Principal Flood Risk Modeller in Bristol

Role Overview

Let’s transform society together… We’re Sweco. We’re future planners, city shapers, urban innovators, digital transformers, net zero chasers, community connectors, social enterprisers and lifestyle improvers. We’re difference makers. We’re Europe’s leading design, engineering, environment and regulatory consultancy and we’re now recruiting for a Principal Flood Risk Modeller to join our Water team in Bristol. This role can be worked flexibly with a minimum of 3 days per week in the office and the option of adjusted start and finish times.

The Role

As part of the Water team, you’ll help promote the sustainable management of water resources, protecting the water environment and making people and places safer and more resilient to flood risk and climate change. In this role, you’ll play a key part in shaping and delivering flood risk management solutions across the UK, supporting clients through complex regulatory, technical and climate‑driven challenges. As a Principal Flood Risk Modeller, you will provide technical leadership across flood risk projects, setting best practice in hydraulic modelling and influencing decision‑making on flood mitigation and adaptation measures. You’ll work collaboratively with clients, regulators and multidisciplinary teams, while mentoring and developing colleagues within the modelling team.

Key Responsibilities

• Leading and contributing to a wide range of flood risk assessments, Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs), flood risk management and flood alleviation schemes across the UK
• Providing technical direction and quality assurance for flood risk and hydraulic modelling deliverables
• Applying expert judgement in flood risk assessment and management within multidisciplinary project teams, influencing modelling approaches and mitigation strategies
• Acting as a technical mentor, supporting the development of junior and mid‑level modellers through guidance, review and supervision
• Supporting optioneering, outline and schematic design of flood risk mitigation measures
• Contributing to public, stakeholder and statutory consultations where required

Ideal Qualifications

• Hold an MSc/MEng and/or PhD focussed on either hydrology, hydraulic modelling, water resources or other applied environmental science subject.
• Hold chartered status from an appropriate institution (C.Eng or C.WEM).
• Have significant experience in hydraulic modelling applied to a range of projects.
• Demonstrate good technical understanding of UK hydrology and open channel hydraulics.
• Demonstrate knowledge and experience of standard hydraulic modelling packages e.g. Infoworks ICM, Flood Modeller Pro, TUFLOW, HEC-RAS
• Demonstrate ability to lead and manage projects, working within agreed deliverables, key milestones, project methodology, quality assurance and control strategy.
• Understand economic appraisals (MCM, B£ST etc).
• Experience interpreting and applying EA guidance, best practice and technical standards
• Experience engaging with the Environment Agency, Lead Local Flood Authorities and other RMAs
• Have experience in optioneering and schematic design.
• Knowledge of Flood Risk Assessment, Natural Flood Management and Sustainable Drainage techniques is also desirable.

Benefits

• Flexible and hybrid working (Flexworks Policy)
• Competitive pension contribution
• Life Assurance
• Private Medical Insurance
• Company car allowance
• Discretionary Annual Bonus Scheme
• Payment of two relevant professional subscriptions
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays (with the option to purchase up to 5 additional days per year)
• Cycle2Work Scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme (wellbeing, mental health, financial and work advice)
• Employee discounts via Sweco Benefit Select (Faircare)
• Salary Sacrifice Electric Vehicle Scheme

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

It’s important to us that all our colleagues thrive at work - we strive to have a friendly and inclusive culture which respects the contribution individuals can bring to Sweco. We aim to promote equality, inclusivity and diversity for everyone. Here at Sweco we positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity/paternity. We have signed the Armed Forces Covenant to ensure those who serve or have served, and their families, are treated fairly. We are an accredited Real Living Wage Employer which reflects our commitment to fair pay and support for all colleagues. We are also proud to be a Disability Confident Committed employer, and will interview applicants covered by the Equality Act 2010 that opt into the guaranteed interview scheme on the application form and meet the minimum criteria for the role.