Geomorphologist

Job Title: Geomorphologist - Hydrology, Geomorphology & Water Resource Management

Location: Hybrid (home-based with fieldwork across South Wales; weekly site work, mainly on the River Tawe)

Starting Salary: £36,246 rising to £39,942 per annum

Contract Type: Permanent

Hours: 37 per week (flexible working patterns considered - part time, compressed, annualised or term time, discussions at interview stage welcome)

The Role
An excellent opportunity has arisen for a Geomorphologist / Water Ecologist to join the Hydrology and Geomorphology team within the South Wales Flood and Water Management Department.
This role is central to delivering river management and restoration work across South Wales, with a strong focus on the River Tawe. The successful candidate will provide practical advice on river geomorphology, water ecology and hydro morphology, ensuring compliance with the Water Framework Directive (WFD).

The position combines fieldwork and office-based analysis, including river surveys, technical reporting, and providing advice to colleagues in permitting, enforcement, and flood risk management. You will contribute to projects that help protect and restore river habitats, enhance ecological resilience, and support sustainable water management.

Hybrid working is available - most tasks will be home-based, with site visits typically once a week. Candidates can be based anywhere in South Wales but must be able to travel across the region when required.

Key Responsibilities

• Carry out fieldwork, including river surveys and restoration projects, primarily focusing on the River Tawe.
• Analyse, interpret, and report on geomorphological and ecological data.
• Provide technical advice to permitting colleagues, developers, and partners to ensure sustainable development and WFD compliance.
• Act as a technical advisor on river restoration, natural flood management (NFM), and bioengineering measures.
• Support incident management planning, including flood and drought response.
• Maintain high standards of health, safety, and environmental best practice during site and office work.

Requirements

• Degree in ecology, environmental science, physical geography, civil engineering, or a related discipline.
• 1-2 years' experience in water or river ecology, hydrology, or geomorphology.
• Strong knowledge of the Water Framework Directive and compliance requirements.
• Practical experience in river surveys, geomorphological methods, or hydrological analysis.
• Excellent technical report writing and ability to communicate complex data to non-specialists.
• Ability to undertake fieldwork, sometimes in challenging environments.
• Full UK driving licence.
• Ecology background with good understanding of freshwater and river systems is essential.
• Membership (or working towards) of a relevant professional body (e.g., CIWEM, ICE) is desirable.
• Welsh language skills at Level A1 (entry) are desirable - training and support will be provided.

Benefits

• Civil Service Pension Scheme (employer contribution 28.97%).
• 28 days annual leave, rising to 33.
• Flexible working options to support work-life balance.
• Professional development and training opportunities.
• Health and wellbeing benefits, including weekly wellbeing hour.

If you're interested in this opportunity and meet the requirements outlined above, please apply today or contact George on 02920 220776 / george.bradbury@pertemps.co.uk for more information.