Graduate Programme - Earth & Environment - Mining

Based in Naas, Ireland, this graduate position sits within the global Mine Waste team and focuses on the safe and sustainable design of tailings management facilities, heap leach structures, and water impoundments.

What if you could do the kind of work the world needs? 

At WSP, you can access our global scale, contribute to landmark projects and connect with the brightest minds in your field to do the best work of your life. You can embrace your curiosity in a culture that celebrates new ideas and diverse perspectives. You can experience a world of opportunity and the chance to shape a career as unique as you.

Our mining specialists work on an array of projects in the mining industry covering all regions globally. Work includes high level Due Diligence Reviews to detailed Feasibility Studies and detailed design of mines and mining infrastructure covering Geology & Resource Estimation, Mining, Geotechnical and Geo-mechanical Engineering. Hydrology and Hydrogeology, Geochemistry, Tailings and Waste Management for mines. Heap Leach Design, Mine Closure Studies, Financial Assessments and Construction Supervision and QA/QC Services. 

We are looking for Graduates to join our Mine Waste team who have a flexible approach and an appetite to learn in a leading Engineering and Professional Advisory services consultancy. We want you to enjoy working in a collaborative environment where you can apply your skills working for a diverse range of clients and projects.

A little bit more about your role and the team…

Our UK and Ireland Mine Waste team works on a range of projects situated across the Nordics, Eastern Europe and Africa. At WSP, we understand that responsible mining includes the effective management of all types of mine waste.

We provide advice and develop tailings and waste management approaches that align with evolving standards and best practices throughout the entire mining life cycle. Our technical expertise, global governance programs, and deep understanding of risk enable us to create innovative solutions.

By integrating hazard identification, risk assessment, and control methods early in the design process, we mitigate health and safety risks and safeguard communities and the environment.

Leveraging our global network, you will work with bespoke teams with diverse skill sets to meet the unique requirements of each project. Our team takes a holistic view, incorporating ESG principles at every phase of a mine and facility. 

From innovative tailings storage solutions to advanced dewatering techniques and resilient designs, our multi-disciplinary team advances responsible mining practices through integrated mine waste solutions.

Our Mining Teams:

Mine Waste:

As a Graduate Geotechnical / Mine Waste Engineer, you will help shape the safe and sustainable management of mine waste facilities across the Nordics, Eastern Europe and Africa. From tailings storage systems to geotechnical investigations, this role places you at the forefront of solutions that protect communities and the environment. 

Day-to-day activities could include:

• Working as part of a diverse team of engineers, scientists and modellers from conceptual design through to detail design and engineering

• Providing inputs input to design focused on tailings management facilities, heap leach facilities, water impoundments and waste rock dump design, soil mechanics, soil improvement methods, geosynthetic materials engineering and related civil engineering work for projects worldwide

• Assisting project managers in the successful delivery of projects by managing own involvement in projects, including time, budget and quality control

• Preparing technical reports, drawings, specifications, bill of quantities, and cost estimates

• Exciting opportunities to travel within the UK and Internationally to assist clients in solving engineering problems and support construction of WSP designs. Travel outside of UK will require overnight stays, and likely duration will depend on the nature of the project/client needs and project location

• Developing and maintaining good relationships with new and existing clients and be able to effectively represent WSP on site

• Liaising with the Mining Team networks, which include specialists within WSP both nationally and internationally. 

You will join an enthusiastic and supportive team, providing you with a challenging and fulfilling career. In this team, you will be dealing with internal and external stakeholders (including regulatory authorities), collaborating with colleagues and adapting to dynamic project environments. 

Graduate Development Programme and Future progression

Our two-year Graduate Development programme is designed to support personal and professional development and growth through an engaging blended learning experience. The programmes include core business and professional skills training, career development workshops and resources, valuable networking opportunities, mentoring for professional registration and a breadth of on-the-job experience. 

Our teams are dedicated to supporting your career growth from the very beginning. Many employees have started as graduates and successfully advanced within the company. We encourage you to achieve chartered status with professional bodies, ensuring your development is a priority. 

What will we be looking for you to demonstrate

You’ll have graduated with at least a 2:2 in a degree in Geotechnical or Civil Engineering.

Candidates must complete the application form in full answering all specific questions. This requirement applies to all candidates, inclusive of their background. Successful completion of this stage is mandatory. Candidates who pass this initial stage, will then be required to complete an online skill enabler assessment. Both the application form and the skill enabler assessment are essential parts of the early career’s recruitment process.

• You'll be looking to start work by September 2026. 

• You’ll have the ability to remain calm and focused under pressure.

• You’ll have the ability to learn, demonstrate attention to detail and be adaptable to change.

• You’ll have the ability to work to a defined budget and timescales and the capability to build relationships.

• You’ll have an enthusiasm for creativity and a drive to solve problems.

• You’ll have the ability to communicate effectively.

Don’t quite meet all the criteria? Should you have the right qualifications for our positions, apply and we can see how your experience aligns to this role and other opportunities we have available for our Graduate programme”

We review applications for our Early Career opportunities on a rolling basis, which means we begin progressing some candidates to the final stages before the application closing date. To ensure your application receives full consideration, we recommend submitting it as early as possible.

Imagine a better future for you and a better future for us all.

Join our close-knit community of talented individuals who share your passion for making a positive impact. Our global team includes more than 69,000 employees, working together to make a difference in communities both close to home and around the world.

With us, you can. Apply today.