Hydrologist

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 - 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 te