A day in the life of a flood risk economist

27 February 2026

A chartered member of CIWEM tells us about a typical day as a flood risk economist at the engineering consultancy Arup

Martin Smith has been at Arup for six years, specialising in economic appraisals for flood risk management. Before that, he worked as a flood risk consultant at Capita, focusing on integrated catchment modelling, following earlier experience in the wastewater sector with various consultancies. He has an academic background in physical geography, with a focus on fluvial and coastal environments.

Tell us about your role

I provide support to the Environment Agency and lead local flood authorities to help identify flood risk management solutions that are cost-effective, cost-beneficial (where the benefits significantly outweigh the costs) and equitable to communities and the UK.

My input is needed when public investment decisions are being considered and robust evidence is needed to justify the spend. This work directly influences which projects are delivered, ensuring funding is targeted where it will have the greatest impact in reducing flood risk and improving resilience.

What does a typical day look like?

I work from home, at Arup’s Leeds office, or the Environment Agency offices. I value face-to-face interaction with clients, as complex challenges and collaborative solutions are often best explored and communicated in person.

No two days are the same. As a consultant, I thrive on analysing data and spreadsheets to support investment decisions, assess flood damages and conduct economic appraisals. On other days, I might be preparing presentations for client meetings or mentoring junior colleagues. The variety keeps the work engaging and impactful.

What skills does the job require?

Beyond proficiency in Excel and geographic information systems (GIS), the ability to work collaboratively with other disciplines and think strategically yet analytically, is crucial in this role. A holistic and strategic mindset ensures that all potential outcomes are considered and fairly represented in the decision-making process, ultimately strengthening the case for change.

What do you love about what you do?

I love how numbers from hydraulic models can be used to simulate potential flood scenarios and their impacts on communities. I find it deeply rewarding to use these models to design sustainable, evidence-based, innovative solutions that support resilience and long-term wellbeing for communities affected.

I enjoy delving into data to uncover insights and translating these into clear, compelling narratives for economic appraisals and strategic planning. During a recent project focused on refurbishing a sluice gate at RSPB Fairburn Ings Nature Reserve in West Yorkshire, I found great satisfaction in optimising the flood damages avoided to ensure the scheme was not only technically sound and economically viable, but also affordable for the client.

Tell us about a project you have been working on recently

The team is working with the EA to deliver enhanced community resilience through flood risk management projects. The aim is to create safer, more resilient places where communities can thrive now and into the future. We have just finished the baseline damage assessment for Fens 2100+, a project to outline the current and future flood risk to communities in the Fens by evaluating properties, land and infrastructure at risk.

Are there any challenges that you face in your work?

It is challenging navigating the current funding rules to develop affordable flood risk management schemes, especially as rising construction costs have significantly increased delivery expenses. This often requires us supporting the EA to secure additional funding to ensure projects remain affordable.

What is your next career step?

I would like to further my commercial skills and develop my project management skills to support delivery of measures for more communities more effectively.

What advice would you give to someone wanting to do your role?

Don’t be afraid to explore different sectors and take on a variety of roles as you navigate your career. It can take time to discover what truly excites you, and having a diverse range of expertise and skills is a strength. It took me many years to find my own passion.

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This article originally appeared in the Winter 2025 print edition of The Environment. CIWEM members can read the issue in full (and all back issues dating back to 2016) via MyCIWEM. You can also stay up-to-date with our free monthly newsletter – subscribe here.

Martin Smith is a flood risk economist at the engineering consultancy Arup