Senior Hydrologist

United Utilities; England; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A major UK water company is seeking a Senior Hydrologist to join their Hydraulic Engineering team in Warrington. You will lead projects related to environmental hydraulics, contributing to sustainable water management across the region. The role offers a flexible hybrid working model and the opportunity to enhance your professional skills within a supportive environment. Candidates should have a relevant accredited degree and experience in hydraulic modeling and flood risk analysis. Commitment to collaboration and technical excellence is essential.

Benefits

26 to 30 days annual leave

Up to 10.5% performance-related bonus

Comprehensive healthcare plan

Gym discounts

Employee Assistance Plan

Qualifications

• Chartered member of a recognized professional body or plan to obtain Chartership in 12 months.
• Experience in modeling and geo-spatial software packages.
• Proficient in flood capacity and hydraulic assessments.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical resources with responsibility for technical decision-making.
• Organize commission orders and manage projects within budget.
• Develop strong relationships with internal clients and partners.

Skills

Hydraulic modelling

Data analysis

Technical decision-making

Flood risk analysis

Relationship building

Education

Accredited degree in Civil Engineering or related field

Tools

Flood Modeller Pro

HecRAS

ArcGIS

QGIS

Job description

Job Location - Lingley Mere (UU), Lingley Green Avenue, Great Sankey, Warrington, WA5 3LP

Role Type - Permanent

Employment Type - Full Time

United Utilities’ (UU) purpose is to deliver great water for a stronger, greener and healthier North West of England. We are committed to providing our services in a way that respects the environment, supports the economy, and benefits society.

We value diversity, inclusion and innovation in our workplace, and we foster a culture where our people can grow, excel, and be themselves.

We uphold our ethics, values and business model to fulfil our mission and, by setting clear goals and objectives, we create sustainable long‑term value for our colleagues, customers and communities. Whether you work with a team that shares your vision or join a network of peers with similar interests, you will find a welcoming and supportive organisation to be part of.

We’ve got a lot to offer. You’ll be part of a thriving FTSE 100 company and will enjoy a range of core benefits that reflect your value and value contribution.

• A generous annual leave package of 26 days, which increases to 30 days after four years of service (increases one day per year), in addition to 8 bank holidays
• A competitive pension scheme with up to 14% employer contribution, 21% combined, and life cover
• Up to 10.5% performance‑related bonus scheme, as well as recognition awards for outstanding achievements
• A comprehensive healthcare plan through our company‑funded scheme
• MyGymDiscounts – gym and wellness benefit that offers up to 25% off on gym memberships and digital fitness subscriptions
• Best Doctors
• Salary Finance
• Wealth at Work courses
• Deals and discounts
• EVolve Car Scheme
• Employee Assistance Plan
• Mental health first aiders
• ShareBuy
• Enhanced parental leave schemes

Job Purpose

Are you a Hydrology specialist seeking a fulfilling career that utilises your expertise and promises personal development, along with the opportunity to work on large‑scale and sustainable projects? If so, United Utilities (UU) has an exciting opportunity for you to join our Hydraulic Engineering team in a pivotal role that will help ensure the successful realisation of our strategic goals in the North West of England.

As a Senior Hydrologist, you will be responsible for delivering Environmental Hydraulics and Hydrology services. Your role will support the delivery of the Capital Programme, Operational Engineering, Special Projects, and Studies and Investigations. You will manage and deliver a range of projects across United Utilities, conduct data gathering and analysis, and design and prepare documents, drawings, and specifications relating to hydrology, river systems and reservoir safety. Additionally, you will review proposals by others and provide expert advice. You will collaborate closely with other technical disciplines and internal clients to build and maintain strong relationships. Furthermore, you will enhance the external profile of UU’s technical leadership in the water industry and other sectors.

We are excited to offer you a flexible and hybrid working model that lets you balance your work and life and enjoy the benefits of working with us wherever you are. In‑person site attendance in Lingley Mere, Warrington is required to promote the benefits of face‑to‑face collaboration, alongside some travel to other sites in the North West and flexible hours to support work‑life balance. Initially, you may be expected to attend more frequently to familiarise yourselves with the site, the team, and your role.

United Utilities offer dynamic and long‑lasting options that will help you grow professionally and personally and you will have the chance to enhance your skill, knowledge and experience in a supportive and collaborative environment. If you are passionate about making a positive difference for the North West of England and want to join us on our journey of transformation, we would love to hear from you and welcome you to apply!

Accountabilities & Responsibilities

• Lead technical resources with responsibility for technical decision‑making
• Organising commission orders and managing technical delivery of projects within budget
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with Engineering and Programme Managers within their delivery area and with internal clients and partners
• Developing and improving engineering standards and procedures and procedures, and raise the profile of UU technical leadership through technical papers and STEM activities
• Ensure compliance with Health and Safety Legislation and Quality Management Systems, acting as the Designer in accordance with Construction, Design and Management (CDM) regulations

Technical Skills & Experience

• Chartered member of a recognised professional body, or can present a tangible plan to obtain Chartership within the first 12 months of tenure
• Detailed experience of applying the techniques described within the Flood Estimation Handbook and experience in modelling and geo‑spatial software packages (e.g. Flood Modeller Pro, HecRAS, ArcGIS or QGIS)
• Proficient in carrying out flood capacity and freeboard assessments, including wind‑wave overtopping calculations, on Impounding Reservoirs and carrying out hydraulic assessments particularly on reservoir spillways and draw‑down facilities.
• Experience of carrying out hydraulic modelling of river systems including flood risk analysis and low flow studies
• Experience of providing technical advice, influencing and directing the delivery of successful engineering outcomes and working on capital and strategic engineering projects in highly technical and commercial environments
• Hold a current UK/EU driving licence

Qualifications

Essential Qualifications

• Accredited degree in a relevant subject (i.e. Civil Engineering, Geography, Earth / Enviro Science, Natural Sciences, Geology etc)
• Chartered member of a recognised professional body, or can present a tangible plan to obtain Chartership within the first 12 months of tenure

Other

We rely on every employee to ensure our customers receive the best possible service, day in, day out. In return, we ensure that you will be well rewarded for your efforts, from an excellent salary through to development opportunities that will really kick start a thriving career here at UU.