Principal / Senior Consultant (EIA & Consenting – Hydrology and Water Environment)

DEPARTMENT: Environment & Engineering

STATUS:  37.5 hours per week, Permanent.

SALARY:  Competitive and based on experience and qualifications.

LOCATION:  Glasgow, Newcastle or Manchester City Centre Offices (Hybrid Home Working Available)

THE POSITION

As part of the continued growth of our EIA Services, TNEI is seeking a Principal or Senior Consultant with experience in Environmental Impact Assessment, environmental coordination and infrastructure consenting with a background in hydrological and geoenvironmental / geotechnical expertise.

The successful candidate will provide technical expertise in hydrology, geotechnical and water environment assessment, supporting the delivery of planning and environmental consent applications for major energy infrastructure developments.

You will be responsible for preparing and reviewing technical assessments, contributing to Environmental Impact Assessments, supporting interdisciplinary project teams, and engaging with regulators, clients and stakeholders.

The role combines technical assessment, project delivery, site-based fieldwork and client-facing responsibilities, offering significant opportunities for career development and progression within a growing consultancy.

This is a client-facing role within our Environment & Engineering team, providing leadership on EIA inputs and consenting activities for a range of renewable energy and electricity transmission and distribution projects across the UK.

The successful candidate will work alongside planners, other environmental specialists, engineers, GIS professionals and grid consultants to support the delivery of renewable energy infrastructure projects.

WHO WE’RE LOOKING FOR

An experienced Hydrologist and EIA practitioner with a background in, or seeking to specialise in, the renewable energy sector whilst working within an integrated planning, environmental and engineering consultancy focused on supporting the UK energy transition.

KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Prepare and contribute to Water Environment and Hydrology chapters for EIAs and Environmental Reports.
  • Assist in the growth and development an integrated hydrology and geoenvironmental workstream within TNEI’s existing Environment and Engineering team.
  • Undertake baseline studies, constraints assessments and environmental appraisals.
  • Support EIA Screening and Scoping exercises.
  • Identify potential effects on hydrology, hydrogeology, private water supplies and surface water receptors.
  • Develop embedded mitigation and enhancement measures to support project design and consent strategies.
  • Undertake carbon assessments and whole life carbon assessments for renewable energy projects through the development and utilisation of a carbon toolkit using pre-existing tools such as carbon calculator.
  • Undertake, coordinate and review technical assessments including:
    • Private Water Supply Risk Assessments.
    • Water Framework Directive (WFD) assessments.
    • Groundwater Dependent Terrestrial Ecosystem (GWDTE) assessments.
    • Surface water and groundwater baseline studies.
    • Watercourse crossing assessments.
    • Construction phase water management strategies.
    • Hydrological and hydrogeological impact assessments.
    • Carbon / peatland and drainage related assessments where appropriate.
    • Flood Risk Assessments, where applicable.
  • Undertake and co-ordinate field work as required.
  • Work closely with environmental planners, engineers, GIS specialists, ecologists, landscape architects and project managers.
  • Support site design optimisation by identifying environmental constraints and opportunities early in the development process.
  • Assist in the development of environmental management plans and construction mitigation strategies.
  • Manage technical workstreams on multiple projects simultaneously.
  • Prepare high-quality technical reports to meet client, regulatory and company standards.
  • Support bid preparation, fee proposals and business development activities.
  • Build and maintain positive working relationships with clients, regulators and stakeholders.
  • Mentor and support junior consultants through team growth and development.
  • Provide technical guidance to project teams.
  • Share knowledge and best practice across the business.
  • Support continuous improvement of TNEI’s EIA and consenting services.

REQUIREMENTS

Essential requirements include: 

  • Degree in Hydrology, Environmental Science, Geography, Hydrogeology, Water Resources Engineering or a related discipline.
  • Experience delivering hydrology and water environment assessments within planning, EIA or environmental consultancy.
  • Understanding of UK environmental and water legislation.
  • Experience in preparing technical reports and environmental assessments.
  • Knowledge of environmental consenting requirements for infrastructure or renewable energy projects.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to manage workload effectively across multiple projects.
  • Full UK driving licence and willingness to undertake fieldwork throughout the UK and Ireland.

Desirable requirements:  

  • Experience supporting renewable energy and/or electricity infrastructure projects.
  • Experience preparing Flood Risk Assessments.
  • Knowledge of Water Framework Directive assessments.
  • Understanding of private water supply regulations and guidance.
  • Experience of hydrological or hydraulic modelling.
  • Membership of a relevant professional body or working towards chartership.
  • Experience in managing or mentoring junior staff.
  • A proven track record of business development.

ABOUT TNEI

TNEI is a specialist, vibrant consulting company that has been at the forefront of providing expert technical advice to electricity network companies, renewable energy developers, regulators and funding institutions all over the world since it was established in 1999.  By nurturing the top talent in the energy industry we’ve built a solid reputation of developing innovative solutions and solving complex problems associated with achieving net zero.  We offer a fast-paced learning environment with excellent career development opportunities. Join us and become part of the net zero energy revolution.

TNEI staff at the heart of the business

TNEI is an Employee Ownership Trust meaning that the people who work in the business directly benefit from and influence the direction and future success of the company.

TNEI has always been proud of its inventive and collaborative culture. That culture is at the heart of its success and ensures innovative and novel approaches to supporting and helping solve challenges facing our client base. An Employee Ownership Trust embodies this company culture in which we all feel responsible for the business’ performance and success.

By remaining independent, the company is able to retain its culture and reputation and allow staff to feel even more connected to the company.

Find out what it’s like to be part of our team and visit ‘life at TNEI’ on our website’s careers page.

Here’s How We Take Care Of You

  • Work life balance: 25 days annual leave (plus public holidays) & a day off to celebrate your birthday 
  • Flexible working: Hybrid, ‘flex’ your day around our core working hours & annual opportunity to work from ‘an alternative location’
  • Career growth: Development opportunities & funded professional memberships
  • Financial rewards: Annual pay review, Discretional annual bonus scheme, employee ownership dividend & 7% employer pension contribution (with the option to enhance with salary exchange)
  • Wellbeing support: Private Medical Insurance, Employee Assistance Programme, extensive life assurance & income protection
  • Enhanced policies and provisions to support colleagues through all of the moments that matter
  • People & Community: Cycle to Work, annual travel loan, discounts platform, team socials & charity matching

How to apply

Please apply using the ‘Apply Now’ form on the Careers Page on our website, and upload your CV and covering letter, demonstrating why you are suitable for the role and any previous experience. 

Closing date for applications:

Applications will close on or before the 13 November 2026

Successful candidates will be invited to interview on receipt of application.  Therefore, if you are planning to apply, we recommend that you do so without delay. 

Equality, diversity and inclusion

TNEI promotes equality, diversity and inclusion in a space where all are respected.

Please note we do not accept CV’s from recruitment agencies.

Apply now.

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