Senior Catchment Scientist / Hydrogeologist
Nicholas O'Dwyer Ltd
About The Company
At Nicholas O'Dwyer, sustainability is at the core of our work. With a proven track record over 90 years, we are committed to creating a sustainable planet and inviting you to be part of our team.
Our mission is to provide innovative and reliable solutions using cutting‑edge technology and expertise, to ensure project success and employee satisfaction. We deliver infrastructure projects in water, wastewater, transportation, civil and structural engineering, flood protection, and energy including renewables. We operate in Ireland, the UK, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and are part of the RSK Group, an amalgamation of over 200 companies with more than 17,000 employees.
About The Role
Nickel O'Dwyer is seeking an experienced Senior Catchment Scientist / Hydrogeologist to support the delivery of the Drinking Water Safety Plan (DWSP) programme, in line with the new Drinking Water Regulations.
The role will focus on developing high‑level Catchment Action Plans for approximately 700 Water Treatment Plant catchments, covering both surface water and groundwater sources. The successful candidate will work collaboratively with internal technical teams and external stakeholders to identify risks, define mitigation measures, and track actions through the DWSP system.
This is a senior, technically focused role requiring strong catchment science expertise, excellent analytical and reporting skills, and proven experience working within regulated drinking water environments.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Lead the preparation of high‑level Catchment Action Plans for drinking water sources as part of the DWSP programme.
Undertake desktop catchment characterisation, including review of source risk assessment outputs and available water quality data.
Analyse and interpret water quality monitoring datasets to identify key pressures, hazards, and trends affecting drinking water sources.
Identify, prioritise, and plan risk mitigation measures, including defining responsibilities, sequencing, and realistic implementation timelines.
Engage with internal and external stakeholders, including asset owners, regulators, and catchment partners, to support delivery of agreed actions.
Track and update mitigation measures within the DWSP database, ensuring accuracy and consistency of records.
Provide technical oversight and review of catchment and hydrogeological inputs prepared by other team members.
Support programme and project management activities, including progress tracking, reporting, and coordination across multiple catchments.
Prepare high‑quality technical reports, summaries, and presentations suitable for both technical and non‑technical audiences.
Contribute to continuous improvement of catchment risk management approaches within the DWSP framework.
Key Requirements
Degree in Catchment Science, Hydrogeology, Environmental Science, Earth Sciences, or a related discipline.
Minimum 5 years’ relevant professional experience in catchment management, hydrogeology, or drinking water protection.
Demonstrated experience in:
Catchment management planning
Drinking Water Safety Plans (DWSPs)
Water quality monitoring data analysis
Stakeholder engagement in regulated environments
Project or programme delivery
Proven ability to undertake technical reviews and provide leadership or oversight to project teams.
Strong report writing, data interpretation, and presentation skills.
Desirable Experience
Catchment risk assessment methodologies.
Groundwater and catchment hydrogeological assessments.
Experience using GIS to support catchment analysis and reporting.
Familiarity with Irish or EU drinking water regulatory frameworks.
About Us
Our mission is to deliver sustainable solutions that transform communities and bring about lasting positive change. Through a blend of expertise, innovation and global dedication, we envision a world where sustainable engineering protects growing communities.
Nicholas O'Dwyer provides professional services in engineering design, project management, environment and planning, construction supervision and technical and contract advisory. We are one of the most respected Irish consultancies operating in local and international markets, providing professional services to public‑ and private‑sector clients.
RSK, part of the RSK Group, is a leading integrated environmental, engineering and technical services business providing dynamic, multidisciplinary services across a wide range of sectors. We operate as a group of businesses that work together seamlessly, aiming for growth through diversification and a people‑first culture.
We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace that welcomes individuals from all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. We firmly believe that embracing and celebrating diversity in our workforce makes us a stronger and more innovative company.
Seniority Level
Mid‑Senior level
Employment Type
Contract
Job Function
Research, Analyst, and Information Technology
Industries
Civil Engineering
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