Senior / Principal Water Quality Analyst

Job Title:
Senior / Principal Water Quality Analyst

Salary: £45,000-£65,000 (dependent on experience)
Location: Wallingford, Coleshill, Newcastle or Haywards Heath
Type: Permanent | Full-time or Part-time | Hybrid

About the Role:
Our client is seeking an experienced Senior / Principal Water Quality Analyst to lead and review technical water quality work across a strong portfolio of Water Cycle Studies, AMP8 water quality modelling frameworks, and whole-catchment nutrient pollution projects.

The role will focus on technical leadership, quality assurance, client engagement, and work-winning, with opportunities to expand into water resources modelling and strategic planning for water companies, agriculture, and the energy sector.

About the Client:
Our client is an award-winning, independent, employee-owned environmental and engineering consultancy. They have a long-established reputation for delivering Water Cycle Studies, water quality modelling, and catchment-based solutions for local authorities, water companies, and national stakeholders.

They operate across the UK and internationally and place strong emphasis on innovation, sustainability, resilience, and long-term investment in people through continuous professional development.

Key Responsibilities:
Lead and review Water Cycle Studies and associated client reports
Review UPM water quality models built using MIKE+ for AMP8 frameworks
Review SIMCAT catchment models and modelling outputs
Review discharge modelling using the Environment Agency’s River Quality Planning (RQP) tool
Review highway discharge assessments using HEWRAT
Provide technical oversight and guidance to junior staff
Lead and support bid preparation and work-winning activities
Build and maintain strong client and stakeholder relationships
Liaise with regulators and stakeholders including the Environment Agency, Natural England, local authorities, water companies and National Highways
What Our Client is Looking For:
Proven experience in water quality modelling and technical review
Ability to lead, review, and assure high-quality technical outputs
Experience guiding and developing junior team members
Strong client-facing skills with the ability to win and retain work
Ability to work autonomously and provide technical leadership
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Proficiency in GIS (ArcGIS and/or QGIS)
Essential Qualifications:
Degree (or equivalent) in geography, environmental science, geoscience, chemistry, or a related discipline
Close to or already achieved chartered status with a relevant professional body
Desirable Experience:
Reviewing Water Cycle Studies
MIKE+, MIKE11, SAGIS-SIMCAT, RQP modelling
Infoworks ICM, Tuflow or Flood Modeller
Water resource or drought management planning
Drainage and wastewater management planning
Catchment management planning
Coding skills (Python and/or R)
Hydrological or rainfall-runoff modelling
Aquator and/or Pywr modelling
Eligibility:
Applicants must have the right to work in the UK. Regular office attendance is expected alongside hybrid working.

Opportunity for Growth:
This role offers progression into broader technical leadership, strategic planning, and business development within a well-established water quality and water resources team. There is scope to expand into water resource modelling, strategic resource options, and cross-sector projects in agriculture and energy.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity in our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.