Location
London

Hours
Full Time

Salary
Competitive salary with biannual reviews for the first three years

About the Role
Protect Nature. Shape Sustainable Development. Build a Better Future. At Mott MacDonald, we believe nature belongs at the heart of every development. As global challenges like urbanisation, climate change, and biodiversity loss intensify, our Nature Services Team leads the integration of ecological and marine expertise into infrastructure projects that serve both people and the planet. As a Graduate Ecologist, Graduate Freshwater Ecologist, or Graduate Marine Scientist, you will join a passionate, multidisciplinary team working across sectors such as water, transport, energy, and coastal infrastructure. You will contribute to projects spanning the full lifecycle—from early design to implementation—ensuring nature is protected, enhanced, and celebrated. We are a wholly employee-owned company, supporting a culture that values wellbeing, encourages innovation, and empowers career growth with purpose. The successful candidate will start in May 2026.

Graduate Ecologist – Restoring Balance Between Nature and Infrastructure
You will work on a mix of office-based and field assignments, gaining hands-on experience and learning from seasoned ecologists and technical specialists. Your work will help shape infrastructure projects to be more nature-positive, resilient, and sustainable.
What You'll Do:
- Conduct ecological surveys and assessments
- Support biodiversity enhancement and habitat restoration
- Influence scheme design to integrate nature-based solutions
- Promote best practice in ecological planning and mitigation
- Collaborate across disciplines to deliver sustainable outcomes

Graduate Freshwater Ecologist – Protecting Aquatic Ecosystems
You will deliver freshwater ecology inputs to schemes providing water resources, flood protection, transport, and energy. Your contributions will help protect and enhance freshwater ecosystems and influence sustainable infrastructure development.
What You'll Do:
- Plan and conduct freshwater ecology surveys
- Collate and analyse freshwater ecology data
- Collaborate with hydrologists, hydrogeologists, water quality specialists, and engineers
- Provide freshwater ecology inputs to a range of environmental assessments
- Influence scheme design for the benefit of freshwater habitats and species

Graduate Marine Scientist – Safeguarding Coastal and Marine Environments
You will contribute to marine, coastal, and estuarine projects spanning engineering, flood defences, port infrastructure, energy developments, and environmental policy. This role focuses on protecting marine ecosystems and supporting sustainable development.
What You'll Do:
- Process large environmental datasets and conduct literature reviews
- Prepare environmental assessments and marine licence applications
- Design and implement coastal and offshore surveys
- Coordinate technical inputs and manage marine licences
- Collaborate with engineers, oceanographers, and planners on multidisciplinary projects

Why These Roles Matter
- Empowering Growth: Structured training, mentoring, and real-world experience to help you thrive
- Celebrating Achievements: Your contributions are recognised and valued
- Inclusive Culture: A workplace where everyone feels seen, heard, and respected
- Wellbeing First: Flexible working, mental health support, and a caring environment
- Societal Impact: Your work helps protect ecosystems, promote biodiversity, and shape sustainable infrastructure

About Your Development
From day one, you will receive comprehensive training and be assigned a mentor to guide your professional growth. You will join our three-year early careers soft skills development programme – Accelerating your Future – designed to equip you with the skills and tools for a successful long-term career. Additional benefits include biannual salary reviews, a contributory pension up to 7%, and a flexible benefits scheme tailored to your needs.

Our Social Side
Joining Mott MacDonald means more than work; you can engage in a variety of social, sports, and charity events through our office committees. You will have access to discounts on cinema tickets, travel, fashion, utilities, and more from day one. We encourage you to contribute ideas for new activities and initiatives to enrich our community.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
We place equality, diversity, and inclusion at the core of our business, promoting fair employment practices and creating an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute.

Agile Working
We embrace flexibility and trust, enabling you and your manager to choose the most effective working arrangements to meet client, team, and personal commitments.

More About Mott MacDonald
We are a global engineering, management, and development consultancy dedicated to improving society by focusing on social outcomes, excellence, and digital innovation. Our values are progress, respect, integrity, drive, and excellence.

Experience
Less than 12 months' relevant experience (excluding placements). No prior professional experience required but a genuine passion for ecology and sustainability is essential.

About You
- Committed and motivated graduate with a desire to make a difference
- Proactive and able to complete tasks efficiently and independently
- Effective and clear communicator 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
- Willingness to embrace flexible working arrangements

Qualifications
Minimum of a bachelor's degree (obtained no earlier than 2024 or expected to achieve) in one of the following disciplines:
- Ecology
- Biodiversity
- Biology
- Conservation
- Marine
- Marine Biology
- Marine Ecosystem Management

Additional Information
Mott MacDonald Ltd. does not currently offer sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route in the UK due to recent government changes. We seek long-term relationships with graduates and cannot accept applications from candidates requiring Graduate visa or other time-limited visas. Applications are welcomed from candidates eligible for alternative UK immigration routes that do not require sponsorship now or in the future.