Hydrology & Drainage Expert

Parsons Corporation

Parsons is seeking an experienced and highly skilled Hydrology and Drainage Expert to join our team for a major railway project in the UAE. This key position will focus on the planning, design, and implementation of surface water, stormwater, and drainage management systems to ensure the safety, reliability, and sustainability of the railway infrastructure.

The Hydrology and Drainage Expert will be responsible for developing and overseeing the design of drainage networks, flood protection systems, and water management strategies across railway corridors, tunnels, stations, and depots. This role requires close coordination with civil, structural, geotechnical, and environmental teams, as well as regulatory authorities, to ensure all hydrological systems comply with UAE standards and international best practices.

What You'll Be Doing:

• Lead the design and implementation of stormwater and drainage systems across the entire railway network.

• Conduct hydrological and hydraulic analyses to evaluate runoff, infiltration, and flood risks using appropriate modeling tools.

• Develop sustainable water management and flood mitigation strategies in compliance with local regulations and environmental requirements.

• Prepare and review design reports, calculations, and drawings for drainage, culverts, and flood control structures.

• Ensure proper integration of drainage systems with civil, track, and structural works to prevent flooding and water ingress.

• Evaluate catchment characteristics and design stormwater management facilities, including retention ponds, channels, and pump stations.

• Conduct site inspections and audits to verify design implementation and assess construction quality.

• Review and approve design submittals, material selections, and method statements for drainage works.

• Coordinate with environmental and geotechnical specialists to assess soil permeability, groundwater impact, and erosion control measures.

• Liaise with local authorities, municipalities, and utility providers to obtain design approvals and ensure regulatory compliance.

• Assess potential flood impacts during construction and operation, recommending mitigation measures.

• Support risk assessments, drainage maintenance strategies, and asset management planning.

• Provide technical guidance during design reviews, tender evaluations, and project coordination meetings.

• Ensure drainage systems align with climate resilience objectives and sustainability standards.

What Required Skills You'll Bring:

• Bachelor s degree in Civil Engineering, Water Resources, or Hydrology; a Master s degree in Hydraulic Engineering or related field is preferred.

• 15+ years of experience in hydrology, hydraulic modeling, and drainage design for major infrastructure, rail, or transportation projects.

• Rail or metro project experience is mandatory

• Proficiency in hydrological and hydraulic modeling tools such as MIKE FLOOD, HEC-RAS, HEC-HMS, StormCAD, Civil 3D, or similar software.

• In-depth understanding of stormwater design standards, flood risk assessment methodologies, and sustainable drainage practices.

• Proven experience in developing surface water and sub-surface drainage systems for linear infrastructure.

• Familiarity with UAE and international design standards and regulatory frameworks for water management.

• Strong technical knowledge of catchment analysis, flood modeling, and drainage asset design.

• Experience coordinating with multidisciplinary teams and government authorities for design approvals and construction interfaces.

What Desired Skills You'll Bring:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for technical reporting, presentations, and stakeholder engagement.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities for evaluating complex hydrological challenges.

• Ability to interface effectively with project management, design, and environmental teams.

• Demonstrated leadership in managing drainage design consultants and contractors.

• Detail-oriented approach ensuring solutions meet performance, resilience, and sustainability objectives.

• Knowledge of sustainable urban drainage systems (SuDS) and green infrastructure principles.

• Experience working on major transport or metro projects in the UAE or GCC region.

• Proactive, collaborative mindset focused on achieving design excellence under fast-track delivery conditions.