Job description

AECOM is seeking a Principal Hydrologist to join our multidisciplinary Water Team in Manchester. This is a rare opportunity to step into a newly defined leadership role where you will shape the hydrological strategy for our northern modelling teams. You’ll be joining a global firm of 50,000 professionals at a time of unprecedented investment, working on high-profile frameworks with the Environment Agency, National Grid, and major UK Water Companies. This is a part-time position that offers the “Freedom to Grow” through a flexible hybrid working model, allowing you to balance technical excellence with a schedule that suits your lifestyle.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Leadership: Lead flood hydrological assessments for flood alleviation schemes, planning applications, and EA flood mapping.
Quality Assurance: Serve as the technical reviewer for hydrological reports, ensuring all outputs meet industry standards and legislative requirements.
Advanced Modelling: Apply industry-standard guidance (FEH/ReFH2) to derive flood flow estimations across diverse English catchments.
Collaboration: Partner with hydraulic modellers to calibrate models and build strong relationships with clients across national and international projects.
Mentorship & Growth: Identify training requirements and mentor junior staff to support their professional development and chartership journeys.
Innovation: Act as a key member of the national hydrology community, driving “right first-time” digital innovation and representing AECOM at industry conferences.

What We Are Looking For

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Hydrology, or a related environmental discipline.
Professional Status: Chartered member of CIWEM or ICE (or equivalent).
Technical Expertise: Significant experience in flood flow estimation using FEH and ReFH2, rating reviews, and statistical hydrological analysis.
Software Skills: Strong GIS proficiency (QGIS, ArcGIS, or MapInfo) and familiarity with Hydrology+.
Experience: A proven track record of collaborating with hydraulic modellers and managing technical resources within a multidisciplinary environment.

Why AECOM?

We are a Fortune 500 firm that prides itself on creating “sustainable legacies.” In the UK, our 700-strong Water business works on everything from the Great Grid Partnership (energy transition) to massive international schemes in the Middle East.

Flexibility: We are a Disability Confident Employer and champions of neurodiversity, offering hybrid work and flexible hours.
Development: Access to AECOM University, technical practice networks, and structured paths to senior leadership.
Well-being: A comprehensive suite of core and personalized benefits, including volunteering days and support for mental and physical health.
Impact: Your work will directly protect communities from flood risk and help secure the UK’s water and energy future.

Application Tip

As this is a part-time role, AECOM encourages open discussion about your specific availability and how it can best fit the team’s needs. For more details, you can reach out to the recruiter, Katie Scales, on LinkedIn.

To apply for this job please visit uk.linkedin.com.