Graduate Hydrologist (Bristol, Reading, Birmingham, Glasgow)

Jacobs Technology Inc.; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 24,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering and consulting firm is seeking a Graduate Hydrologist to join their team in the UK. This role involves working on varied projects in river and flood risk management, offering exposure to key clients and the chance to develop skills in a supportive environment. Ideal candidates are pursuing a Master's in Hydrology or a relevant field, possess a flexible mindset, and have the permanent right to work in the UK. Competitive benefits and a hybrid working model are included.

Benefits

Flexible workstyle

Free medical cover

Reimbursement for professional development

Mental health support

Opportunities for community involvement

Qualifications

• Working towards a Masters level qualification in Hydrology or a relevant water-focused degree.
• Flexible self-starter eager to advance career.
• Must have the permanent right to work in the UK.

Responsibilities

• Work with a multi-disciplinary team delivering projects.
• Identify environmental flow targets for water companies.
• Design river restoration schemes and map flood risk.

Skills

Flexible self-starter

Thirst for learning

Education

Masters level qualification in Hydrology or relevant degree

Job description

Overview

Graduate Hydrologist (Bristol, Reading, Birmingham, Glasgow) – Jacobs

Join the Jacobs Graduate Development Programme (GDP) and start your career in a structured two-year scheme designed to support your development with blended learning, mentoring, progress reviews and networking. You will work across four focus areas: human skills, consulting skills, champion our strategy and your passions. The GDP is on-the-job and can be tailored to reflect your interests, career goals and technical skillset. The programme aims to launch your career by delivering tools, experiences and support to work on meaningful projects with industry leaders.

The start date for this role is September 2026.

About the Opportunity

The Water and Environment Business Unit focuses 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. The Water Catchment Management team comprises over 400 staff in the UK and Europe with reach into the Middle East, Australasia and America. The team delivers sustainable, integrated catchment management solutions and flood risk management projects for various clients.

As a Graduate Hydrologist, you will work as part of a multi-disciplinary team delivering projects for clients such as the Environment Agency, SEPA, water companies and major infrastructure providers. Your workload will be varied, from identifying environmental flow targets for water companies to designing river restoration schemes or using modelling software to map flood risk and protect homes. The role offers exposure to a wide range of projects, with support to grow in areas of interest.

What you will do is described with opportunities to learn and develop across projects and to work with friendly teams that will help you along the way.

What you’ll need

• Be working towards a Masters level qualification in Hydrology or a relevant water-focused degree
• A flexible self-starter who is keen to drive your career forward
• Adaptable to change, with a thirst for learning new things
• You must have the permanent right to work in the UK

Selection Process

• Step 1 Apply Online
• Step 2 Solo Video Assessment
• Step 3 Interview

What We Provide

• A flexible workstyle, embracing a hybrid working pattern and support for work/life commitments
• Free medical cover and digital GP service
• Reimbursement towards relevant professional development and memberships
• A focus on safety, health and wellbeing with a culture of caring and mental health support
• Opportunities to give back to communities through our Collectively programme

Application deadline: 19 October 2025. You can still apply after this date if the role remains open.

Equal Opportunity

Jacobs is an equal opportunity employer. We are disability confident and will interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for a vacancy. We welcome applications from candidates seeking flexible working and those who may not meet all listed requirements.

We value inclusion and belonging in everything we do and offer hybrid working arrangements to support collaboration with clients and teams. If you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact Careers Support.

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