2025 UK Graduate Water Resources Career Path

Job Description

Mott MacDonald is a unique company to work for, combining heritage, vision and values into an ethos that encourages innovative thinking and career progression in technical, management or commercial/client-facing directions, or a combination thereof. Our employee-owned structure enables us to shape our own future and pursue social outcomes in everything we do. It also puts our people, their development, and their wellbeing at the heart of our business. With us, you will have control of your own career path, which we will support through mentoring and training, but above all by giving you the opportunities to face new challenges and take more responsibilities. 

We have a strong record in tackling the challenges affecting the water environment, including river catchments, from the source to the sea and water on the surface and underground. Within the current climate emergency, we are experts in understanding the impact of climate change on water availability and work with major UK water companies and international clients to ensure future demand for water is met and renewable energy schemes are feasible while preserving the environment. We contribute to improving the ecology of our rivers, aquifers and coastal areas by establishing the impact of abstractions and discharges and by defining sustainable ways of reducing pollution using nature-based solutions. We are also supporting the Environment Agency, local authorities and major infrastructure developers to quantify the risk of flooding and to design the most effective flood protection measures including natural flood management. 

Graduate Hydrologist: You will be involved in national and international studies addressing climate change risks, ensuring water supply in the future and advising on the feasibility of hydropower schemes. We are continually improving our services. We have developed advanced rainfall-runoff models and weather generators as well as our own digital tools to interrogate and process the latest climate projections and forecast river flows for a range of potential futures. You will have the chance to contribute to these innovations. 

Typical duties and responsibilities may include:

• Data collection, review, and analysis.

• Hydrological modelling.

• Climate change impact assessments.

• Flood risk assessments.

• Catchment management and water quality modelling.

• Undertaking appropriate training and working towards professional qualification.

Graduate Hydrogeologist: You will work alongside our hydrogeology 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.

We have opportunities in the following locations: Brighton, Bristol and Cambridge.

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 (excluding placements), have a degree or are expected to achieve one of the following degree disciplines: 

• Hydrology 

• Hydrogeology 

• Geology

• Water resources 

• Water management 

• Environmental science or related 

• Geography 

• Civil engineering 

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.

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.

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 chartered mentor, who will guide you to meet the objectives of your professional training agreement. We’ll support you on your journey to gaining chartered status with your chosen institution.

What else is involved?

You’ll be enrolled onto Accelerate Your Future, a structured three-year soft-skills development programme which develops the strengths that we know graduates need to be successful at Mott MacDonald. It also gives you the opportunity to network and meet other graduates in your cohort. The programme is a mix of residential events, classroom-based learning, virtual webinars, and sustainability and social impact challenges.

In addition to developing your soft skills, we recognise that each persons career goals vary, so when rolling off the programme we provide you with the tools and support to develop your ongoing career the way you wish to. Alongside our vast library of e-learning courses available to you, you can choose which direction you want your career to go in.

You will have the opportunity to make a difference; learn more about our Social Outcomes and the difference we can make!

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.
•    A flexible benefits scheme: our company is made up of a range of different people and we understand that different people want different things. 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.

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.It doesn’t stop there. As well as events, you’ll also have access to discounts on cinema tickets, travel, fashion, utilities and much more as part of our company benefits which you can take advantage of the moment you join. 
 

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