2027 Graduate Flood Risk and Water Resources

Application Information

Before making an application, please browse all graduate opportunities available as we will only accept one application per candidate. Once you have made an application you will not be able to make changes to your selection or make a new application. The exception is if we open new vacancies in the new year.

To avoid missing out on your preferred role, we recommend applying as early as possible, as positions will close once filled.

Application process

• Online strengths-based assessment
• Application form

CVs and cover letters are not required as part of the application process. Candidates will be assessed through a single-stage strengths-based interview.

As part of your application, we will ask you to select your preferred opportunity based on the sub-sector and location.

In your application, you should aim to demonstrate your genuine interest in both the opportunity and in joining Mott MacDonald. You can do this by highlighting any relevant experience or interests - such as modules you've studied, previous work experience, or any research you've undertaken about our company, values, and projects.

We personally review every completed application form we receive as this part of our selection process is entirely human led – we do not use AI tools at this stage and kindly ask you not to either. We want you to answer each application question with authenticity so we can get to know the real you. Joining us as a graduate is your opportunity to shape your own story.

Job Description

Start your career with a global, employee-owned consultancy where your work can make a real difference. At Mott MacDonald, you'll work alongside experts, contribute to meaningful projects, and have the support, learning opportunities, and experience needed to grow your career from day one.

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.

Flood Risk Specialist / Engineer

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 or Engineer, 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.

Our Water Consultancy Division is a hub of technical excellence, offering diverse opportunities to work on river, surface water, and coastal flood risk projects. You’ll receive full training in industry-standard hydraulic modelling and hydrology, and contribute to projects that support environmental regulators, local authorities, and infrastructure developers.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Assess and advise: Contribute to Flood Risk and Consequence Assessments, helping shape planning and mitigation strategies.
• Design solutions: Develop engineering solutions for flood risk management including flood alleviation and pioneering Natural Flood Management (NFM) approaches.
• Model with impact: Use 1D-2D hydraulic modelling tools to simulate flood scenarios and develop actionable insights.
• Analyse and verify: Build and validate hydraulic models, and use GIS tools to manipulate and analyse hydrological and flood risk data.
• Embrace digital: Enhance project delivery by developing and deploying digital solutions.
• Collaborate and learn: Work on multidisciplinary 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. From advanced modelling to digital tools that forecast river flows under future climate scenarios, you’ll contribute to meaningful work that makes a real difference.

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.

Water Quality Modeller

Model Water. Predict Change. Improve Outcomes.

Plays a key role in understanding and improving the quality and behaviour of water systems. Working with data, technology and environmental information, you will help assess how water moves through catchments, rivers and drainage networks, supporting projects that protect the environment, enhance water quality and contribute to sustainable water management. You will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to develop innovative solutions to complex water challenges.

What you'll be doing:

• Supporting projects that improve water quality, environmental performance and sustainable water management.
• Analysing data and environmental information to inform decision-making and identify solutions to water-related challenges.
• Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams across a range of river, drainage and water environment projects.
• Contributing to specialist areas such as flood risk, hydrology, coastal processes, water quality, drainage and wider water resource management.
• Developing technical knowledge and gaining experience with industry-leading tools, technologies and approaches used across the water sector.

Candidate Specification

At Mott MacDonald, we’re looking for curious, motivated graduates who want to make a real difference. Join our purpose-driven teams where your ideas matter, your growth is supported, and your work enhances the world we live in.

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 2025) or expected to achieve one of the following degree disciplines:

Flood Risk Specialist/Engineer:

• Civil Engineering
• Geography
• Environmental Science
• Earth Sciences
• Mathematics
• Physics

Environmental Hydrologist:

• Geography
• Environmental Science
• Earth Sciences

Hydrologist:

• Geography
• Environmental Science
• Environmental Engineering

Hydrogeologist:

• Geology
• Earth Sciences
• Geological sciences

Water Quality Modeller:

• Geography
• Environmental Science
• Mathematics
• Chemistry

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.

UK Immigration

Mott MacDonald Ltd. are not currently offering sponsorship to candidates under the Skilled Worker visa route in the UK. This decision is as a consequence of the changes made to the Skilled Worker route by the UK Government in April 2024.

