UK CENTER FOR ECOLOGY & HYDROLOGY

2 job(s) at UK CENTER FOR ECOLOGY & HYDROLOGY

UK CENTER FOR ECOLOGY & HYDROLOGY Wallingford, Oxfordshire
Oct 30, 2025
Full time
Salary - £31,942 - £33,898 Hybrid working (50/50) Full-time. Permanent (P/Time 4 days considered) We reserve the right to close this advert early if we find the right candidate, so we encourage you to apply early. Looking for a role where your research makes a difference? Join us and contribute to innovative hydrological modelling that informs sustainable water management worldwide. We are looking for a Water Resources Hydrologist to join our acclaimed Water Resources & Drought group at UKCEH's Wallingford site. You'll be joining a small collaborative and progressive team of friendly scientists, focusing on advancing water resources management from catchment to global scales. Within this role, you'll apply a range of hydrological models to understand catchment hydrology in the UK and internationally, supporting operational hydrology and water demand analysis. Working within a specialist team, you'll contribute to cutting-edge research that informs sustainable water management worldwide. You will be involved in various projects that involve the assessment of current and future water resources, specifically helping to develop and apply some of UKCEH's hydrological and water quality models. You will tackle issues such as integrating climate and hydrological data to better understand water availability and seek improvements to the estimation of water demands and abstractions from both surface water and groundwater sources. You'll play a key role in delivering scientific evidence to support integrated water management and contribute to the development of decision-support tools for governments and agencies worldwide. Projects that the team are currently working on include: Hydro-JULES International Science for Net Zero Plus PACIFIC and the GOVAQUA project which develops digital tools that enhance the understanding and management of water resources. These projects are pivotal in shaping global responses to climatic and societal challenges. Your main responsibilities will include: Undertaking reviews, data collection activities, ensuring timely and consistent production of good quality data (or other digital assets / research outputs) Experience with one or more of GIS, Access databases and Excel, with an ability to programme in Python or R. Applying a range of models under current and future scenarios Preparing formatted data or figures, contributing to the production of reports and scientific papers Supporting digital asset activities, including the submission of quality assured datasets to relevant data repository, publishing model code and data flow Current projects the team are working on include modelling how hydrological conditions will change in coming decades to support drought planning, improving our understanding of the impact of emerging pollutants on freshwaters, and working with partners in India to improve water resources management. As part of a leading independent, not-for-profit research institute, this role offers an excellent opportunity to expand your hydrological expertise while developing a specialisation in water resources modelling. You'll be part of a supportive team that encourages learning, collaboration, and career progression, helping you build the skills and experience needed to grow as a specialist in this field. For the role of Water Resources Hydrologist, we're looking for somebody who has: A 2:1 degree (or above) in an appropriate subject (e.g. physical/environmental sciences, maths or engineering), equivalent qualification or sufficient relevant experience Experience in one or more of GIS, Microsoft SQL server, Access databases and Excel, with an ability to programme in Python or R Effective communication and teamworking skills, adopting a collaborative and inclusive approach, across various levels A commitment to your own professional development, understanding the wider context of your science and its potential impacts at national and global scale Good IT skills with proficiency using Microsoft Office 365 Willingness to travel within the UK and overseas to support project activities and attend conferences You'll be joining a leading independent, not-for-profit research institute that's committed to recruiting talented people like you, progressing your career and giving you the support you need to thrive at UKCEH. Our science makes a real difference, enabling people and the environment to prosper, and enriching society. We are the custodians of a wealth of environmental data, collected by UKCEH and its predecessors over the course of more than 60 years. Working for UKCEH is rewarding We appreciate the continuous dedication and contributions of our staff, which is why we provide a comprehensive benefits package that includes financial incentives and wellbeing-oriented perks, such as: 27 days annual leave (rising to 29 days after 5 years' service) plus 3 days for Christmas closure 10% employer pension contribution Flexible and hybrid working arrangements (role dependant) Peer reward and recognition scheme Dental insurance, gym/fitness discounts, retail discount portal Enhanced maternity and paternity leave 24-hour, 365-day support with physical, mental, social, health or financial issues and much more Apply today! If this opportunity resonates with you and aligns with your personal career goals, the team would love to receive your application. Please apply by submitting your CV along with a covering letter that highlights any qualifications, skills or experience you believe are relevant to this role. At UKCEH, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace where everyone - regardless of background, identity, ability, or circumstance - has the opportunity to thrive. As a Disability Confident employer, we actively encourage applications from neurodivergent candidates and those with disabilities. We are happy to provide any adjustments or support you may need throughout the application process - please don't hesitate to reach out. So, if you're excited about this role but your experience doesn't align perfectly with every requirement, we'd love to hear from you anyway. You may be just the right fit for this role or another within our wider team. Please note: Unfortunately, we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role and this does not qualify for endorsement to support a Global Talent Visa application. If you are considering pursuing self-sponsorship, please indicate this in your application so we can take it into account during the recruitment process.
