Geomorphologist

The Role

At JBA, we believe healthy rivers are at the heart of resilient landscapes, thriving communities and sustainable infrastructure. We're looking for an experienced Fluvial Geomorphologist to join our growing Geomorphology and River Restoration team and help deliver some of the UK's most exciting river restoration, natural flood management, environmental enhancement and flood risk projects.

This is an opportunity to work alongside industry-leading geomorphologists, hydraulic modellers, ecologists and engineers on projects that genuinely improve the water environment. You'll be trusted to lead technical work, influence project direction and develop innovative, process-based solutions that deliver environmental and societal benefits.

You will be joining an award-winning environmental and engineering consultancy which puts innovation, sustainability and resilience at the heart of its work.

We are independent and staff-owned under a stewardship model which drives long term decision making and investment. We have offices in the UK, Ireland, Romania, India, Singapore and Australia. Our people are all important and we invest heavily in life-long learning and skills development.

Visit https://www.jbaconsulting.com/ to find out more.

Your role

As a Fluvial Geomorphologist, you'll take a leading role in delivering a broad range of geomorphological and river restoration projects, working closely with clients and multidisciplinary teams throughout the project lifecycle.

From catchment-scale restoration strategies to construction-stage support on river restoration schemes, you'll work on projects that help rivers function more naturally and deliver lasting environmental benefits.

You'll be involved in:
• Planning and undertaking geomorphological field surveys, fluvial audits and river assessments.
• Interpreting river and floodplain processes using field evidence, GIS, historic mapping, aerial imagery, LiDAR and hydraulic modelling outputs.
• Developing conceptual models of river behaviour and channel adjustment.
• Identifying geomorphological risks, constraints and opportunities.
• Producing high-quality technical reports, appraisal documents and restoration strategies.
• Supporting the development of river restoration, floodplain reconnection and nature-based solutions projects.
• Contributing to Water Framework Directive assessments and wider environmental appraisals.
• Working closely with hydraulic modellers, ecologists and engineers to develop integrated solutions.
• Managing tasks, budgets and programmes of work.
• Supporting project bids, proposals and client relationships.
• Mentoring junior colleagues and helping develop technical excellence within the team.

The team member we're looking for

We're looking for someone who combines strong technical understanding with curiosity, pragmatism and a genuine passion for rivers.
You'll benefit from:
• Meaningful work that helps restore rivers and improve environmental resilience.
• Opportunities to work on innovative and technically challenging projects.
• A supportive and collaborative multidisciplinary environment.
• Hybrid and flexible working.
• Structured career development and mentoring.
• Support towards professional chartership.
• A comprehensive benefits package.
• Employee ownership and profit share opportunities.
• A culture that values technical excellence, innovation and continuous learning.

Most importantly, you'll join a team of people who are passionate about rivers and committed to making a positive difference.

Qualifications

The right candidate will have a degree (or equivalent) in Geography, Earth Sciences, Environmental Sciences or a related subject.

You'll have professional experience in fluvial geomorphology, river restoration or a closely related discipline and be ready to take the next step in your career.

Essential attributes for the role

• A degree (or equivalent) in Geography, Earth Sciences, Environmental Sciences or a related subject.
• Experience delivering geomorphological assessments within a consultancy, regulatory or environmental management setting.
• Strong understanding of river processes, channel adjustment and sediment dynamics.
• Experience planning and undertaking geomorphological field surveys and fluvial audits.
• Ability to interpret and synthesise multiple sources of evidence, including field data, hydraulic modelling outputs, LiDAR and GIS datasets.
• Experience developing geomorphological appraisals, conceptual models and restoration recommendations.
• Experience of river restoration planning, option appraisal and design.
• Effective technical writing and communication skills.
• Experience working within multidisciplinary project teams.
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to undertake fieldwork across the UK.

Desirable attributes for the role

• Knowledge of Water Framework Directive assessments and environmental regulation.
• Hydraulic modelling experience.
• Understanding of river condition assessment, biodiversity enhancement or watercourse BNG.
• Project management experience, including budget and programme management.
• Progress towards Chartered status (CGeog, CEnv, CIWEM, ICE or equivalent).

Location and contact

JBA supports hybrid working which provides for greater flexibility with the way that we work.

The role will be based at our Coleshill office located in Coleshill House and includes dedicated car parking on site. Our Coleshill office is only a short walk away from the town centre, providingg accesss to the usual range of shops, services and leisure facilities. You'll also find an offering of excellent transport links including the connecting bus service and Coleshill Parkway Railway Station a short walk away. On site we have access to EV charging points alongside storage for bicycles.

For further information or an informal discussion about this position, please contact Natasha Todd-Burley on natasha.todd-burley@jbaconsulting.com

The JBA Family

The JBA Group is a family of environmental, engineering and risk management companies committed to exceptional service and helping clients and communities build resilience to flood and environmental risk in a changing climate. We're leading the way to integrate science and technology to provide our clients with a forward-thinking view of climate resilience.

We can only do this through our fantastic team, and we believe in providing a competitive salary, flexible working conditions and great benefits package. Our continued independence is assured by our unique 'guardianship' model which means all shares are held by JBA employees and Staff Trust.

Alongside this, we're focused on helping our staff develop their skills and offer a generous training budget to every member of staff, as well as a professional development programme and support in the attainment of professional qualifications including chartered membership.

We invest in our staff's mental health and wellbeing, encouraging our staff to maintain a healthy work-life balance and organising social activities from bake sales and book clubs to badminton. We also invest in the wider community by funding our own charitable foundation, the JBA Trust, supporting sustainability initiatives such as tree planting, and facilitating outreach visits by our team of STEM ambassadors.

JBA is committed to creating and sustaining a working environment in which everyone has an equal opportunity to fulfil their potential and we welcome applications from suitably qualified people from all sections of the community. We are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer, support veterans of the defence forces back into work, and promote a menopause-friendly workplace, having signed the Menopause Workplace Pledge.

All roles will be considered for part-time or flexible working, and we encourage applications from candidates who may be returning to work after a career break for any reason, or who are looking to change industry.

No unsolicited CVs from Agencies. All Agencies should note that if JBA receives an application via other means - even if it comes after your first contact with us - there will be no contractual entitlement to an introduction fee or other fees. In sending us any applications you are deemed to have agreed to these terms.