Senior Hydrologist

About Mott MacDonald and the Division

Mott MacDonald is a global engineering, management, and development consultancy with over 20,000 employees in more than 50 countries and 140 offices. Our teams work across diverse global sectors delivering impactful projects that serve communities and shape the future. Our Water Consultancy Division specializes in tackling water and wastewater challenges, providing services from advisory and feasibility studies to design, construction support, and supervision. This division is a center of excellence with a focus on ensuring sustainable water supplies and environmental protection.

Role Overview

As a Senior Hydrologist within the Water Resources and Flooding team, you will contribute expert knowledge spanning hydrology, hydrogeology, water quality, climate resilience, and related areas. The role supports major UK water companies, environmental agencies, and international hydropower projects through advanced hydrological and climate science services, including climate change impact assessments and hydrological modeling.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead delivery and offer expert advice on diverse hydrology-related topics.
• Conduct low flow assessments and model water systems to evaluate water availability during drought conditions.
• Implement and manage hydrological forecasting systems.
• Utilize global and regional climate projections to estimate future changes in climate variables.
• Perform flood hydrology studies integrating climate change impacts.
• Lead hydropower feasibility studies, including design flood definitions and energy generation verifications.
• Carry out climate change risk assessments for individual assets or portfolios.
• Lead bid and proposal writing within water resources, environmental, and engineering sectors.
• Provide senior-level guidance and mentorship to team members.
• Produce high-quality client reports and presentations.

Candidate Profile

We seek candidates with demonstrated experience and passion for innovation in hydrology and related disciplines. Essential qualifications include a relevant degree (e.g., hydrology, geography, civil engineering), Chartered status with a recognized institution, and solid expertise in low flow hydrology and climate change impact assessments using projections like UKCP18 and CMIP5/6. Candidates should be organized, detail-oriented, possess strong communication skills, and have a pragmatic approach to problem-solving.

Preferred candidates have professional consultancy experience in water resources and hydrology, postgraduate qualifications in a related field, familiarity with UK water resource management regulations, and experience with hydrological and water systems modeling software such as GR6J, Catchmod, PDM, Aquator, WEAP, or Pywr. Skills in coding and statistical analysis are advantageous.

Work Environment and Values

Mott MacDonald is an employee-owned company committed to inclusivity, diversity, and giving employees autonomy over their career paths. We offer hybrid working policies to promote flexibility and well-being while delivering excellent client service. Our culture promotes innovation, career development, and shared success.

Additional Information

Locations: Multiple UK offices including Bristol, Cambridge, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, Leeds, London, Manchester, Reading, Sheffield.
Recruiter Contact: Nicola Coyle
Contract Type: Permanent
Work Pattern: Full Time
Market: Water sector
Discipline: Environment
Job Reference: 15581

We actively promote equality, diversity, and inclusion, welcoming applications from all backgrounds. We provide support for candidates requiring accessibility accommodations during recruitment.

Benefits

• Competitive pension scheme with employer contributions from 4.5% to 7%
• Life assurance cover up to four times basic salary, with an option to increase to six times salary
• Income protection scheme offering financial and return-to-work support
• Flexible benefits including additional insurance and savings schemes
• Annual bonus schemes linked to company performance
• Employee ownership model fostering shared success and voice in the business
• Private medical insurance and health cash plans
• Access to menopause support through dedicated resources
• Comprehensive wellbeing programs for employees and families
• Generous holiday entitlement starting at 33-35 days, increasing with service
• Enhanced family leave policies including paid maternity, adoption, paternity, and shared parental leave
• Professional development support including professional institution subscriptions and mentoring
• Affiliated employee networks supporting diversity communities and social impact initiatives