Flood Scientist - Natural Flood Management

Who are we?

Zulu Ecosystems’ mission is to regenerate natural ecosystems responsibly so that the planet and its communities can thrive.  We combine proprietary technology and domain expertise with on-the-ground relationships to mobilize landowners, investors, government bodies, and communities around large-scale nature programs.   

 Doing the right thing for nature and people is at the heart of our work, and we apply peer-reviewed and novel scientific methods to scope, plan, and support the delivery of on-the-ground regeneration projects. We use high-quality science to maximize the benefits across carbon sequestration, biodiversity uplift, nature-based climate risk solutions, and positive outcomes for communities. We have already delivered projects in woodland creation and peatland restoration and are expanding our capabilities to include wetlands, grasslands, and other ecosystems.

Your mission

We’re seeking a flexible expert in flooding, hydrology, or hydraulic modeling to lead the development and application of our in-house natural flood management approach and to develop novel and scalable methods of nature-based solutions to other grand challenges in the water space. 

In this role, you will combine the best in academic research with industry tech to develop novel methods that allow us to mitigate flood risk by restoring ecosystems. Your models and insights will inform real-world landscape regeneration projects, help improve outcomes for biodiversity, and help address the impacts of climate change. Working closely with a multi-disciplinary team of scientists and field practitioners, your work will positively impact people and the planet. 

In the first instance, you will model flood risk and natural flood management interventions at multiple spatial scales - from site and project scale to sub-catchment, catchment scale, and landscape scales. You will build scalable modeling approaches that can be applied nationally and internationally. In the longer term, you’ll develop approaches to integrating hydrological and hydraulic models with other types of nature-based solution and landscape models (such as soils, peat, and biodiversity). You’ll lead our long-term aspirations around solving drought and water risk management, replenishing natural water stores, and managing water quality.

 
You will:

• Apply remote sensing data, in-situ data, and hydrological and hydraulic models to understand water dynamics at the catchment scale.
• Co-design landscape interventions to reduce flood risk and build new habitats in collaboration with your science team colleagues and our team of field experts.
• Have the opportunity to ground-truth desk-based model analytics.  
• Develop partnerships and collaborations with academic research groups, water companies, and other businesses in flood science.
• Contribute to improving internal models and research on biodiversity indicators and potential uplift.  
• Apply your geospatial knowledge and skills to solving other landscape-level scientific challenges.
• Mentor and potentially manage junior science staff and regular supervision of interns.

 Your profile

Requirements: 
  

• A passion for making a positive impact on the planet and solving grand environmental challenges
• A PhD, or equivalent level of experience, in a discipline related to hydraulic modeling, hydrology, water science, physics, remote sensing, engineering, or other similar fields.
• Experience working with hydraulic or hydrological models.
• Experience working in Python
• Knowledge of processing techniques and manipulation of GIS datasets: proficiency in GIS mapping data and software and experience in geospatial data analysis.  
• Experience using relevant geospatial data types, such as LiDAR and land cover.
• A proactive, methodical, and data-driven approach to problem-solving. 
• Enthusiasm for working collaboratively with teams comprising different scientific and non-technical backgrounds
• The ability to communicate complex technical topics effectively to a non-technical audience

 
 Nice to haves: 

• Postdoctoral level or equivalent industry experience in hydraulic or hydrological modeling
• Experience or expertise in natural flood management techniques and approaches
• Experience or expertise in natural capital assessment

Why us?

This opportunity offers the right candidate the platform to define the future of natural flood mitigation and natural-based solutions in the UK. Together, we can make a lasting positive impact on the planet while building a formidable business.  Your role will make a fundamental difference in what our world looks like for the next generation. 

We also offer a competitive benefits package:

• Competitive salary, performance bonus. 

• Shares with Zulu Ecosystems

• Private Healthcare

• Workplace pension scheme

• 25 days holiday

• Central London office a stone's throw from Hyde Park

• Onsite Yoga classes

• Multi-disciplinary team & collaborative culture

• Flexible working/hybrid working

• Learning and Development budget 

• Personal development opportunities 

About us

Before you apply:
We will only use the personal data you provide to process your application. By emailing us your CV and covering letter, you consent to Zulu Ecosystems using the information you have provided for recruitment purposes. Interested applicants must have the right to work in the UK.

Equal Employment Opportunity:
Zulu Ecosystems is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.