About HR Wallingford
What is HR Wallingford?
HR Wallingford is an independent research, engineering and consultancy organisation that works on water, coasts, ports, flooding and climate resilience. Its Our story page says it began as a government research laboratory and became an independent organisation in 1982, "non-profit distributing and limited by guarantee", and that it now works across more than 80 countries each year. As a not-for-profit company it says it has no shareholders; instead its profits "are used to fuel our research and to develop our people, tools and technology". The careers page describes an organisation of 250 people, and LinkedIn lists a 1947 founding date and a Nonprofit company type. Its expertise areas include coastal and marine sustainability, energy transition, and water and climate resilience, supported by physical modelling halls and ship simulation centres.
Where will I work?
The headquarters is at Howbery Park near Wallingford in Oxfordshire, and the careers FAQ says there are two UK sites, one in Oxfordshire and the other in Manchester. All six roles on the current job board are listed in Wallingford, UK. The professional adverts say the company offers "both hybrid working and flexi-time", and the Principal Dams Engineer job description asks for someone able to work unsupervised and be part of a team, "both in an office and from home". The Howbery Park campus has an on-site restaurant, gym, nursery and sports and social clubs, including boats and canoes for use on the adjacent River Thames. The company is a licensed sponsor and says it can provide initial sponsorship for a period up to 5 years.
What is the HR Wallingford team like?
The company describes a diverse group of specialists who "work alongside some of the brightest minds in the industry". Current professional openings are a Principal Dams Engineer, a Senior Dredging Consultant and a Senior Scientist/Engineer for dispersion and water quality, alongside three one-year industrial placements for undergraduate students. The careers page says line managers work with each person on career conversations and personal development plans, backed by a Learning and Development programme of training, mentoring and coaching, and the Senior Dredging Consultant advert says the company supports staff working towards Chartered status. The careers FAQ also mentions an active Diversity and Inclusion group.
Work-Life Balance
Three professional adverts, in the Water and Climate and the Coasts and Oceans groups, use the same sentence: "We understand the importance of a healthy work-life balance and offer both hybrid working and flexi-time. We are also open to exploring other flexible working arrangements, including part-time." The careers FAQ lists "Flexible working hours" among the benefits the company typically offers, and the Why HR Wallingford page says "we try to be as flexible as we can" and that the company is always happy to explore flexible working and job share arrangements, including part-time and remote working. The page adds that it cannot promise to give you exactly what you want, but promises not to judge you for asking. No core-hours window is published.
Perks and Benefits
- Defined contribution pension scheme with a minimum 10% employer contribution, matched up to an additional 5% (Senior Dredging Consultant advert)
- 25 days of holiday plus bank holidays (Senior Dredging Consultant advert); the FAQ describes competitive annual leave
- Life insurance (the FAQ says x 3 salary), permanent health insurance for permanent roles, and health insurance providing dental/optical cash back
- Flexible working hours, a cycle to work scheme, an employee assistance programme and access to Smarthealth
- Annual professional institution subscription and support towards Chartered status
- Howbery Park campus: on-site restaurant, gym and nursery, sports and social club, boat and canoe clubs
- Published salary guidance: Principal Dams Engineer £51,000 to £70,000, Senior Dredging Consultant £45,000 to £55,000, Senior Scientist/Engineer from £47,000