Help build the forecasting systems that protect people worldwide. Are you curious, analytical and do you enjoy combining scientific knowledge with practical software solutions? Read on.
Impact
Modern coastal management depends on more than understanding the system—it requires seeing what is happening now and what will happen next. Real-time forecastingsystems form the backbone of operational decision-making, transforming continuous streams of data into reliable, actionable insights for flood protection, navigation, and water resources management. As a Junior Consultant in Real-Time Forecasting Systems, you will work at the heart of this dynamic field. You will transform historical information, live data streams, and model results into reliable forecasts that support operational planning and strategic decisions. With your analytical mindset, you help turn uncertainty into clarity and improve preparedness for the future.
This is what you can expect as Junior Consultant Real-Time Forecasting Systems
You contribute to the design, implementation, and operation of forecasting systems that support coastal management and hazard preparedness. You help translate complex hydrodynamic model outputs into reliable, real-time information products used in operational environments.
You support the setup and maintenance of these systems, ensuring they run robustly and deliver timely and accurate results. This includes integrating data streams, supporting model workflows, and configuring system components that underpin flood and storm surge forecasting services. Working alongside senior consultants and domain experts, you develop practical solutions that help protect people, infrastructure, and the environment.
Your role
As a junior team member, you will work closely with experienced colleagues on research and consultancy projects. Your responsibilities will include:
- Develop, configure and maintain operational forecasting systems using Delft-FEWS.
- Support the development of forecasting systems for coastal and estuarine applications, including tides, storm surges, waves water quality and salt intrusion.
- Process, analyse and visualise forecasting data using technologies such as Python, NetCDF, OPeNDAP, GIS and web technologies.
- Contribute to applied research on real-time (AI-enhanced) forecasting, decision support and operational water management. You will also contribute to the application of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning and digital twins in next-generation forecasting systems.
- Present results and discuss technical solutions with national and international clients.
- Contribute to project proposals, technical reports and knowledge development within the team.
Job qualifications
You are eager to learn from experienced colleagues while gradually taking on more responsibility in projects. In addition, you have:
- An MSc degree (or are about to graduate) in civil engineering, earth sciences, computer science, or a related field with a focus on hydrodynamics, hydrology, coastal engineering or operational water management.
- Experience with programming and scripting, preferably in Python.
- An interest in modern software engineering practices such as cloud computing, containers, DevOps or CI/CD.
- A proactive attitude and enthusiasm for learning and knowledge sharing.
- Good written and spoken Dutch and English.
Nice to have:
Experience with one or more of the following is considered a plus:
- Experience with Delft-FEWS, including configuration and operational workflows.
- Knowledge of XML-based templates and system configuration (e.g. FEWS configuration structures, schemas, or similar).
- Hydrodynamic models such as Delft3D, D-HYDRO, SOBEK, SWAN or SFINCS.
- Familiarity with machine learning and artificial intelligence.
We offer
- A challenging position in an internationally recognised research institute;
- Every new employee is paired with a mentor. He or she helps you settle into the organization in the first year;
- Deltares offers a contract (32 hours minimum) for 12 months with the intention of a contract for an indefinite period of time. Our starting salary is gross € 3.968,-per month based on 40 per week;
- Excellent opportunities for professional and personal development. You will also participate in a 1,5 -year Young Professional Program for junior staff;
- 34 vacation days, plus a vitality and mobility budget;
- A diverse and inclusive working culture and much more. Here you can find more information about our attractive terms of employment.
Curious about the work?
Our team contributes to internationally renowned forecasting systems, including the Global Storm Surge Information System (GLOSSIS) and improving flood forecasting with Destination Earth. We work at the intersection of science, software and coastal management, helping organisations around the world make better decisions before, during and after extreme events. Your department consists of around 30 professionals from a diverse range of international and cultural backgrounds. It’s a highly interdisciplinary group. Would you like to join us?
Application procedure
Do you want to contribute to the understanding and modelling of coastal systems worldwide? Apply by submitting your CV and motivation letter.
Deadline August 31.
Interviews will be held on September 7 and 10.
For questions about the vacancy, please contact Brian de Bruin (HR Recruitment Officer) at brian.debruin@deltares.nl or +31 6 15267686.
This vacancy is based in Delft, Netherlands. Working remotely from another country is not possible. If you have any questions regarding this topic? Please call.
P.S. Are you interested in developing numerical hydrodynamic models? Take a look at our other vacancy in the same department: Junior Advisor/Researcher, Hydrodynamics (online until 4 September)
