Description

Reporting to the Principal Catchment Hydrogeology Specialist, the role will lead and support groundwater regulatory investigations, impact assessments, modelling, ecological schemes and compliance reporting. It will also drive catchment‑scale, nature‑based solutions to mitigate predicted environmental challenges from operations. The position requires extensive cross‑functional collaboration with regulators, river and wildlife trusts, community groups and internal teams, applying the Catchment First approach.

Key technical areas include water‑resource hydrogeology, hydroecology, groundwater‑surface water interaction, biodiversity enhancement, river restoration, soil and water conservation, and water‑quality risk assessment for both surface and groundwater. The specialist will also assess hydrogeological water‑quality risks and support sustainable abstraction initiatives.

• Lead and support groundwater regulatory investigations, impact assessments, and modelling.
• Deliver catchment‑scale nature‑based solutions to mitigate environmental challenges.
• Collaborate with regulators, stakeholders, and community groups under the Catchment First approach.
• Conduct hydrogeological, hydroecology, and water‑quality risk assessments.
• Produce and review technical reports, GIS analyses, and monitoring data.

Requirements

Candidates must demonstrate expertise in water‑resource hydrogeology, regulatory WINEP investigations, hydroecology, groundwater modelling and river/wetland restoration, as well as familiarity with the Water Framework Directive and related legislation. Experience designing and managing complex hydrogeological, water‑quality and monitoring investigations, along with strong technical writing, GIS and data‑analysis skills, is essential. A master’s degree in hydrogeology or a related discipline is desirable, and chartered status or progression towards it is highly valued.

While not all flexible‑working requests can be accommodated, Southern Water will seek practical solutions for individual circumstances. Employees are part of a 24/7 incident‑support team, with any on‑call rota discussed during the interview process. Applicants must be eligible to live and work in the UK and provide the required proof of identity and address.

• Demonstrated expertise in water‑resource hydrogeology and WINEP investigations.
• Experience with groundwater modelling, river/wetland restoration, and environmental legislation.
• Strong technical writing, GIS, and data‑analysis skills.
• Master’s degree in hydrogeology or related field (desirable).
• Chartered status or progression towards chartership (highly desirable).

Benefits

The role of Senior Catchment Hydrogeology Specialist is a permanent, full‑time position based in Durrington or Falmer, with one to two days per week in the office or on‑site. It offers a competitive salary dependent on skills and experience and was created within Southern Water’s Environment & Innovation department. The closing date for applications is 14 November 2025.

The role follows a hybrid working model, allowing flexibility between office, site and home. Southern Water offers a competitive salary together with benefits such as up to 11 % pension contribution, 25 days of annual leave, life assurance at four times salary, health cash plan, funded eye tests and a salary‑sacrifice electric‑car scheme after six months. Additional perks include two paid volunteering days, occupational health services, retailer discounts, digital GP, study support for job‑related qualifications, flexible maternity leave and a cycle‑to‑work scheme.

• Competitive salary with hybrid working (1‑2 days office/on‑site).
• Pension contribution up to 11 % of salary.
• 25 days annual leave plus two paid volunteering days.
• Life assurance at 4× salary, health cash plan, funded eye tests.
• Salary‑sacrifice electric‑car scheme after 6 months.
• Study support, career progression, and training opportunities.

Training + Development

Interview process

Visa Sponsorship

Security clearance