UK Graduate Flood Risk and Water Resources Career Path

About Mott MacDonald

Mott MacDonald is a global, employee-owned consultancy committed to making a real difference. Our unique ethos encourages innovative thinking and career progression, with a focus on social outcomes and employee wellbeing. As an employee-owned company, we shape our own future and prioritize our people's development.

We tackle challenges affecting the water environment, from river catchments to underground water. In the face of the climate emergency, we are experts in understanding its impact on water availability, working with clients to ensure future water demand is met, renewable energy schemes are feasible, and the environment is preserved. We improve river, aquifer, and coastal areas by assessing abstractions and discharges, and by defining sustainable solutions using nature-based approaches. We also support clients in quantifying flood risk and designing effective flood protection measures.

Opportunities

Flood Risk Specialist / Engineer

Protect Communities. Shape Resilience. Drive Change. Join a team safeguarding lives, protecting ecosystems, and building climate-resilient futures. You will tackle flood risk through innovative, data-driven, and nature-based solutions. Work in our Water Consultancy Division on river, surface water, and coastal flood risk projects. You'll receive full training in hydraulic modelling and hydrology, supporting environmental regulators, local authorities, and infrastructure developers.

What You’ll Be Doing:

• Assess and advise on Flood Risk and Consequence Assessments.
• Design engineering solutions for flood risk management, including Natural Flood Management (NFM).
• Use 1D-2D hydraulic modelling tools to simulate flood scenarios.
• Build and validate hydraulic models, and use GIS for data analysis.
• Develop and deploy digital solutions to enhance project delivery.
• Collaborate on multidisciplinary projects, attend site visits, and engage in team/client meetings.
• Be part of our Early Careers Professionals Network for exposure to technical, commercial, and client-facing aspects.

Environmental Hydrologist

Restore Rivers. Protect Ecosystems. Empower Communities. Safeguard the health of our water environment and support nature-positive solutions. You will be part of a legacy of catchment management excellence, tackling challenges like nutrient pollution, pesticides, and habitat degradation through data-driven insights and innovation. Work in our Water Consultancy Division, supporting regulators, authorities, and infrastructure developers with impactful solutions, from traditional engineering to nature-based approaches.

What You’ll Be Doing:

• Analyse and assess water quality impacts of abstractions and discharges.
• Appraise traditional and nature-based solutions (NbS), including river restoration.
• Support hydrological assessments, water quality modelling, and catchment management planning.
• Use GIS for data manipulation and visualisation, and contribute to stakeholder engagement.
• Participate in geomorphological studies and NbS screening.

Hydrogeologist

Understand Groundwater. Protect Resources. Shape Resilient Futures. Protecting water starts beneath the surface. You will help clients understand groundwater reliability and vulnerability, mitigate pollution, and manage infrastructure impacts on aquifers. Work with leading hydrogeology experts on projects supporting water companies, environmental regulators, and government bodies. Your work will help safeguard vital resources and promote sustainable catchment management.

What You’ll Be Doing:

• Collect, review, and analyse ground and surface water data.
• Conduct hydrogeological assessments of aquifer behaviour.
• Use GIS for hydrogeographic data analysis and mapping.
• Support the development of groundwater models.
• Contribute to pollution mitigation and water resource planning.
• Undertake training and work towards professional qualification.

Hydrologist

Understand Water. Predict Change. Protect the Future. Contribute to national and international efforts addressing climate change risks, securing water supplies, and assessing hydropower feasibility. As an employee-owned company, we value innovation, wellbeing, and continuous learning. You will contribute to meaningful work using advanced modelling and digital tools.

What You’ll Be Doing:

• Collect, review, and analyse hydrological and environmental data.
• Apply advanced rainfall-runoff models and weather generators.
• Evaluate the impact of climate projections on water availability and flood risk.
• Contribute to flood risk assessments and sustainable catchment planning.
• Undertake training and work towards professional qualification.

Water Quality Modeller

Model Water. Predict Change. Improve Outcomes. Play a key role in understanding and improving water quality. You will assess how water moves through catchments, rivers, and drainage networks, supporting projects that protect the environment and enhance water quality. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to develop innovative solutions.

What you'll be doing:

• Support projects that improve water quality and sustainable water management.
• Analyse data and environmental information to identify solutions.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams on river, drainage, and water environment projects.
• Contribute to specialist areas like flood risk, hydrology, and water quality.
• Develop technical knowledge with industry-leading tools and technologies.

Application Process

• Please browse all graduate opportunities and apply for only one. You cannot change your application after submission, unless new vacancies open in the new year.
• We recommend applying early as positions close once filled.
• Online strengths-based assessment.
• Application form.
• CVs and cover letters are not required. Assessment is through a single-stage strengths-based interview.

Candidate Specification

We are looking for curious, motivated graduates with less than 12 months’ relevant experience (excluding placements) and a degree obtained no earlier than 2025, or expected.

Required 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.

Demonstrate your genuine interest in the opportunity and Mott MacDonald by highlighting relevant experience, modules, or research.

We are looking for graduates with the following strengths:

• Proactive initiative and independent task completion.
• Effective and clear communication.
• High-quality written work with attention to detail.
• Structured and analytical problem-solving approach.

UK Immigration

Mott MacDonald Ltd. is not currently offering sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route due to UK Government changes in April 2024. We cannot accept applications from candidates on the Graduate visa route or other time-limited visas. We welcome applications from candidates eligible for alternative UK immigration routes that do not require sponsorship.

AI Usage

While AI tools can assist in preparation, all applications and hiring decisions are reviewed by our recruitment and hiring teams. We encourage responsible AI use.

Accessibility

If you require any adjustments to make applying or interviewing more accessible, please contact reasonable.adjustments@mottmac.com.

Development and Benefits

• Professional Development: Assigned mentor, three-year 'Accelerating your Future' soft skills development programme, and opportunities to work towards professional qualifications.
• Financial Wellbeing: Biannual salary reviews (first three years, post-probation), pension contributions matched between 4.5% and 7%, life assurance up to 4x salary (option to increase to 6x), income protection, flexible benefits, and annual bonus schemes.
• Employee Ownership: A stake and voice in the business, with personal and group performance bonuses. Senior roles have a direct pathway towards ownership.
• Health and Wellbeing: Private medical insurance, health cash plan, access to menopause experts via Peppy, comprehensive wellbeing program, and flexible salary options for health benefits.
• Lifestyle: 33 days holiday (inclusive of public holidays, increasing to 35 after 5 years), option to buy/sell leave, 10 days additional paid leave for Armed Forces Reservists, and employee saving schemes/discounts.
• Family and Carers Leave: Enhanced policies including 26 weeks paid maternity/adoption leave, two weeks paid paternity/partner leave, shared parental leave, and up to five additional days for caring responsibilities.
• Learning: Primary annual professional institution subscription, and a broad range of technical and soft skill development opportunities.
• Networks and Social: Access to Employee Networks (LGBTQ+, gender, race, disability, parents/carers), Armed Forces Network, and opportunities for social and charity events through office sports and social committees. Discounts on cinema tickets, travel, and utilities via Perks at Work.