Graduate Flood Risk and Water Resources

Mott MacDonald Graduate Water & Environment opportunities covering Flood Risk, Environmental Hydrology, Hydrogeology, Hydrology and Water Quality Modelling, supporting sustainable water management, climate resilience and environmental protection through data analysis, modelling and engineering.

Job Description

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  

Shape Rivers. Reduce Flooding. Build Resilience. 

Plays a key role in helping communities and the environment become more resilient to flooding and the challenges posed by climate change. You will work on projects that improve our understanding of rivers, catchments and flood risk, supporting the development of sustainable solutions that protect people, property and the natural environment. Working alongside multidisciplinary teams, you will contribute to projects that enhance river health, improve water management and deliver lasting environmental benefits. 

What You’ll Be Doing

• Supporting projects that reduce flood and drought risk while improving the resilience of communities, infrastructure and the environment.

• Analysing environmental, hydrological and engineering information to identify practical solutions and inform decision-making.

• Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to deliver river restoration, flood management, sustainable water supply and drainage projects.

• Assisting with engineering studies, design calculations and the development of outline and detailed civil engineering designs.

• Producing technical reports, specifications and models using industry-standard software, with opportunities to gain site-based experience.

• Developing technical knowledge and experience across river engineering, flooding, water resources and wider water management disciplines. 

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. 

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

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: 

• Civil Engineering 

• Geography 

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 

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. 

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.