Principal Water Resources Scientist
Wallingford, Oxfordshire
Ref 2025_16
At HR Wallingford, we design smart, resilient solutions across the natural and built environments to help everyone live and work more sustainably with water. By harnessing research, data insights and the power of our collective expertise, we help the world to better understand the changing influence and impact of water.
Our Floods and Water Group are seeking a principal water resources scientist to join our innovative team. You will provide specialist expertise in hydrology, hydrogeology and water resources planning to help us tackle some of the world’s most complex water challenges, both in the UK and overseas. As climate change impacts and development pressures rise, water resources management is becoming increasingly important and you will be at the heart of water resources planning and management.
Working closely with colleagues in the areas of hydrology, hydrogeology, demand forecasting, drought risk, climate change, catchment management, dams and reservoirs and international development – you will expand our expertise, tools and service offering. You will work with clients and colleagues to shape and deliver water projects and research, being at the forefront of advancing innovative solutions and bringing lasting benefits to local communities and the environment.
We are currently working on high profile water projects in the UK for water companies and regulators, as well as in the Caribbean, South East Asia and mainland Europe. You would be expected to contribute to these projects and ultimately lead on the delivery of them.
In addition to working on consultancy projects, we have an extensive research programme, where we re-invest our profits into research projects that you can promote. You will benefit from an environment of continued learning and development, expanding your horizons. You will work flexibly, enjoying a supportive culture, whilst being encouraged to progress your career and achieve a good work/life balance.
Key qualifications and skills
Key qualifications and skills:
- Degree in a relevant subject area (or equivalent experience) such as Engineering; Science or Maths;
- Ideally a post graduate qualification;
- Proven track record in water resource studies for the water industry and/or regulators;
- Broad experience in the application (and ideally also the development) of hydrological, groundwater and water resource modelling tools such as Modflow, Pywr and Aquator;
- Understanding of the relationship between water and the environment including WINEP and Environmental Destination;
- Some experience in demand forecasting including leakage and behaviour strategies would also be valuable along with expertise in best value plans and options design;
- Good understanding of the UK water industry and environmental regulation, statutory water resource plans, and emerging government and regulatory priorities;
- Evidence of both successful business development and project delivery; and
- Good vision of future industry needs and new research and tool development that could support these.
Key personal attributes:
- A good communicator in English – excellent written and verbal communication skills;
- Proven ability to analyse and write up data;
- Flexibility to work on varied projects;
- A willingness to learn and develop your existing skills;
- Confident in presenting to peers and at industry events;
- Excellent critical thinking and complex problem solving skills; and
- A team player who is committed to helping consolidate and improve water resources skills across the Flood & Water Management Team.
Further Information
- Salary range: £55,000 – £72,000 dependant on experience.
- Download a full job description.
- Read the person specification.
- Check our exceptional benefits at hrwallingford.com/careers
The closing date for this role is 31 July 2025.
Why choose us?
- Exceptional Benefits: Enjoy a defined contribution pension scheme with a minimum 10% employer contribution (matched up to an additional 5%), up to 25 days of holiday plus bank holidays, life insurance, and health insurance providing dental/optical cash back.
- Inclusive Culture: Our commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion is embedded in our core values.
- Inspiring the Next Generation: We are passionate about inspiring the next generation of engineers and scientists.
- Reach Your Full Potential: We invest in our people, offering a chance to make a real impact from day one.
- Work-Life Balance: We understand the importance of a healthy work-life balance. While many roles are advertised as full-time, we are open to exploring flexible working arrangements, including part-time, remote and hybrid working options.
How to apply
If you are excited about this role but are unsure about whether you’re the right fit, we encourage you to apply. We’re also happy to answer any questions by emailing careers@hrwallingford.com.
Interested? Please apply directly via our website www.hrwallingford.com/careers providing your CV with covering letter.
Additional information
Our privacy notice for job applicants, available from our website, explains how we collect and process the personal data you may provide us when you apply for a job with us through our websites, or by any other means. This notice also explains how we’ll store and handle that data and keep it.
HR Wallingford are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity in our workplace. We do not discriminate, and work to create an inclusive culture across our business.
