2026 UK Graduate Water Resources and Flooding Career Path
Mott MacDonald is a unique company that combines heritage, vision and values into an ethos that encourages innovative thinking and career progression. Our employee‑owned structure gives you control of your career path, with mentoring, training and opportunities to take on new responsibilities.
We tackle water environment challenges, from river catchments to flood risk and climate change, supporting UK water companies, international clients and environmental regulators.
Flood Risk Specialist
Protect Communities. Shape Resilience. Drive Change.
What you’ll be doing:
* Model with impact: Use 1D-2D hydraulic modelling tools to simulate flood scenarios.
* Analyse and verify: Build and validate models, and use GIS tools to manipulate and analyse hydrological data.
* Assess and advise: Contribute to Flood Risk and Consequence Assessments, helping shape planning and mitigation strategies.
* Design solutions: Support the development of flood risk management strategies, including pioneering Natural Flood Management approaches.
* Collaborate and learn: Work on fluvial and coastal risk projects, attend site visits, and engage in team and client meetings.
* Grow with purpose: Join our Early Careers Professionals Network to see technical, commercial and client‑facing aspects of project delivery.
Hydrogeologist
Understand Groundwater. Protect Resources. Shape Resilient Futures.
What you’ll be doing:
* Data analysis: Collect, review, and analyse ground and surface water quantity and quality data.
* Hydrogeological assessments: Conduct studies to understand aquifer behaviour, recharge, and vulnerability.
* GIS mapping and visualisation: Use GIS tools to analyse hydrogeographic data and prepare maps of groundwater elevations, geological structures, and cross‑sections.
* Groundwater modelling: Support model development to simulate flow and transport processes.
* Catchment management: Contribute to pollution mitigation strategies and sustainable water resource planning.
* Professional development: Undertake training and work towards professional qualification, supported by mentoring and our Early Careers Professionals Network.
Hydrologist
Understand Water. Predict Change. Protect the Future.
What you’ll be doing:
* Data‑driven insights: Collect, review, and analyse hydrological and environmental data to inform decision‑making.
* Hydrological modelling: Apply advanced rainfall‑runoff models and weather generators to simulate water systems under changing conditions.
* Climate change assessments: Evaluate the impact of climate projections on water availability, flood risk, and hydropower feasibility.
* Flood risk and catchment management: Contribute to flood risk assessments, water quality modelling, and sustainable catchment planning.
* Professional development: Undertake training and work towards professional qualification, supported by mentoring and our Early Careers Professionals Network.
Candidate Specification
To be eligible: less than 12 months relevant experience (excluding placements) and a degree (obtained no earlier than 2024) or expected to achieve one of the following disciplines:
* Hydrology
* Hydrogeology
* Water resources
* Water management
* Environmental science or related
* Geography
* Civil engineering
* Maths, statistics or related
* Chemistry
* Geology
In your application, demonstrate genuine interest in the role and Mott MacDonald by highlighting relevant modules, work experience, or research.
We are looking for graduates with the following strengths
* Proactively takes initiative to complete tasks efficiently and independently.
* Communicates effectively and clearly with clients and colleagues.
* Delivers high‑quality written work with strong attention to detail and clarity.
* Demonstrates a structured and analytical approach to problem solving.
Other details
Contract type: Permanent
Work pattern: Full Time
Location: Brighton, Bristol, Leeds, Cambridge, Cardiff, Sheffield, London, Birmingham
Job Ref: 11617
Recruiter Contact: earlycareersrecruitment@mottmac.com
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