2026 UK Graduate Water Resources and Flooding Career Path
Join to apply for the 2026 UK Graduate Water Resources and Flooding Career Path role at Mott MacDonald.
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.
What You’ll Be Doing
* Flood Risk Specialist: Model with impact using 1D-2D hydraulic modelling tools to simulate flood scenarios and develop actionable insights.
* Analyse and verify: Build and validate models, and use GIS tools to manipulate and analyse hydrological and flood risk 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 (NFM) approaches.
* Collaborate and learn: Work on fluvial and coastal risk projects, attend site visits, and engage in team and client meetings.
* Grow with purpose: Be part of our Early Careers Professionals Network, gaining exposure to technical, commercial, and client-facing aspects of project delivery.
Environmental Hydrologist
Restore Rivers. Protect Ecosystems. Empower Communities.
Join a team where your work helps safeguard the health of our water environment and supports nature-positive solutions for a sustainable future. As a Graduate Environmental Hydrologist, you’ll be part of a legacy of catchment management excellence—tackling challenges like nutrient pollution, pesticides, and habitat degradation through data-driven insights and collaborative innovation.
Our Water Consultancy Division leads the way in environmental hydrology, supporting regulators, authorities, and infrastructure developers with impactful solutions. From traditional engineering to pioneering nature-based approaches, your contributions will help shape resilient ecosystems and healthier communities.
What You’ll Be Doing
* Analyse and assess: Conduct water quality impact assessments of abstractions and discharges, and evaluate solutions to improve water quality.
* Design with nature: Appraise traditional and nature-based solutions (NbS), including river restoration options for heavily modified water bodies.
* Model and manage: Support hydrological assessments, water quality modelling, and catchment management planning.
* Visualise and communicate: Use GIS tools for data manipulation and visualisation, and contribute to stakeholder engagement.
* Explore and learn: Participate in geomorphological studies, NbS screening, and options appraisal, gaining exposure to a wide range of environmental challenges.
Hydrogeologist
Understand Groundwater. Protect Resources. Shape Resilient Futures.
At Mott MacDonald, we believe water is life—and protecting it starts beneath the surface. As a Graduate Hydrogeologist, you’ll be part of a team helping clients understand the reliability and vulnerability of groundwater sources, mitigate pollution, and manage the impact of infrastructure on aquifers.
You’ll work alongside leading hydrogeology experts, contributing to projects that support water companies, environmental regulators, and government bodies. From data analysis to groundwater modelling, your work will help safeguard vital resources and promote sustainable catchment management.
What You’ll Be Doing
* You’ll gain hands-on experience across a range of hydrogeological and environmental services. Your responsibilities may include:
* 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 the development of models 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.
At Mott MacDonald, we’re driven by purpose—delivering sustainable solutions that safeguard communities, ecosystems, and future generations. As a Graduate Hydrologist, you’ll be part of a team that’s leading national and international efforts to address climate change risks, secure water supplies, and assess the feasibility of hydropower schemes. We’re proud to be employee-owned, which means our people shape our direction. You’ll be supported by a culture that values innovation, wellbeing, and continuous learning.
What You’ll Be Doing
* You’ll work alongside multidisciplinary experts on projects that span the full water cycle and environmental resilience. Your responsibilities may include:
* 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.
As part of your application, we will ask you to select your preferred opportunity based on the sub-sector and location. We have opportunities in the following locations: Brighton, Bristol, Cardiff, Cambridge, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds, London, Sheffield, Birmingham, and more.
Candidate Specification
To be eligible for this opportunity, you will have less than 12 months’ relevant experience (excluding placements) and have a degree (obtained no earlier than 2024) or 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
* Geology
In your application, you should highlight relevant experience or interests—such as modules studied, previous work experience, or research about our company, values and projects. We review every completed application, and our selection process is human led. We do not use AI tools in processing applications and expect applicants to respond with authenticity.
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.
We support flexible working. Please ask at interview about any flexibility you may need.
Note: Mott MacDonald Ltd. is not currently offering sponsorship to candidates under the Skilled Worker visa route in the UK. We welcome applications from candidates eligible for alternative immigration routes that do not require sponsorship.
Development and Benefits
A graduate position at Mott MacDonald includes dedicated training, mentorship, and the Accelerating your Future development programme. Benefits include biannual salary reviews, a competitive salary, contributory pension up to 7%, and a flexible benefits scheme.
Locations
Locations include Brighton, London, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Bristol, Leeds, Cardiff, Cambridge, Glasgow, and Sheffield.
Job Ref: 11617 | Recruiter Contact: earlycareersrecruitment@mottmac.com
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