Hydrologist/Senior Environmental Data Scientist

Aztrum
Wallingford
1 month ago
Applications closed

Senior Environmental Data Scientist / Hydrologist


Location: Oxfordshire (hybrid / remote options available)


Salary: £38,000 - £42,000 + Excellent Benefits


We are partnering with a growing environmental and data‑led consultancy that is expanding its technical team and seeking an experienced Environmental Data Scientist / Hydrologist. This role sits within a collaborative science and software environment and offers the opportunity to work on nationally significant modelling tools that influence water management and flood‑risk decision making across the UK.


The position is well suited to someone with a strong analytical mindset who enjoys combining environmental science, data analysis and software development to deliver real‑world impact.


The Opportunity

You will become part of a multidisciplinary team responsible for developing, enhancing and maintaining large‑scale hydrological modelling systems. These platforms are used by regulators, practitioners and researchers to better understand river systems, flood behaviour and long‑term water availability.


A key element of the role will involve improving an established water‑resources modelling framework, alongside contributing to the ongoing evolution of national flood‑risk estimation tools. There is also scope to explore and embed machine learning techniques within traditional hydrological methods to extend capability and performance.


Key Responsibilities

  • Develop, test and improve hydrological models used at national scale
  • Contribute to the advancement of flood‑risk and water‑resource assessment tools
  • Support software testing, validation and usability improvements
  • Collaborate with regulators, researchers and end users to ensure outputs remain accurate and compliant
  • Contribute to applied research and convert findings into practical tools and methodologies

About You

  • Degree‑qualified (2:1 or above) in a numerate or environmental discipline such as hydrology, earth sciences, environmental science or civil engineering
  • Strong programming experience in Python and/or R
  • Practical experience applying machine learning techniques to environmental, spatial or time‑series data

In your initial 12 months

  • Develop a strong understanding of the organisation's modelling tools and software platforms
  • Build and deploy Python‑based modules addressing real hydrological challenges
  • Collaborate with academic partners and national stakeholders
  • Produce high‑quality technical documentation and reports
  • Begin working towards professional accreditation (e.g. CIWEM or equivalent)

As the role develops

  • Influence long‑term technical and product strategy
  • Identify new modelling approaches, tools or service offerings
  • Lead components of research and development initiatives
  • Support proposal development and client‑facing work

Benefits & Working Environment

  • Employee‑owned business model with tax‑efficient profit‑share bonuses
  • Additional performance‑related bonus opportunities
  • Transparent salary bands and clear progression routes
  • Share‑option opportunities at senior levels (subject to tenure)
  • Generous annual leave allowance (40+ days including buy/sell options)
  • Pension scheme with employer contributions starting at 5% and increasing with service
  • Health cash plan including virtual GP access and wellbeing support
  • Cycle‑to‑work scheme
  • Paid volunteering day focused on environmental or community initiatives
  • Structured performance reviews and personalised development plans
  • Dedicated annual training allowance and funded professional memberships
  • Regular team events, social activities and knowledge‑sharing sessions

Interested in learning more? For a confidential discussion about this opportunity, apply now


#J-18808-Ljbffr

Subscribe to Future Tech Insights for the latest jobs & insights, direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to our privacy policy and terms of service.

Industry Insights

Discover insightful articles, industry insights, expert tips, and curated resources.

How Many Data Science Tools Do You Need to Know to Get a Data Science Job?

If you’re trying to break into data science — or progress your career — it can feel like you are drowning in names: Python, R, TensorFlow, PyTorch, SQL, Spark, AWS, Scikit-learn, Jupyter, Tableau, Power BI…the list just keeps going. With every job advert listing a different combination of tools, many applicants fall into a trap: they try to learn everything. The result? Long tool lists that sound impressive — but little depth to back them up. Here’s the straight-talk version most hiring managers won’t explicitly tell you: 👉 You don’t need to know every data science tool to get hired. 👉 You need to know the right ones — deeply — and know how to use them to solve real problems. Tools matter, but only in service of outcomes. So how many data science tools do you actually need to know to get a job? For most job seekers, the answer is not “27” — it’s more like 8–12, thoughtfully chosen and well understood. This guide explains what employers really value, which tools are core, which are role-specific, and how to focus your toolbox so your CV and interviews shine.

What Hiring Managers Look for First in Data Science Job Applications (UK Guide)

If you’re applying for data science roles in the UK, it’s crucial to understand what hiring managers focus on before they dive into your full CV. In competitive markets, recruiters and hiring managers often make their first decisions in the first 10–20 seconds of scanning an application — and in data science, there are specific signals they look for first. Data science isn’t just about coding or statistics — it’s about producing insights, shipping models, collaborating with teams, and solving real business problems. This guide helps you understand exactly what hiring managers look for first in data science applications — and how to structure your CV, portfolio and cover letter so you leap to the top of the shortlist.

The Skills Gap in Data Science Jobs: What Universities Aren’t Teaching

Data science has become one of the most visible and sought-after careers in the UK technology market. From financial services and retail to healthcare, media, government and sport, organisations increasingly rely on data scientists to extract insight, guide decisions and build predictive models. Universities have responded quickly. Degrees in data science, analytics and artificial intelligence have expanded rapidly, and many computer science courses now include data-focused pathways. And yet, despite the volume of graduates entering the market, employers across the UK consistently report the same problem: Many data science candidates are not job-ready. Vacancies remain open. Hiring processes drag on. Candidates with impressive academic backgrounds fail interviews or struggle once hired. The issue is not intelligence or effort. It is a persistent skills gap between university education and real-world data science roles. This article explores that gap in depth: what universities teach well, what they often miss, why the gap exists, what employers actually want, and how jobseekers can bridge the divide to build successful careers in data science.