The successful candidates will work for SEPA on a part-time basis whilst also studying for Masters of Science (MSc) degrees at either the Dundee or Stirling University. The new approach will help establish both universities as national centres for expertise in flood risk management science.

SEPA flood unit manager David Faichney (right) said  "To meet our future flood risk management challenges, we must ensure that we have the graduates we need with the relevant skills and knowledge. We are delighted that we have secured this agreement with both Stirling and Dundee universities where new recruits on the Sepa Flood Risk Science Programme will study for their MSc whilst gaining invaluable work experience with SEPA.

"We hope that this initiative is the first step in establishing the next generation of hydrologists and flood risk managers for Sepa and other flood risk management partners in Scotland."

From Dundee University, Prof. Alan Werritty commented: "This an exciting opportunity to educate and train the next generation of hydrologists and flood risk managers who will help Sepa promote better flood risk management and healthy rivers.  We look forward to working alongside SEPA in converting new recruits into skilled practitioners delivering sustainable flood risk management across Scotland."

"The University of Stirling is delighted to be in partnership with Sepa and Dundee University in training the hydrologists and river basin managers of the future. These people will be critical in ensuring that Scotland achieves sustainable flood management and protects its freshwater environments" says Professor David Gilvear (right)

"Scientific understanding of how and why rainfall soaks in to the soil and runs over the land is critical to managing flood risk. Similarly linking water quality changes to the way in which water runs in to our rivers is essential for protecting water quality. Such scientific questions as these will form the core of what the Sepa trainees study and in which they will develop excellence."