Water Resources Strategy Lead

What if you could shape a career as unique as you? At WSP, you can always find opportunities to grow and do what matters to you. Make the most of our global reach to discover new challenges and chances to work with diverse, talented individuals who will help you expand your horizons.

A little more about your role… We are seeking to appoint a talented, enthusiastic and committed Senior Water Resources Consultant to support a range of projects undertaken by our Sustainable Water Management team spanning water resources planning, water policy and hydrology. You will have responsibility for technical delivery, project management and will support winning new work through the development of proposals.

We are looking for an experienced and enthusiastic, flexible self-starter who is capable of both independent work and working as part of a team. You will be a highly motivated, numerate candidate with excellent communication skills. You will have the ability to apply technical knowledge in analysing problems and finding solutions to new challenges.

The role will have a specific focus on existing UK water companies, regional groups and regulators but you will have the opportunity to work with a range of clients across a number of sectors. This may include work beyond the UK in the EU and wider international projects. We are particularly keen to hear from you if you have experience in areas such as water resources simulation modelling, demand management, hydrological modelling and options appraisal.

We encourage our teams to work across disciplines so there will be opportunities to work on wider projects such as hydrogeology, water quality, flood risk management and environmental impact assessment. As such we would welcome applications from those with wider skillsets and experience. There is opportunity to shape this role and related seniority to suit the right candidate.

YOUR TEAM This is an exciting opportunity to make a significant contribution to the continued success and growth of our Catchment Science team who work across a wide range of services, bringing together a wealth of staff knowledge and experience in water resources, hydrogeology, water quality, catchment management, hydroecology, hydrology and flood risk.

Our team provides a comprehensive integrated water resource planning service to the water industry, its regulators and to government both in the UK and Internationally. We support our clients to holistically understand the resilience of their existing water resource systems and how they may change due to population growth, environmental pressures, under extreme drought and the impacts of a changing climate. We also support our clients through the identification, development and appraisal of their solutions (supply and demand) to these challenges and with approaches to decision making, adaptive planning and situation analysis and strategic planning justification.

Our clients rely on us to help them to translate these studies into the following types of strategic planning programmes and plans:

• Water resource management and regional water resource plans
• Water resources modelling
• Strategic water resource options
• Environmental destination, WRGIS and sustainable abstraction
• Environmental appraisal and strategic environmental assessment
• Drought planning
• Water Industry National Environment Programme

We believe that our people are our greatest asset, and we help our team to grow and develop alongside our business growth. One way we help our people do this is through identifying development opportunities and training that is aligned to what our clients want from us, we look to support your growth within our team in ways like this.

What we will be looking for you to demonstrate…

• Demonstrable experience in applying water resources management tools and a breadth of water resource planning experience in consultancy, Water Company, Regulatory or Academic.
• An understanding of the latest regulatory requirements of UK water resources management including the Water Resource Planning Guidelines.
• Experience in water resources planning projects such as environmental destination, water resources modelling and/or demand management.
• Strong numerate and analytical skills, and ability to apply these to analysing problems and finding solutions to novel challenges.
• Some programming experience (skills in Python and/or the R statistical package) would be advantageous, together with an interest in using these skills in the development and implementation of innovative solutions to water management.
• You may already have gained some experience of the management of small projects, and/or should have some interest in developing your project management skills.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to write high quality concise reports.

Qualifications

• A degree-level qualification in a relevant subject such as geography, hydrology, earth/environmental science, civil engineering or maths.
• Post graduate qualification in water resources management, hydrology or a related discipline.
• You will have gained, or be working towards chartership with a relevant professional body.

Imagine a better future for you and a better future for us all. Work on landmark projects around the world and embrace opportunities to make an even bigger impact in the communities you care about. What if you could do the best work of your life and create a legacy for yourself? With us, you can. Apply today.

About Us We are one of the world's leading engineering and professional services firms. Our 72,800 passionate people are united by the common purpose of creating positive, long-lasting impacts on the communities we serve through a culture of innovation, integrity, and inclusion. With over 9,000 professionals across the UK and Ireland, we are dedicated to our local communities and propelled by international brainpower.

WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU?

• Work-life balance: At WSP, we understand that work is just one aspect of your life. It's important to make time for you, your family, friends, interests and your community. Our hybrid working policy offers the flexibility to work from home two days a week, while also providing opportunities to collaborate in our modern offices across the UK.
• Inclusivity & Belonging: We welcome applicants with varied backgrounds and experiences. We enable rewarding careers by encouraging people to bring their whole and authentic selves to work so that our work represents the fullest spectrum of society. We celebrate integrity and treat people with respect, supporting each other and embracing a culture of inclusion and belonging at WSP. We have our employee resource groups bring together employees and allies with different backgrounds to promote our culture of inclusivity.
• Health & Wellbeing: We are committed to supporting our people, giving you the tools to make improvements to your health and wellbeing through our Thrive programme. Our Virtual GP service gives you access to an NHS or Irish Medical Council GP at a time and place that suits you – giving you peace of mind and quick access to medical advice when you need it most. We also provide reasonable workplace adjustments for those in need. Additionally, you can benefit from the Gymflex scheme, which offers up to 40% off annual gym memberships through our WSP flexible benefits program, as well as a comprehensive menopause support package.
• Flex your time: To enhance work-life balance, WSP offers the “WSP My Hour,” allowing you to take one hour each day for personal activities, with the flexibility to make up the time earlier or later that day. We also provide part-time and flexible working arrangements, the option to purchase additional leave, and the ability to use your bank holiday entitlement to suit you.
• Your development: We understand the importance of development and training to you. That's why we foster a supportive environment that invests in your growth, whether through training, mentoring, or Chartership.

#WeAreWSP Here at WSP 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. As a Disability Confident leader, we will interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria, please let us know if you require any workplace adjustments in support of your application.