Senior Hydrogeologist

Powered by Water, Driven by Purpose

South West Water keeps the South West flowing with safe, reliable drinking water and wastewater services across some of the UK’s most stunning landscapes.

We’re proud to be part of Pennon Group, a leader in the UK water sector, working towards a greener future. Our goals? As well as lowering our carbon footprint, we’re working with partners to plant 300,000 trees, restore peatlands and supporting farmers and landowners to improve water quality and wildlife.

Whether you’re starting out or seeking a new challenge, our scale and ambition create opportunities for you to shape your own career.

Ready to make a splash? Join our team today.

Role Purpose

Our Senior Hydrogeologists lead operational groundwater resource management activities across the South West Water, Bristol Water, Bournemouth Water, SES Water, and Isles of Scilly regions and will be required to travel to these sites on a regular basis. The role provides specialist hydrogeological expertise, supports operational decision-making, and ensures the sustainable management of groundwater assets while maintaining compliance with regulatory requirements.

Working as part of the Water Resources Business Partnering team, the postholder acts as a subject matter expert for groundwater systems, advising stakeholders across the business and driving improvements in groundwater management, operational performance, and resource resilience. The role combines technical leadership, stakeholder engagement, and strategic input into water resource planning and operational delivery.

Key Responsibilities

Groundwater Resource Leadership

• Lead responses to operational groundwater enquiries across the business.

• Provide expert advice on groundwater systems, aquifer behaviour, hydrological processes, and geological formations.

• Develop and maintain groundwater management standards, procedures, and borehole management practices.

• Act as the organisation's centre of excellence for hydrogeological expertise.

Technical Delivery

• Oversee hydrogeological investigations, data analysis, and groundwater modelling activities.

• Review and interpret hydrogeological data including aquifer characteristics, water quality information, and pumping test results.

• Support water resource development projects through technical assessments and recommendations.

• Identify opportunities to optimise groundwater abstraction and resource utilisation while minimising environmental risks.

Stakeholder Collaboration

• Work closely with operational teams, planners, analysts, and environmental specialists to integrate hydrogeological considerations into business operations.

• Collaborate with Water Resources Planning teams to support annual Water Resources Management Plan (WRMP) reviews and business planning activities.

• Build productive relationships with regulators, industry bodies, and external stakeholders.

Innovation and Continuous Improvement

• Lead operational hydrogeological innovation initiatives.

• Promote best practice and knowledge sharing across the organisation.

• Support the development of improved groundwater monitoring, analysis, and management techniques.

Performance and Representation

• Support monitoring and reporting against Water Resources performance commitments.

• Contribute to regulatory and Operational Delivery Incentive (ODI) reporting requirements.

• Represent the organisation at industry forums, including Water UK, the Environment Agency, UKWIR, and regulator meetings.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

Essential

• Degree in Geology, Hydrogeology, Earth Sciences, Environmental Science, or a related discipline.

• Extensive knowledge of hydrogeology, groundwater systems, aquifer properties, groundwater flow, and hydrological modelling.

• Demonstrated experience leading hydrogeological projects from inception through to delivery.

• Strong understanding of groundwater monitoring, data analysis, interpretation, and reporting.

• Knowledge of groundwater abstraction regulations and environmental compliance requirements.

• Previous experience within the water industry.

• Excellent analytical, organisational, and problem-solving skills.

• Strong communication and stakeholder management capabilities.

Desirable

• Master's degree in Hydrogeology or a related discipline.

• Professional membership of a recognised body such as CIWEM.

• Experience in consultancy-based hydrogeological roles.

• Experience undertaking field investigations, drilling supervision, and groundwater sampling.

• Experience presenting technical information to non-technical audiences.

Closing Date: 30th July 2026

We may close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

Please note that the successful candidate will be subject to a mandatory DBS check as part of the onboarding process.

Be yourself, we like it that way. Together, we will build a culture of belonging, where inclusion is instinctive. Diversity is our strength and a reflection of our communities. We care, we value everyone, we celebrate uniqueness.

Our core values, which are essential to our success, are:

Be Rock Solid - Build trust and be trusted. Be the one we all look to and can depend on.

Be You - We want you to bring your best everyday. Be yourself and make your mark in your individual way.

Be the Future - Embrace change. Drive Progress. Own the challenge.