Team Lead - Hydrology

At Jacobs, we’re challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world’s most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission‑critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting‑edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good.

As an accomplished Principal or Associate Hydrologist you will join our 2000‑strong Water and Environment team, delivering sustainable, resilient solutions to a diverse portfolio of clients including the Environment Agency, Lead Local Flood Authorities, Utility Companies, National Highways Agencies, National Rail Companies and Airports.

In this newly created role you will combine project delivery, client engagement, business development, mentoring and technical governance with the responsibility for the development and direction of a growing team of hydrologists, delivering projects in the fields of flood management and forecasting, water resources management and climate resilience.

• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and high‑performing team environment.
• Provide day‑to‑day leadership, resource planning, mentorship and support professional development for the hydrology team in Edinburgh and Glasgow.
• Act as a technical lead or advisor for complex hydrological analysis in areas such as rainfall‑runoff modelling, flood risk assessment, water resource planning, flood forecasting and low flow assessments.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including hydraulic modellers, geomorphologists, hydro geologists and professionals with numerous other specialisms.
• Quality assurance and management of hydrological methodologies, ensuring compliance with best practice and industry standards.
• Support the well‑being, health and safety of your team.

We would be delighted to hear from and have the opportunity to speak with candidates who can demonstrate a real mix of the following attributes:

• Demonstrable and developing track record in the delivery of hydrology solutions, ideally within consultancy, public sector or applied research settings.
• Expertise in an area such as FEH methods and UK flood hydrology, Water Resources Analysis, Flood Forecasting (PDM) modelling or low flow assessments.
• A collaborative and inclusive leadership style with proven ability to lead teams, mentor staff and build technical capability and footprint.
• Established background in managing client relationships and overseeing commercial performance.
• Chartered or approaching chartership with a relevant organisation.

We value collaboration and believe that in‑person interactions are crucial for both our culture and client delivery. We empower employees with our hybrid working policy, allowing them to split their work week between Jacobs offices/projects and remote locations enabling them to deliver their best work.

As a disability confident employer, we will interview disabled candidates who best meet the criteria. We welcome applications from candidates who are seeking flexible working and from those who may not meet all the listed requirements for a role.