Hydrogeologist

At South West Water we believe that the strongest businesses are built on solid, stable foundations - with a vision and a culture that gives them the freedom to change, improve and innovate.

We’re proud to be responsible for providing reliable, efficient and high-quality drinking water and wastewater services for the beautiful South West area. And we have huge ambitions.

Not only are we committed to reaching net-zero by 2030, but we’ve also partnered with Wildlife Trusts, National Parks and local partners to help ensure a better future for generations to come.

So, if you want to be part of a diverse team where opportunities flow and fresh ideas are welcomed.

Opportunity for a Hydrogeologist to support operational activities related to groundwater resources management covering the South West Water, Bristol Water, Bournemouth Water and Isles of Scilly regions. You will receive a competitive salary of circa £35,000 to £45,000 plus an excellent benefits package.

About the role:

The Water Resources Business Partnering team take an in-year focus on all aspects of Water Resources activity; they will guide and influence the water operating function across South West Water/Bristol Water to deliver efficiently whilst managing and mitigating water resource risk. They provide day to day hydrological and hydrogeological expertise, advice, strategy and direction to the operational functions.

As a Water Resources Hydrogeologist you will work closely with the Senior Hydrogeologist and Senior Water Resources Business Partner to provide expert hydrogeological advice to internal stakeholders; you will support internal stakeholders by providing guidance and insights on groundwater systems, hydrological processes, and related geological formations.

You will have a background in hydrogeology, with experience of practical application and will possess excellent people and communication skills.

What you'll be doing:

• You will provide responses to day-to-day ground water queries across SWWBB, providing guidance and insights on groundwater systems, hydrological processes, and related geological formations.
• You will support hydrogeological field activity encompassing investigations, borehole drilling, and site visits feeding back relevant information to the Senior Hydrogeologist.
• You will support and guide data analysis and hydrogeological modelling to influence water resource development projects.
• You will champion the optimisation of groundwater resources use; supporting the Senior Hydrogeologist to drive compliance with regulatory requirements and contribute to the sustainable management of water supplies.
• You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate hydrogeological considerations into project planning, design, and execution processes, ensuring alignment with broader business objectives and sustainability goals.
• You will work closely with operational teams to identify opportunities for improving water management practices, optimizing resource utilization, and mitigating potential risks associated with groundwater abstraction and management.
• Commission thorough analysis of hydrogeological data, including aquifer properties, water quality parameters, and pumping test results, using the outputs of this activity to support informed decision-making.
• Alongside, and under the direction of, the Senior Hydrogeologist you will act as the centre of excellence within the SWWBB for hydrogeological expertise, providing critical inputs to other teams and fostering internal collaboration. Share insights, best practices, and technical guidance to support informed decision-making across various departments.
• You will support in the establishment and maintenance of groundwater delivery processes and procedures and the standards for borehole management.
• You will guide operational hydrogeological innovation across the business; influencing stakeholders and sharing industry insight to do achieve this.
• Provide as-required support to the WR Planners to aid completion of WRMP annual reviews feeding insights into annual Business Plan review.
• Via the MDS team you will commission and support analysis and associated interpretation of data outputs to inform performance reporting and monitoring of key water resource performance commitments. As part of this, you will support the ODI reporting for Water Resources as required.

What we are looking for:

• Geology, Hydrogeology, Earth Sciences, Environmental Science or related Degree.
• Growing knowledge of hydrogeology, preferably in operational or consulting roles within the water industry.
• Proven track record of providing technical support and guidance to internal teams and stakeholders.
• Experienced scoping and overseeing hydrogeological data capture and analysis activities.
• Knowledge of hydrogeological principles, groundwater flow, aquifer properties, and hydrological modelling.
• The ability to prioritise work in accordance with changing demands, and manage multiple tasks.
• Analytical mindset with the ability to identify, assess, and solve hydrogeological challenges.
• Strong attention to detail and organisational skills.
• Ability to develop strong, productive relationships with internal stakeholders.
• Good communicator, both oral and written.