Hydrologist

Canal & River Trust | Reference: 726
Salary: £38,720–£41,550 per year
Hours: 37 hours per week, Monday to Friday
Location: Remote working, with hub attendance and travel across the southern half of the waterway network.

About the role

Help manage water resources and flood risk across the Canal & River Trust’s canals, navigable rivers, locks and reservoirs. The Water Management Team uses rainfall, river flow, groundwater and water-level information to support navigation, drought planning, asset safety and environmental outcomes.

You will provide operational hydrological advice and contribute to strategic water resources and flood risk projects, combining analysis and modelling with site investigations and surveys.

What you will do

• Provide specialist water resources advice to operational and central teams, including support with abstraction licences and renewals.
• Assess future pressures on water supply and demand, including climate change, and contribute to the Trust’s Water Resources Strategy to 2050.
• Lead and manage water management projects within agreed timescales and budgets.
• Deliver hydrological analysis, modelling and advice, working with organisations including the Environment Agency and Natural Resources Wales.
• Interpret regulatory requirements and help adapt working practices.
• Undertake fieldwork, including structure surveys, in-channel flow measurements and assessments of water-flow capacity, constraints and losses.
• Support colleagues, including line or functional management where required.

About you

You will bring developing professional experience in hydrology, water resources or a related discipline, with experience using modelling and data to solve practical problems. You should hold a relevant undergraduate qualification, such as hydrology or water resources management, or equivalent experience, and be working towards chartered membership of a professional body such as CIWEM.

You will need:

• An understanding of hydrological processes and modelling, and the ability to analyse and present hydrometric and spatial data.
• Awareness of water management legislation and regulatory frameworks.
• Strong written, numerical and presentation skills, including the ability to explain technical information to varied audiences.
• Confidence with Microsoft Office and knowledge or experience of GIS or mapping systems.
• The ability to prioritise, work independently and provide a strong customer-focused service.
• A valid driving licence suitable for the role.

Working arrangements

Applicants should ideally live within, or have reasonable access to, the southern half of the network, particularly the West Midlands & South West Waterways and London & South East regions. Key areas include Warwickshire and the South Midlands, Gloucester & Sharpness, and the River Severn.

Expect a monthly team meeting at Hatton, Warwickshire, and an average of one to two site visits each month. Occasional overnight stays may be required. Fieldwork takes place outdoors in all weather conditions, with attention to health and safety, environmental and heritage standards.

Benefits and inclusion

The Trust offers a competitive pension, increasing holiday entitlement and employee benefits. All jobs can be considered on a part-time, flexible or job-share basis. Reasonable adjustments are available during recruitment, and the Trust operates a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria.

The Trust may use AI to assist application analysis, while hiring decisions are made by hiring managers.

How to apply

Use the application link to read the full employer advert and apply. The employer’s page displays an expiry date of 2 November 2026. Early applications are encouraged, as the vacancy may close once enough suitable candidates apply.

For questions about the role, contact CRT.recruitment@canalrivertrust.org.uk.

To apply, please click the "apply now" button below.