Our ethos is to develop, train and retain our graduates and therefore we are looking for a long-term relationship with our graduates. For this reason, we cannot accept applications from candidates who would be working under the Graduate visa route or other time-limited visas, (irrespective of visa duration), due to their temporary nature and the requirement for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route in future.

We continue to welcome applications from candidates who are eligible for alternative immigration routes in the UK, that do not require sponsorship as a Skilled Worker now or in future.

AI Usage

At Mott MacDonald, we see the value AI can bring, but we take a people-first approach to hiring. While AI tools can help candidates prepare and build confidence, every application and hiring decision is reviewed by our recruitment and hiring teams. We encourage the responsible use of AI while ensuring we get to know the real person behind the application.

Accessibility

We want you to feel supported and able to perform at your best throughout our recruitment process. If there is anything we can do to make applying or interviewing with us more accessible, please contact us at View email address on higherin.com and we'll be happy to discuss how we can help.

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 guide you to meet the objectives of your professional training needs. You will join our three-year early careers soft skills development programme – Accelerating your Future, which is designed to give you the skills and tools necessary for a long-lasting successful career here at Mott MacDonald.

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. From your first day, you’ll have access to Perks at Work, giving you discounts on cinema tickets, travel, utilities and much more, helping you make the most of our employee benefits.

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 offer a hybrid working policy that embraces your well-being, flexibility, and trust.

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 can contribute.

Benefits

Financial wellbeing

• Biannual salary reviews: We believe hard work should be recognised and rewarded. To support your development and progression, you'll be eligible for salary reviews twice a year during your first three years with us, subject to successfully completing your probation period.
• We match employee pension contributions between 4.5% and 7%.
• Life assurance equal up to 4 x your basic salary, with an option to increase the level of cover to 6 x your salary.
• Our income protection scheme provides a financial benefit, as well as absence and return to work support due to long-term illness or injury.
• Flexible benefits, including increased life assurance cover, critical illness insurance, payroll saving and will writing.
• As an independently owned business we share the financial success of the business with all our colleagues in various ways including annual bonus schemes.

Employee Ownership

• Our employee ownership model means no external investors, just us, creating a culture of shared success.
• Our employees have a stake and a voice in our business, giving them a direct connection to our success through our personal and group performance bonuses.
• As your career grows, so does your stake, recognising your long-term impact and contribution.
• Your voice matters, with the opportunity to connect directly with senior leadership through formal channels to help shape our future.
• For our senior roles you will have a direct pathway towards ownership from day one.

Health and wellbeing

• Private medical insurance for all UK colleagues.
• Health cash plan to support you with every day health costs and treatments.
• Access to Peppy, providing free support from menopause experts for all UK colleagues.
• A variety of wellbeing support is available through our comprehensive wellbeing program, including access for you and your family.
• Ability to flex your salary to opt into a wide range of health benefits, many of which can be extended to your family too.

Lifestyle

• 33 days holiday each year, inclusive of public holidays and dependent on level, with the ability to buy or sell leave through our flexible benefits programme.
• 10 days additional paid leave for Armed Forces Reservists and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers.
• Holiday entitlement increased to a minimum of 35 days after 5 years’ service.
• Variety of employee saving schemes and discounts from high-street retailers.

Enhanced family and carers leave

• Enhanced family leave policies, including 26 weeks paid maternity and adoption leave, and two weeks paid paternity/partner leave.
• Our shared parental leave matches maternity leave meaning we pay up to 24 weeks at full pay.
• Up to five additional days leave are provided for those with significant caring responsibilities, two of which are paid.
• We offer policies and dedicated support to help military families balance service life with career and wellbeing.

Learning and development

• Primary annual professional institution subscription.
• A broad range of opportunities to enhance both technical and soft skills through mentoring, formal training, and self-development options.

Networks, communities, and social outcomes

• Join a wide range of groups including our Advanced Employee Networks which support our LGBTQ+, gender, race and ethnicity, disability, and parents/carers communities.
• We are proud signatories of the Armed Forces Covenant and Gold Award holders in the MOD Employer Recognition Scheme, supported by our dedicated internal Armed Forces Network.
• Make a difference within our communities through our social outcomes.

How to apply

To apply for this role and to find out more, please click on the apply button. Please note that applications may close before the application deadline, so apply early to avoid disappointment.