2025 UK Graduate Environmental Career Path

Job Description

Before making an application, please browse all graduate opportunities available as we will 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 this opportunity, we recommend that you apply as soon as possible as we will close when the positions have been filled.

Job Description

With a fast-growing global population and rapid urbanisation creating new development and infrastructure, environmental services have never been more vital for ensuring a sustainable world. Join our world leading environmental experts to deliver better outcomes for our clients and future generations.

We have opportunities in the following areas:

Ecology: Not only will you be working on a range of high-profile projects alongside our team of experts, but you’ll also be working closely with Natural England., the Environment Agency as well as local environment groups. From carrying out site surveys to assessments of ecological systems, you’ll have the chance to really get stuck in. You’ll be working within the environment, highways and buildings or infrastructure sectors. Our successful graduate ecologist will be expected to start early summer.

Environmental and Sustainability Consultancy: This is a varied and interesting role. With the projects that you work on, you’ll have the responsibility of assessing their effects on the environment while ensuring that they comply with UK and international environmental standards. You’ll most likely be working within the energy, water, or transport sectors. Sustainability is at the core of Mott MacDonald and cuts across all disciplines. We are committed to making a positive difference by delivering sustainable outcomes in all of our activities and to continuously improve our performance. As a sustainability practitioner, you’ll surely be involved in some of Mott MacDonald’s internal initiatives alongside client-facing projects. Sustainability is broad, but you may be involved in guiding project teams through sustainability by setting and monitoring against KPIs and targets. This may be in relation to the project need and meeting social requirements; material choices; construction methods; and building performance during operation. You’ll very likely have the opportunity to work on projects across multiple sectors, whilst exploring innovative solutions and new technologies to inform decision-making.

Marine Scientist: The environmental challenges in the water, ports, infrastructure and power sectors across the UK and beyond need environmental specialists who can think laterally. The Marine Environment Team at Mott MacDonald are involved in marine, coastal and estuarine projects spanning engineering, flood defences, port infrastructure, energy developments and policy implementation. As a graduate you would be involved in projects at an early stage, supporting the team on developing solutions to complex problems which can positively influence scheme design, enhancements and promote best practice, striving for the best solutions for people and nature. You would collaborate with water specialists, engineers, oceanographers and planners to deliver a variety of multidisciplinary projects.

Tasks could involve processing of large data sets, preparation of environmental assessments at all stages, literature reviews and gap analysis of data, marine licence application preparation, management of marine licences and co-ordination of technical inputs, coastal and offshore survey design and implementation. The role would suit a candidate with an interest in the marine and coastal environment, keen to work on multidisciplinary projects, and with good organisational and time management capabilities. It should be noted that this is an environmental role rather than oceanographic.

Carbon Management: Our carbon management consultants provide sustainability and carbon advice on major infrastructure projects across the world, working collaboratively with our client base to help them to reduce their impact upon the environment and to deliver better social outcomes. Mott MacDonald Group became Carbon Neutral in 2020 and committed to being Net Zero by 2040. We are working closely with Infrastructure Leaders to achieve the UK Government’s ambition to become Net Zero by 2050.

We have opportunties in the following locations: Altrincham; Birmingham; Brighton; Bristol; Cambridge; Cardiff; Colwyn Bay; Exeter; Leeds; Liverpool; London; Newcastle; Norwich; Plymouth; Reading; Sheffield; Southampton,

Candidate Specification

We are looking for committed and motivated graduates with a genuine passion and a desire to make a difference in the world. If this describes you, apply today to launch your career at Mott MacDonald.

To be eligible for this opportunity, you will have less than 12 months relevant experience (excluding placements), have a degree or are expected to achieve one of the following degree disciplines:

• Environmental Science

• Geography

• Environmental Management

• Environmental related subject

• Environmental Engineering

• Sustainability

• Ecology

• Marine Science

• Maths

• Climate

• Engineering

Please note all of our opportunities require a bachelor’s degree as a minimum, some of our opportunities will also require a master’s degree - this will be reflected in the list of opportunities available in our application form.

In your application you should be able to demonstrate your interest in the role and working at Mott MacDonald through relevant experience, such as studying relevant modules, or previous work experience.

We are looking for graduates with the following characteristics:
• Methodical approach to problem solving.
• Ability to use your initiative to undertake tasks efficiently and independently.
• Excellent verbal communication skills, which allow you to confidently liaise with clients and team members.
• Excellent written communication and attention to detail.

As we want the best people for the role, we support flexible working. Please ask us at interview stage about any flexibility you may need.

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 are not able to 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 the future.​

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 chartered mentor, who will guide you to meet the objectives of your professional training agreement. We’ll support you on your journey to gaining chartered status with your chosen institution.

What else is involved?

You’ll be enrolled onto Accelerate Your Future, a structured three-year soft-skills development programme which develops the strengths that we know graduates need to be successful at Mott MacDonald. It also gives you the opportunity to network and meet other graduates in your cohort. The programme is a mix of residential events, classroom-based learning, virtual webinars, and sustainability and social impact challenges.

In addition to developing your soft skills, we recognise that each persons career goals vary, so when rolling off the programme we provide you with the tools and support to develop your ongoing career the way you wish to. Alongside our vast library of e-learning courses available to you, you can choose which direction you want your career to go in.

You will have the opportunity to make a difference; learn more about our Social Outcomes and the difference we can make!

You’re probably wondering what else is on offer. Join us, and you’ll get:
• Biannual salary reviews: we believe that hard work should be rewarded and recognised. Therefore, for the first three years of your career with us, you’ll have biannual salary reviews.
• A competitive salary: in addition to biannual reviews, we will ensure that you’re given a salary that matches the current industry standard.
• Contributory pension up to 7% of your salary: we have the best people on our team, and we like to look out for them. With our support, you’ll have all the advice and options you need to be able to invest in your future.
• A flexible benefits scheme: our company is made up of a range of different people and we understand that different people want different things. That’s why with our flexible plan, you’ll have the ability to manage the range of benefits we have on offer, to suit your specific needs.

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. As well as events, you’ll also have access to discounts on cinema tickets, travel, fashion, utilities and much more as part of our company benefits which you can take advantage of the moment you join.

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 have the opportunity to contribute.

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 embrace agility, flexibility and trust.

More about Mott MacDonald
We’re a global engineering, management and development consultancy.
Our purpose is to improve society by considering social outcomes in everything we do, relentlessly focusing on excellence and digital innovation, transforming our clients’ businesses, our communities and employee opportunities.
A fundamental part of this is respecting each person’s differences and striving to meet their needs.
Our values: progress, respect, integrity, drive, excellence