Environmental Data Scientist / Hydrologist Wallingford, UK (remote options considered) £38,000 – £42,000 We are working with a fast-growing environmental consultancy that is seeking a Senior Environmental Data Scientist / Hydrologist to join its team in the Wallingford area. This position is ideal for someone who thrives in a collaborative scientific environment and wants to deepen their expertise in hydrological modelling, data analysis and environmental software development. Role Overview The successful candidate will join a multidisciplinary science and software team responsible for designing, improving and maintaining national hydrological modelling systems. These tools support key decisions relating to river behaviour, flood mitigation and long-term water management. A major focus of the role will be on enhancing a widely used water-resource modelling platform, along with contributing to updates of national flood-estimation tools. The position also involves exploring ways machine learning can be integrated into existing hydrological methods to improve accuracy and expand capability. Key Responsibilities • Develop and refine hydrological modelling methods for a national water-resources platform • Contribute to the enhancement of leading flood-estimation tools used across the UK • Research and apply machine learning techniques to hydrological datasets • Incorporate scientific findings into commercial software, including interface testing and usability improvements • Work closely with regulators, end users and technical specialists to ensure tools remain accurate, compliant and user-friendly • Support ongoing scientific research and translate outcomes into practical solutions Skills & Experience Required: • A good degree (2:1 or above) in a numerate or environmental discipline such as hydrology, earth sciences or civil engineering; postgraduate study is welcome but not essential • Strong programming capability in Python and/or R • Experience designing or applying machine learning models to environmental or geospatial data • Ability to process and analyse complex datasets such as spatial or time-series formats (e.g. NetCDF, ASCII) • Strong communication skills, able to explain technical concepts to both specialists and non-specialists • Demonstrated knowledge or experience in hydrology, water-environment work or related environmental science What the First Year Looks Like: During the first 12 months, the new team member will: • Build familiarity with the organisation’s hydrological modelling tools and software suite • Develop Python modules and apply ML approaches to real hydrological challenges • Gain an understanding of the UK’s regulatory framework for water and flood-risk activities • Collaborate with partner research institutions and engage with national regulators • Produce high-quality technical reports and documentation • Begin progressing toward professional chartership (e.g., CIWEM or equivalent) As experience grows, they will have opportunities to: • Contribute to long-term scientific and commercial development strategies • Identify innovative opportunities for new products, capabilities or modelling approaches • Lead elements of research and development projects • Support the preparation of client proposals Benefits & Culture: • Employee-ownership structure with tax-free profit-share bonuses • Additional performance-related bonus opportunities • Clear pay bands and transparent promotion pathways • Share-option opportunities for senior grades (subject to tenure) • Exceptional holiday allowance of over 40 days including buy/sell options • Pension scheme with employer contributions starting at 5% and increasing with service • Health-cash plan including virtual GP access, counselling support and routine healthcare cashback • Cycle-to-Work scheme • Annual volunteering day focused on environmental or educational projects • Structured appraisal process with tailored development plans • Up to five dedicated training days per year • Financial support for membership of professional bodies • Flexible working hours supported by robust IT provision • Individual tech budget for computing equipment • Regular staff events, team days and social activities If you are interested in this Senior Environmental Data Scientist / Hydrologist, please contact Callum via (url removed)