Graduate Water Resources & Flooding UK 2024

Before making an application, please browse all graduate opportunities available as we will accept one application per candidate.

Graduate Environmental Hydrologist

We have a long history in catchment management planning, tackling the many challenges facing our water environment including nutrients, pesticides, and other pollutants. We do this through data analysis, review, and assessment for a wide range of clients which involves water quality impact assessments of abstractions and discharges, appraising traditional and nature-based solutions (NbS) for improving water quality, river restoration options to help recover heavily modified water bodies.

Your contribution will support the management, modelling and regulation of the water environment which may involve data collection, review, and analysis; Using GIS tools for data manipulation and visualisation; Hydrological assessment; Catchment management, water quality modelling and impact assessment; Geomorphological studies; NbS screening and options appraisal; Stakeholder engagement.

Graduate Flood Risk Specialist 

You will work on a range of flood risk management projects, to both increase understanding of flood risk and help develop solutions to reduce the impact of this. This will include river, surface water and coastal sources of flood risk with a particular consideration of the impact of climate change. You will be given full training in industry standard hydraulic modelling and hydrology approaches.

Our work is often for the regulator to assist with flood risk planning, for authorities developing flood alleviation schemes or for companies that operate or are developing infrastructure. Increasingly, we are asked to consider nature-based solutions to manage flood risk and we have pioneered the implementation of Natural Flood Management options by authoring the CIRIA manual.

Typical duties

• Detailed 1D-2D hydraulic modelling using a variety of modelling packages
• Model building and verification
• Using GIS tools for data manipulation and analysis of flood risk and hydrological data
• Flood Risk/Consequence Assessments.
• Fluvial and coastal risk management projects.
• Hydrological studies.
• Development of solutions to manage flood risk.
• NFM studies

Graduate Hydrogeologist

You will work alongside our experts to assist our clients to understand the reliability and vulnerability of their groundwater sources, to define catchment management measures to tackle aquifer pollution and to mitigate the impact of infrastructure on groundwater.

We deliver services in these areas to a variety of clients such as water companies, environmental regulators, and government bodies. Typical duties and responsibilities may include:

• Ground and surface water quantity and quality analysis
• Hydrogeological analysis
• GIS analysis of hydrogeographic and water quality data. Prepare maps of groundwater elevations, geologic structure, cross-sections.
• Groundwater modelling
• Undertaking appropriate training and working towards professional qualification

Graduate Geomorphologist

As a Graduate River (Fluvial) Geomorphologist your contribution will support geomorphology and water environment work throughout the UK and potentially internationally. We have a long history in the water and environmental sectors, and you will have opportunities to work within an experienced multi-disciplinary team of environmentalists, engineers and scientists. Typical duties may includes:

• Data collection, review, and analysis;
• Using and developing GIS tools;
• Geomorphological survey work and fluvial audits/geodynamics assessments;
• Erosion and sedimentation risk assessments; support to Biodiversity Net Gain and Environmental Impact assessments and river restoration designs;
• Catchment management and Stakeholder engagement.

Candidate specification

We are looking for committed and motivated graduates with a genuine passion and a desire to make a difference in the world. If this describes you, apply today to launch your career at Mott MacDonald.

To be eligible for this opportunity, you will have less than 12 months relevant experience and have a degree or are expected to achieve one of the following degree disciplines:

• Hydrology
• Hydrogeology
• Water resources
• Water management
• Environmental science or related
• Geography
• Civil engineering
• Maths, statistics or related
• Chemistry

In your application you should be able to demonstrate your interest in the role and working at Mott MacDonald through relevant experience, such as studying relevant modules, or previous work experience. We are looking for graduates with the following characteristics:

• Methodical approach to problem solving.
• Ability to use your initiative to undertake tasks efficiently and independently.
• Excellent verbal communication skills, which allow you to confidently liaise with clients and team members.
• Excellent written communication and attention to detail and be able to demonstrate accurate technical drawings and good report writing.

As we want the best people for the role, we support flexible working. Please ask us at interview stage about any flexibility you may need.

Use of AI tools in our application process

In today's fast-paced and technology-driven world, we understand that candidates may use various tools, including AI, to enhance their applications. Whilst we embrace the changes technology brings, we also value the importance of authenticity and genuine human connection.

At Mott MacDonald, we are interested in the unique qualities, experiences, and perspectives that you as an individual can bring.  We want to emphasise that what truly sets you apart is your authentic self and to consider this when making an application.  Please be prepared to answer questions during your interview, based on the information you have provided in your application form.

Job profile

About your development

A graduate position should be more than just a job. We know this and so do you. That’s why with our graduate roles, we aim to give you the experience and technical knowledge you need to progress your career.

From the moment you join us, you’ll receive the training you need. You will be assigned a mentor who will support you on your journey to gaining professional recognition within your chosen discipline

What else is involved?

You’ll be enrolled onto Accelerate Your Future, a structured three-year soft-skills development programme alongside all of the other graduates in your cohort across our Europe & UK region.

In partnership with Cappfinity, a global leader in talent mobility, we have identified the skills that drive success amongst early career talent within Mott MacDonald, and have designed a learning experience to enable you to develop these skills delivered through a mix of residential events, classroom-based learning, virtual webinars, and group challenges. Also giving you the opportunity to network and meet other graduates in your cohort.

We understand that each person’s career goals vary, therefore we tailor make each individual’s development journey to suit them. With our vast library of e-learning courses available to you, you can choose which direction you want your career to go in.

What we offer

You’re probably wondering what else is on offer. Join us, and you’ll get:

• Biannual salary reviews: we believe that hard work should be rewarded and recognised. Therefore, for the first three years of your career with us, you’ll have biannual salary reviews.
• A competitive salary: in addition to biannual reviews, we will ensure that you’re given a salary that matches the current industry standard.
• Contributory pension up to 7% of your salary: we have the best people on our team, and we like to look out for them. With our support, you’ll have all the advice and options you need to be able to invest in your future.
• That’s why with our flexible plan, you’ll have the ability to manage the range of benefits we have on offer to suit your specific needs, including season ticket loans, restaurant discounts and gym membership.

Our social side

Being part of Mott MacDonald means more than just work, there’s a huge range of fun and exciting things that you can get involved in.

From the moment you join us, you’ll have the opportunity to expand your social and professional network, whether it’s meeting other graduates or joining forces with other members of staff from around the company at our annual sports day.

Each of our offices have a sports and social committee which will give you the chance to be part of a variety of sports, social and charity events. We’re committed to promoting a strong culture of social responsibility and encourage our staff to play active roles in the local community.

It's worth noting that sports and social committees tend to vary from office to office, so as well as getting involved in what’s already on offer, don’t be afraid to suggest new events or initiatives that you think could be a great addition.

Other information

Equality, diversity and inclusion

We put equality, diversity and inclusion at the heart of our business, seeking to promote fair employment procedures and practices to ensure equal opportunities for all. We encourage individual expression in our workplace and are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels they have the opportunity to contribute.

Agile working

At Mott MacDonald, we believe it makes business sense for you and your manager to choose how you can work most effectively to meet your client, team and personal commitments. We embrace agility, flexibility and trust.

More about Mott MacDonald

We’re a global engineering, management and development consultancy.

Our purpose is to improve society by considering social outcomes in everything we do, relentlessly focusing on excellence and digital innovation, transforming our clients’ businesses, our communities and employee opportunities.

A fundamental part of this is respecting each person’s differences and striving to meet their needs. Our values: progress, respect, integrity, drive, excellence