Location
Cambridge
Industry sector
Engineering
Job type
Permanent | Full Time
Job start date
ASAP
Posted date
25/01/2026
Closing date
15/02/2026
Job Title: Principal Hydrologist
Ref. No.: CJD2401M26
Location: Cambridge
Salary: £50,000 - £60,000
This is a fantastic opportunity to join my client, an innovative, eco-conscious Multidisciplinary Consultancy, renowned for applying their extensive skillset across the engineering and environmental sectors. They are actively seeking a driven, skilled Principal Hydrologist who is willing to take on a number of challenging projects across the region, proactively leading a team of design experts in the field. You will be based near the globally-renowned, historic city of Cambridge.
Benefits for the role of Principal Hydrologist include (but are not limited to):
* Competitive salary package, with long service awards available
* Generous annual leave entitlement (with the option to purchase additional leave)
* Private Healthcare and Life Insurance schemes
* Payment of subscription fees for Professional Body memberships
* Company Pension Scheme
* Flexible/hybrid working opportunities
* Electric Vehicle (EV) scheme
* A focus on Continuing Professional Development (CPD) with career progression opportunities
* A close-knit team, with a focus on team bonding and social events
Responsibilities for the role of Principal Hydrologist include:
* Produce Flood Risk Assessments (FRA), Environmental Statement (ES) chapters, fee proposals, and other technical documents
* Check, amend, and submit technical documents prepared by other colleagues
* Develop risk assessments, overseeing site walkovers and surveys
* Use relevant software packages (such as WINFAP, ReFH2, etc.) to manage hydrological assessments
* Manage key working relationships with a range of clients and other stakeholders, including Local Authorities, regulatory bodies within the water sector, etc.
* Oversee all aspects of projects, ensuring they are completed to the highest standards, adhering to budgetary restrictions and time constraints
* Provide support and mentorship to colleagues, throughout their CPD
Required skills and experience for the role of Principal Hydrologist include:
* A UK Degree (or equivalent qualification) in Civil Engineering, Environmental Science, or another cognate discipline
* Possess Chartered Status with a relevant Professional Body (e.g., CEng, CIWEM, etc.)
* Extensive experience within a design-based hydrological role, within a UK consultancy (or Local Authority) setting
* Demonstrable experience of report-writing and producing technical documents, particularly Flood Risk Assessments (FRA)
* Considerable experience with the relevant software packages, including WINFAP, HECRAS, TUFLOW, ESTRY, Flood Modeller, FEH Statistical Analysis, etc.
* Proven ability to successfully lead a high-performing team of professionals within the sector
* Good working knowledge of the relevant UK legislation, regulations, and policy
* Outstanding communication (written and verbal) and organisational skills
* Hold a full, valid UK Driving Licence, able to travel to sites as and when required
Desirable skills and experience for the role of Principal Hydrologist include:
* A Higher UK Degree (or equivalent qualification) in a relevant discipline
If you are interested in the role of Principal Hydrologist, please do not hesitate to contact Caroline Davis at Penguin Recruitment. Please also see our website for a range of other roles currently available. This is a permanent role. Penguin Recruitment is operating as a recruitment agency in respect to this vacancy.