Principal Hydrogeologist
- 📁
- Science
- 📅
- 3 days ago Post Date
- 📅
- 250000CB Requisition #
The British Geological Survey
Principal Hydrogeologist
Grade: UKRI Pay Band F / S2
Salary: £62,434 per annum
A great benefits package is offered including an outstanding pension scheme (with an extremely generous employer contribution – on average 27% of your pay), 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays
Contract Type: Permanent
Full-time – 37 hours a week or part-time (some flexible working options may be available, including some remote working, in line with BGS policy)
Location: BGS headquarters in Keyworth in Nottingham
Closing date: 18 June 2025
About the role
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Principal Hydrogeologist to work within the Groundwater group’s senior management team to provide science leadership and project management for UK hydrogeology. The main focus will be leading and managing the BGS component of the NERC FDRI Programme, the largest investment in UK hydrology for a generation providing innovative monitoring to help resilience to floods and droughts. The BGS work involves overseeing the development of groundwater monitoring infrastructure in a chalk catchment in southeast England and two upland catchments in Scotland and Wales. Regular travel within the UK will be essential. In addition, the post holder will be expected to contribute to a variety of BGS Groundwater projects mostly related to UK hydrogeology; developing and leading research projects for Public Bodies and the Water Industry; and developing and maintaining strong networks within the UK Groundwater community.
Key duties and responsibilities
• Project Manager of the BGS component of the NERC FDRI programme
• Contribute to a suite of projects for the Groundwater Science area in BGS
• Prepare bids for external projects
• Leading the delivery of comprehensive client reports
• Contribute to the strategic leadership for the development of Hydrogeology within BGS
• Play an active role in the Groundwater science community, publishing research and presenting at conferences
About you
We are looking for a highly experienced and motivated hydrogeologist with extensive experience of UK hydrogeology and of managing large complex groundwater projects. With a post graduate qualification in a relevant science area (or equivalent comparable work experience), you will have significant experience working within the groundwater sector. Experience of project (including budgetary management), people management and the leadership of challenging and/or change situations are all essential. You will have experience of groundwater research, having designed projects to answer societal issues and a track record of sharing this knowledge through publications and presentations.
The post involves extensive team working; therefore, you should be able to work effectively with others, and be confident leading staff, in a strong multidisciplinary environment, and have very good time management skills.
While we welcome both international and national applications, experience of UK hydrogeology is essential.
Essential requirements
• University degree in Geoscience, Civil Engineering, or related subject and an MSc or PhD in Hydrogeology or equivalent experience(S)
• Experience of managing large complex groundwater projects (S&I)
• Knowledge and extensive experience of UK Hydrogeology (S&I)
• People management experience and skills (S&I)
• A strong record of writing reports and communicating science (S&I)
• Organisational talent, diligence, and attention to detail (S&I)
• Demonstrates an enthusiasm for the work of BGS and our core values of impact, impartiality, and knowledge (I)
• You will be committed to a diverse and inclusive approach to work in the geosciences (S&I)
Desirable requirements
• Project management qualifications (S)
• Significant experience in managing and carrying out hydrogeological field programmes (S&I)
• A strong scientific / research profile with commensurate record of publications and presentations (I)
• Delivering projects for commercial clients (I)
• Experience of setting up groundwater monitoring networks (I)
About us
The British Geological Survey (BGS) is an applied geoscience research centre that belongs to UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and is affiliated to the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC). It is a world leading geological survey whose core mission is to advise government of science related to the subsurface and to undertake applied research to solve earth and environmental issues, both in the UK and globally. It is funded directly by UKRI, as well as through research grants and private sector contracts.
Our Core Values and commitment to promoting equality and diversity across our organisation underpin the continuous drive to improve our scientific and organisational efficiency. As such, we aim to have a workforce with employees from all backgrounds with people who are passionate about earth science and who share our dedication to work for the good of the environment and the benefit of society. BGS became a signatory of the Technician Commitment in July 2022.
How to apply
Applicants are required to include a CV and covering letter outlining their suitability for the role. We would stress the importance of this paperwork in our selection process.
A well thought through application providing evidence and examples of how you meet the advertised essential and desirable criteria for the post will be considered far more favourably than a generic covering letter and CV.
If you experience any issues applying for this role, please contact Recruitment@ukri.org.
The closing date for receipt of applications is 18th June 2025. Interviews are expected to be held in early July 2025 in Keyworth, Nottingham.