Catchment Engineer (Sustainable Development / Flood Risk Management)

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the team at the Upper Ouse Water Management Board based in Stewartby, Bedfordshire.

Salary & Benefits

• £55,000 - £65,000 (dependent on experience)
• Car Allowance
• Local Government Pension Scheme

About the Role

The role is focused on leading proactive engagement with new development and third-party works within the Board’s catchment at a variety of scales, including major developments such as urban expansions, Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects and Universal Studios.

The aim of the role is to ensure that new development does not increase flood risk, primarily through the following objectives:

• Use the Board’s regulatory functions (as per the Land Drainage Act 1991, including Byelaws) to effectively manage / meaningfully engage with new works or developments at a variety of scales.
• Work closely with the Board’s partner organisations (notably Lead Local Flood Authorities and Planning Authorities) to promote best practice, partnership working and ultimately reduce the impact of works / development on flood risk locally.

The post holder will be encouraged to think strategically and innovatively to achieve this core aim.

About us

The Water Management Alliance (WMA) is a group of like-minded Internal Drainage Boards (“IDBs”) who share vision, values and standards, and have chosen to jointly administer their affairs in order to reduce costs, strengthen their own organisations and increase influence at both a national and regional level.

The Upper Ouse Water Management Board is a newly constituted IDB (April 2026) further to the amalgamation of three pre-existing Boards who have worked together since 2001 from their shared base in Stewartby, Bedfordshire. Further to several successful years of partnership working, the Board is in the process of joining the Water Management Alliance (WMA) in 2026.

Internal Drainage Boards (“IDBs”) are local public authorities that manage flood risk and land drainage within areas of special drainage need in England. Each IDB has permissive powers to undertake water management activities within their Internal Drainage District. The purpose of delivering this work is to reduce flood risk to people and property and to manage water in a way that meets the local needs of business and agriculture, including during times of drought, whilst also dealing with its obligations and commitments to the environment. IDBs exercise a general power of supervision over all matters relating to water level management within their district whilst conducting their work in accordance with a number of general environmental duties and promoting the ecological wellbeing of their districts.

About You

You will typically have:

• A minimum of five years experience working in a senior technical role within the Water Management Industry or an engineering based role in a related field.
• Creative problem solving skills with an ability to identify areas for development and improvement.
• Please see the Job Description for further information.

A detailed job pack, including the full job description and person specification, is available via the link below.

The closing date for receipt of applications is noon on 31 May 2026.

For an informal discussion about the WMA and this position please contact Cathryn Brady (Head of Catchment Services) on 01553 819600.

We look forward to receiving your application.