Location
Central London with flexible hybrid working model; other UK and Ireland locations may be considered.

Hours
Full Time

Salary
Competitive salary commensurate with experience

About the Role
Join AECOM's dynamic Water Environment Team as a Senior/Principal Water Scientist and contribute to delivering innovative water science programs and projects across the UK and Ireland. You will support the health, safety and well-being of the team while leading multidisciplinary teams including water scientists, hydrogeologists, hydromorphologists, aquatic ecologists, and flood risk specialists. Your responsibilities will include preparing high-quality, commercially astute bids and tenders across diverse sectors such as energy, utilities, transport, defence, water, residential, and commercial developments.

You will plan and implement complex monitoring and fieldwork (e.g. water quality monitoring, flow gauging, hydromorphological surveys), support delivery of consultancy and advisory services, develop technically robust solutions to complex water science challenges, and engage proactively with statutory stakeholders to ensure agreement on scopes of work and mitigation measures.

Key activities include producing Water Environment Impact Assessments for Environmental Statements, WFD/WER Compliance Assessments, Nutrient Neutrality Assessments, management plans, and secondary consent applications. You will author or technically review project deliverables to ensure high-quality outputs.

Recent projects include impact assessments for large solar farms, water science support for carbon capture developments and pipelines, complex water quality monitoring for hydro schemes, technical support for major energy and highway projects, and nutrient neutrality assessments for private developers and local planning authorities.

As part of a multi-disciplinary team of over 85 specialists in geomorphology, hydrology, hydro-ecology, water quality, and hydrogeology, you will play an active role in client engagement and commercial aspects of projects. Health, safety, and environmental considerations underpin all work.

AECOM offers a range of core and personalised benefits, career development opportunities, technical practice networks, AECOM University, volunteering days, and a flexible hybrid working model to support your work-life balance and well-being.

Experience
Extensive experience undertaking Water Environment Impact and WFD/WER assessments across a variety of infrastructure types and planning regimes (e.g. DCO, TCPA). Proven track record across project stages including feasibility, planning, detailed design, construction, and post-construction.
Technical specialist expertise in water science, hydrogeology, hydromorphology, or related fields.
Experience writing proposals and developing scopes for surveys, monitoring, and assessments.
Familiarity with water-related permits, licences, consents, and Nutrient Neutrality Assessments is beneficial.

About you
Proactive and collaborative team player with excellent communication skills.
Ability to coordinate multidisciplinary teams and manage resources, budgets, and project controls effectively.
Committed to health, safety, and environmental best practices.
Enthusiastic about delivering high-quality, pragmatic solutions to complex water science challenges.
Embraces diversity and inclusion, valuing unique perspectives and contributions.

Qualifications
Relevant degree or professional qualifications in water science, environmental science, hydrogeology, or related disciplines preferred.
Continuous professional development and commitment to staying current with industry standards and regulations.