2026 UK Graduate Water Resources and Flooding Career Path
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.
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.
Flood Risk Specialist
Protect Communities. Shape Resilience. Drive Change. Join a team where your work helps safeguard lives, protect ecosystems, and build climate-resilient futures. As a Graduate Flood Risk Specialist, you’ll be at the forefront of tackling one of the most pressing global challenges—flood risk—through innovative, data-driven, and nature-based solutions.
* Model with impact: Use 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.
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.
* 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.
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.
* 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.
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.
* 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.
We are looking for curious, motivated graduates who want to make a real difference. 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
We offer a competitive salary, biannual salary reviews, contributory pension up to 7% of your salary, and a flexible benefits scheme. You will also have the opportunity to make a difference, learn more about our purpose, and join our three-year early careers soft skills development programme – Accelerating your Future.
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