UK CENTER FOR ECOLOGY & HYDROLOGY Wallingford, Oxfordshire
Oct 28, 2025
Full time
Salary - £31,942 - £33,898 Depending on experience Permanent and Full Time (37 hours per week) Hybrid working (50/50) Location: Wallingford, Oxfordshire Closing date: November 7th 2025 We are seeking a talented Hydrologist to join our dynamic research team, managing and analysing key UK hydrological data working on various high-profile projects including the UK's National River Flow Archive (NRFA), National Hydrological Monitoring Programme (NHMP) and UK Hydrological Outlook. The post holder will play a key role in ensuring the quality and delivery of NRFA hydrometric data services, while supporting projects focused on data reporting, analysis and application. With a background in hydrometry or data services and strong attention to detail, you'll thrive in a collaborative environment-offering solutions, seeking support when needed, and managing multiple tasks effectively. This role offers the chance to contribute to leading flood and drought research, improve long-term river flow monitoring, and help communicate the value of UKCEH's work. An interest in developing leadership or project management skills would be an advantage. Your main responsibilities will include: As a core team member, contribute to the acquisition, quality control and dissemination processes for the NRFA, the UK's focal point for hydrometric data, working in close partnership with the head of annual acquisition and quality control; Process and undertake quality control of river flow submissions from the UK hydrometric Measuring Authorities at the national scale, whilst also taking on a "regional representative" role within the NRFA, overseeing the data and metadata stewardship for gauging stations for a region of the UK; Coordinate the ongoing improvement of NRFA metadata at the national scale e.g. gauging station descriptions and uncertainty indicators, artificial influences and sub-network selection criteria; Take a lead on longer-term improvements in NRFA systems and communication of data quality, working with colleagues on aligned projects, such as the Flood and Droughts Research Infrastructure programme, and with external collaborators on open access of data e.g. through APIs; Take the lead on the NRFA quality control of data from the Plynlimon flow gauging stations in central Wales that are operated by UKCEH; Contribute to the activities of the NHMP - producing data for monthly Hydrological Summaries and Outlooks for the UK, supporting analysis of extreme events, and contributing to its wide range of outputs (customer reports, blog posts, briefings, peer-reviewed papers); Assist with projects associated with the NRFA, for example on network appraisal and flood hydrology, contributing to customer reports and PowerPoint presentations of results, and supporting managers at meetings with wider stakeholders; Support the outreach activities of the Water Resources and Drought group, promoting social media posts and contributing to NRFA webinars. Additional Responsibilities: Develop your own code for data validation and graphics, to deliver high quality data services and science outcomes within projects, and contribute to the timely delivery of projects to funders; Proactively contribute suggestions or ideas for solutions to hydrometric monitoring and analysis problems within your Group, to help the team deliver its data services and science. Develop and present your own ideas for analysis within project or Group meetings to aid the efficient delivery of science outcomes and impact. Lead specific tasks within projects, demonstrating you understand the importance of budgetary control and value for money in delivering outcomes for funders. For the role we are looking for somebody who: Graduate/Post-graduate (Masters Degree or Degree with relevant experience) in Earth/Environmental Sciences or applied numeracy (e.g. geography, environmental mathematics, engineering) Knowledge of hydrology and environmental science Scientifically numerate, with good mathematical and IT skills Experience of programming (preferably R) Experience of database management and SQL, or a willingness to learn as a core skill Excellent written and oral communication skills, with colleagues and external stakeholders Excellent organisational and time management skills to meet project deliverables and deadlines Ability to work with initiative to solve problems, seeking guidance where appropriate Additional Knowledge/Experience Ability to produce written and graphics work of a high standard for publication. Ability to process, manage and analyse data in a robust and re-producible manner. Leadership experience in the successful delivery of project tasks. Web and social media content production and management. Capable of working on your own and taking the initiative, particularly in proposing ideas. Demonstrate a commitment to your own professional development with clear views on how you might develop your career. Demonstrate that you understand the wider context of your science and its potential impacts at the national level. Working at UKCEH is rewarding. Our science makes a real difference, enabling people and the environment to prosper, and enriching society. We are the custodians of a wealth of environmental data, collected by UKCEH and its predecessors over the course of more than 60 years. As a valued member of our team, you'll get: 27 days annual leave, rising to 29 days after five years, plus 3 days for our Christmas closure 10% employer pension contribution Enhanced maternity and paternity leave (subject to qualifying requirements) 24/7 access to support for physical, mental, social, health, or financial wellbeing, plus trained Welfare Officers Flexible working opportunities And much more You'll be joining a leading independent, not-for-profit research institute committed to recruiting talented people like you, supporting your career progression, and giving you the environment and resources you need to thrive at UKCEH. Please note: Unfortunately, we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role and this does not qualify for endorsement to support a Global Talent Visa application. If you are considering pursuing self-sponsorship, please indicate this in your application so we can take it into account during the recruitment process. If we've just described you, we'd love to meet. Apply now.