At HR Wallingford, we design smart, resilient solutions across the natural and built environments to help everyone live and work more sustainably with water. By harnessing research, data insights and the power of our collective expertise, we help the world to better understand the changing influence and impact of water.
We are looking for a Senior Dredging Consultant to join our Dredging Survey & Environment Team with a background in (or good knowledge of) dredging, reclamation, earthworks and other water/marine works. While we are primarily seeking an experienced Senior Consultant, we are a growing team and are also keen to hear from ambitious early-careers professionals or engineers with relevant dredging experience who are eager to develop into this specialist field.
You will play a key role in designing resilient maritime infrastructure and ensuring sustainable sediment management in the face of increasing climate-induced hazards. You will be responsible for ensuring the delivery of high-quality consultancy advice, overseeing dredging contractors, and providing technical support to clients. In addition, you will contribute to R&D activities, help develop innovative digital tools, and represent HR Wallingford at conferences and trade events.
About you
You will work both independently and as part of a team, undertaking occasional fieldwork and attending on-site client meetings as required. You are a highly organised professional with a sharp eye for detail, particularly regarding technical reporting and documentation. You should be comfortable translating complex site data into clear, effective written reports for a variety of stakeholders.
As part of our commitment to technical excellence, the selection process will include a review of technical competency and written communication (including the reviewing and drafting of technical content). Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate practical knowledge of dredging plant and a high standard of professional reporting.
Key qualifications and skills
For the role you will need to demonstrate:
- Education & Experience: A degree in a relevant field (e.g. Civil Engineering). Typically, we look for 5+ years of commercial dredging industry experience for the Senior grade, but we encourage applications from candidates at an earlier career stage who possess a strong technical foundation in heavy civils or maritime works.
- Technical Knowledge: Understanding of a range of dredging plant and equipment, alongside knowledge of dredging project structure, programme and health and safety.
- Software Proficiency: A high level of proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook) is an absolute minimum requirement.
- Communication: Exceptional written communication skills, with extensive experience in writing, reviewing, and delivering technical reports. Must also be able to communicate well verbally in meetings and via preparation and delivery of impactful presentations.
- Project Management: Strong organisational skills with a track record of delivering tasks or projects on time and on budget.
- Desirable Skills: Previous experience with GIS, CAD, or Microsoft Project would be a significant advantage, as would experience with vessel-based and overseas fieldwork.
- Professional Growth: Professional membership of a relevant body (e.g., ICE, IMarEST), ideally Chartered or working towards Chartered status.
Why choose us?
- Exceptional benefits: Enjoy a defined contribution pension scheme with a minimum 10% employer contribution (matched up to an additional 5%), 25 days of holiday plus bank holidays, life insurance, and health insurance providing dental/optical cash back.
- Work-life balance: We understand the importance of a healthy work-life balance and offer both hybrid working and flexi-time. We are also open to exploring other flexible working arrangements, including part-time.
- Mentorship & Development: We invest in our people. You will work alongside world-leading experts, providing an unparalleled environment for technical development. We actively support staff working towards Chartered status.
- Campus Life: Based at our Howbery Park campus, you will have access to an on-site restaurant, gym, nursery, and sports/social clubs (including our own boat and canoes for use on the adjacent River Thames).
- Make an Impact: HR Wallingford is a non-profit-distributing organisation. We reinvest our profits into strategic research and innovation, ensuring our staff work on exciting, next-generation tools and technology.
Further information
- Download a full job description and person specification.
- Check out our exceptional benefits at hrwallingford.com/careers.
- Salary: dependant on experience, £45,000 to £55,000 is the expected range for the Senior role.
- The closing date for applications is 3rd July 2026
How to apply
If you are excited about this role but unsure whether you’re the right fit, we encourage you to apply. We’re also happy to answer any questions by emailing [email protected]
Interested? Please apply providing your CV with covering letter.
Additional information
Our privacy notice for job applicants, available from our website, explains how we collect and process the personal data you may provide us when you apply for a job with us through our websites, or by any other means. This notice also explains how we’ll store and handle that data and keep it.
HR Wallingford are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity in our workplace. We do not discriminate, and work to create an inclusive culture across our business.
Skills Required
- Degree in a relevant field (e.g., Civil Engineering)
- Typically 5+ years commercial dredging industry experience (Senior grade)
- Practical knowledge of a range of dredging plant and equipment
- Understanding of dredging project structure, programme and health and safety
- High proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
- Exceptional written communication and technical reporting skills
- Strong organisational and project management skills; delivering tasks/projects on time and budget
- Professional membership of a relevant body (e.g., ICE, IMarEST), Chartered or working towards Chartered status
- Experience with GIS, CAD, or Microsoft Project
- Experience with vessel-based and overseas fieldwork
What We Do
HR Wallingford is an engineering and research organization focused on designing smart, resilient solutions for the water environment to promote sustainable living and working.
