Join to help solve complex water challenges on global engineering and mining projects as a Principal / Senior Consultant – Surface Water with SRK Consulting in Cardiff (Hybrid).
SRK is an employee-owned, international consultancy working at the intersection of water, environment, natural resources and infrastructure, with a strong track record in the global mining and minerals sector. Our UK office, based in Cardiff (approximately 150 people) works closely with colleagues across the Americas, Africa, Asia and Australia, advising investors, operators, governments and insurers on complex, high impact projects.
The opportunity:
We’re seeking an experienced Senior or Principal Surface Water Specialist to take a key technical and client facing role in our UK Water Group (part of SRK’s Geo-environmental Department, alongside ESG and Geochemistry).
You’ll work on projects from due diligence and early-stage scoping through design, operations and closure, including:
* Hydrological and hydraulic studies (rainfall–runoff, flood, drainage, stormwater).
* Mine water management and integrated water management plans.
* Design inputs for channels, culverts, impoundments and other surface water infrastructure.
* Hydrological / hydraulic modelling, including data analysis, model build, calibration and validation.
* Climate and climate change analysis
You’ll often lead the surface water workstream in multidisciplinary teams, working with geotechnical, civil, ESG and hydrogeology specialists in the UK and overseas, with opportunities for international travel and site visits, including remote locations.
Key responsibilities:
* Act as technical lead for surface water on complex, multidisciplinary studies.
* Manage and deliver projects – scope, budget, program, quality and client communication.
* Build and maintain client relationships and support business development.
* Represent SRK in meetings, workshops, reviews and audits.
* Mentor, support and review the work of junior and midlevel staff, and contribute to thought leadership.
About you - Essential:
* Degree (or equivalent) in Civil/Environmental Engineering, WaterResources, Hydrology or related discipline.
* Strong track record in surface water / hydrology on complex mining, industrial or infrastructure projects.
* Excellent teamwork, leadership and client-facing skills.
* Strong analytical skills – confident with complex data, models and uncertainty, and able to explain results clearly.
* Clear, concise technical writing and verbal communication.
* Experience in several of: climate / climate change analysis; stormwater or site/mine water plans; design and sizing of surface water features; hydrological/hydraulic modelling.
Mining experience is advantageous, but we welcome candidates from broader water, infrastructure or industrial backgrounds with strong transferable skills and an interest in the mining sector.
* Chartered status or equivalent professional recognition (or clear progression towards it).
* Experience with HECHMS, HECRAS or equivalent, and with hydrological monitoring networks.
* Familiarity with stochastic water balance / systems models (e.g. GoldSim) and resource optimization.
* Data science skills (e.g. Python, R, MATLAB), a second language, and/or dam breach analysis experience.
If your experience aligns strongly with surface water, hydrology or water resources engineering but you don’t meet every requirement, we still encourage you to apply.
* Employee owned, non-hierarchical culture – real influence over projects and your career.
* High impact, international projects alongside recognized experts in water, geotechnics, ESG, geology and more.
* Competitive salary, profit related bonus, private healthcare, and the option to buy shares in SRK UK and SRK Global.
* Strong support for professional development – funded professional registration, training, conferences, mentoring and innovation initiatives.
* Benefit schemes including Payroll Giving, Cycle to Work, Corporate Gym Membership, annual leave that increases with length of service, and long service awards.
* A genuine commitment to health, safety, diversity and inclusion – we want you to bring your whole self to work and grow with us.
If you’re ready to take a senior or principal, role shaping surface water strategy on complex global projects, apply with your CV and a short cover note outlining your experience, key projects and why SRK appeals to you.
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