Graduate Water Catchment Scientist

Graduate Scientist role within Jacobs’ two-year Graduate Development Program, focused on water science, river restoration, flood risk management, environmental assessments, field surveys, GIS, and hydrological data analysis.

At Jacobs, we're challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world's most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission-critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting-edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good.

Your impact

Join the Jacobs Graduate Development Program (GDP) and help shape better environments, communities and societies. Bring your passion, creativity and ambition — and together, we’ll create lasting change. 

What You’ll Get 

Our two‑year Graduate Development Program is designed to accelerate your growth as you begin your Jacobs career. Through blended learning, mentoring, progress reviews and networking, you’ll build capability across four key areas: human skills, consulting skills, championing our strategy, and developing your personal passions. 

You’ll tailor your learning journey to your interests, career goals and technical strengths — creating a graduate experience that’s uniquely yours. Much of your development will come through real project work, supported by your manager and mentor to ensure you gain the experiences that matter most. 

The Graduate Development Program isn’t just a steppingstone — it’s a launchpad. You’ll gain the tools, exposure and support to unlock your potential, working on meaningful projects and collaborating with industry leaders to deliver solutions to complex challenges. 

About the opportunity 

Our Water and Environment Business Unit provides a focus for advising our clients on River Engineering and Flood Risk Management solutions including flood defence structures, weirs, gates, sluices, flood storage reservoirs, natural flood management, habitat creation, hydrometric gauging facilities and fish passes.

Our integrated Water Catchment Management team comprises in excess of 400 staff based in the UK and Europe, but with reach into the Middle East, Australasia and America. The Water Catchment Management team has a diverse portfolio of projects with a key focus on flood risk management for the Environment Agency and other Local Authorities.

The team work across sectors in integrated catchment management to deliver sustainable environmental solutions.   

To meet our growing UK business needs and future development aspirations we are looking for a Graduate Scientist to join our Water Science team. The successful applicant will support a range of projects for clients in major public and private sector organisations and will become part of a respected and ambitious company with excellent career prospects including international opportunities.  

Key tasks will include:  

• Planning and carrying out fieldwork, including River Condition Surveys as part of wider Biodiversity Net Gain assessments.   

• Assisting with Fluvial Audits and Stream Reconnaissance Surveys  

• Assisting with river restoration projects  

• Undertaking Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) and Water Framework Directive (WFD) assessments to support a range of major infrastructure and flood risk management projects.  

• Writing concise and logical reports including, for example, analysis of hydrological datasets and geomorphological assessments.  

• Using and analysing various numerical datasets  

• Working in GIS to analyse spatial data  

• Identifying potential health and safety hazards of specific projects or work elements and demonstrating a commitment to your own safety and that of those around you.  

Here's what you'll need

• Be working towards a Masters level qualification in Environmental Science, Water Science or similar 

• A flexible, proactive mindset and motivation to drive your career forward 

• Adaptability and enthusiasm for learning 

• Permanent right to work in the UK 

Apply before 12 October 2026 to be considered in the first assessment window. Applications may still be accepted afterwards, but roles may be filled during the initial window.