Senior Coastal Specialist

The Marine and Coastal Risk Management (MCRM) Group is seeking a Senior Coastal Specialist to strengthen our growing Edinburgh-based team. This is an exciting opportunity to play a leading role in delivering coastal engineering and coastal adaptation projects, while shaping the technical direction of our coastal services.
You will join a collaborative and research-driven team working at the forefront of coastal flood risk, erosion, and adaptation, contributing to both consultancy and innovation activities. The role offers the opportunity to influence project delivery, mentor colleagues, and expand our technical capabilities and service offering.

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

You will lead the technical delivery of coastal engineering and coastal change projects, ensuring high quality, robust analysis, and innovative solutions.
You will take ownership of projects guiding the use of numerical models (e.g. XBeach, ShorelineS, SWAN, Delft3D, TELEMAC) and data-driven approaches to assess coastal processes, risks, and future change.

You will:
• Provide technical leadership on coastal modelling, data analysis, and results interpretation
• Oversee and review the application of hydrodynamic and morphodynamic models
• Lead the development of methodologies and approaches to improve prediction of coastal change for engineering and adaptation contexts
• Support project management, including planning, resourcing, and client engagement
• Contribute to business development and growth of the coastal portfolio
• Mentor and support junior team members in their technical development.

The team member we’re looking for

We are looking for an experienced coastal professional with a strong technical background and a track record of working within an industry or consultancy environment. The ideal candidate will combine technical expertise with project delivery and management skills and will have experience leading projects or contributing to their successful delivery. They will be motivated to further develop their leadership capabilities and grow in this area.

The candidate will be motivated to take on a leadership role, combining their technical expertise with the ability to guide others, influence project outcomes, and contribute to the strategic growth of the team.
They will be proactive, collaborative, and keen to innovate, with an interest in advancing methods, tools, and approaches in coastal modelling and climate resilience.

Qualifications

A degree (BSc or MSc) or equivalent in Coastal Engineering, Oceanography, Civil Engineering, or a related discipline.

Chartered or working towards chartership (e.g. ICE or equivalent)

A postgraduate qualification or PhD in a relevant subject area is advantageous.

Essential attributes for the role

• Strong understanding of coastal processes, including hydrodynamics and beach morphodynamics in the context of coastal flooding and erosion applications

• Experience in the application of coastal numerical models (e.g. XBeach, ShorelineS, SWAN, Delft3D, TELEMAC)

• Proven ability to lead technical delivery and provide oversight on coastal erosion and flood risk projects

• Experience working in an industry or consultancy environment, with the ability to apply technical expertise to real-world coastal engineering challenges

• Understanding of project delivery within a consultancy framework, including commercial awareness and familiarity with contract structures and project governance

• Effective communication skills, including report writing and presenting technical information

• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams

• Proactive approach to problem solving and innovation.

Desirable attributes for the role

• Experience leading the delivery of coastal engineering or flood risk projects within a consultancy environment, including planning and coordination of resources

• Experience in client engagement, including developing relationships, contributing to proposals, or supporting business development activities

• Experience mentoring or supporting the development of junior team members

• Experience applying or developing innovative approaches to coastal modelling, analysis, or climate adaptation challenges

• Understanding of project financial management, including budgets, resourcing, and programme delivery

• Experience collaborating with research organisations or contributing to research and development initiatives

• Contributions to technical publications, conference presentations, or wider industry engagement activities.

Location and contact

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

The role will be located at our Edinburgh office within the Heriot Watt Research Park, home to Edinburgh’s largest science park. Presenting a unique way in which to learn and work, the office is surrounded by green space and provides free general parking and secure bike storage. Approximately seven miles from central Edinburgh and situated within the University campus, the office is well positioned in relation to the main transport networks, including the nearby Hermiston Gate Park and Ride where you will find the nearest EV charging facilities, for those travelling by road.

For further information or an informal discussion about this position, please contact Demetra Cristaudo on demetra.cristaudo@jbaconsulting.com