s straightforward and ensures your application goes directly to us. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role there!

How to prepare for a job interview at Stantec

✨Know Your Hydrology Inside Out

Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of flood risk assessments, hydraulic modelling, and sustainable drainage systems. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've worked on and how you applied relevant methods like FEH or ReFH2.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As a Senior or Principal Hydrologist, you'll be expected to mentor junior staff and lead projects. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams or contributed to project delivery, highlighting your communication skills and ability to juggle multiple tasks.

✨Familiarise Yourself with Relevant Regulations

Understand the national planning policy and technical guidance related to flood risk and drainage. Be prepared to discuss how you've navigated these regulations in past projects, especially when liaising with regulatory bodies like LLFAs or the Environment Agency.

✨Prepare for Technical Questions

Expect to face technical questions during your interview. Brush up on your GIS skills, particularly with tools like ArcGIS Pro and QGIS, and be ready to explain how you've used them in your work. This will demonstrate your technical proficiency and problem-solving abilities.

Senior / Principal Hydrologist (Flood Risk Consultant)
Stantec
Location: Edinburgh

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