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2026 Graduate Programme - Earth & Environment - Ground & Water

WSP
Sustainability/Environmental Consulting
Sustainability/Environmental Consulting
Negotiable
Job
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Description

Location
Manchester, Glasgow, Bristol, London, Southampton, Basingstoke, Guildford, Hertford, Cambridge, Nottingham, Birmingham, Leeds or Manchester depending on team and role.

Hours
Full Time

Salary
Competitive graduate salary

About the Role
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. Our environmental Ground & Water specialists support clients in the assessment and investigation of Brownfield land, supporting development proposals and commercial decisions. The team is also involved in the demolition and decommissioning of entire non-operational power stations as well as managing small, specialised redundant plants within active process areas. We are seeking graduates with a flexible approach and an appetite to learn to join our leading engineering and professional advisory consultancy.

We are recruiting graduates for two main teams:
- Contaminated Land: based in Manchester, Glasgow, Bristol or London
- Demolition and Decommissioning (April start): based in Bristol, London, Southampton, Basingstoke, Guildford, Hertford, Cambridge, Nottingham, Birmingham, Leeds or Manchester.

Contaminated Land Team
As a graduate in this team, you will support geo-environmental, contaminated land and hydrogeology projects. Your role will involve significant periods on site and working closely with project managers and directors. Activities include investigating, assessing and remediating contaminated sites, progressing from fieldwork to reporting, client liaison and project management. Typical tasks include Phase 1 desk studies, Phase 2 site investigation design and supervision, soil sampling and logging, subcontractor management, risk assessment, environmental site monitoring, data collection and management, and report preparation.

Demolition and Decommissioning Team
This predominantly site-based role involves supporting decommissioning, demolition and remediation projects across the UK and potentially internationally. You will monitor operations, assist with planning and programming, gather data and surveys, and liaise with clients and contractors. The role suits graduates with backgrounds in Demolition Management, Construction Management, Health, Safety and Environment, or Engineering. Projects range from decommissioning entire power stations to managing small redundant plants within active process areas.

Graduate Development Programme and Progression
Our two-year Graduate Development Programme supports your personal and professional growth through blended learning, career workshops, mentoring for professional registration, and on-the-job experience. We encourage chartered status achievement and provide a supportive environment for career advancement.

Join a close-knit community of talented individuals passionate about making a positive impact through innovative, inclusive and sustainable engineering solutions.

Requirements

Experience
Graduates with at least a 2:2 in a relevant master's or bachelor's degree. Experience is not mandatory but a flexible approach and willingness to learn are essential.

About you
- Ability to remain calm and focused under pressure
- Attention to detail and adaptability to change
- Ability to work within defined budgets and timescales
- Strong communication and relationship-building skills
- Enthusiasm for creativity and problem-solving
- Willingness and ability to travel across the UK, including remote locations and overnight stays
- Hold a UK driving licence or equivalent

Qualifications
A relevant degree in a subject related to Earth & Environment, Engineering, Demolition Management, Construction Management, Health, Safety and Environment or similar fields.

Expiry date: 24/12/2025
2026 Graduate Programme - Earth & Environment - Ground & Water
Company:
WSP
Salary:
Negotiable
Job Type:
Job
Location:
Manchester