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 is leading the way in integrating ecological and marine expertise into infrastructure projects that serve both people and the planet.

As a Graduate Ecologist or Graduate Freshwater Ecologist, you'll be part of a passionate, multidisciplinary team working across sectors such as water, transport, energy, and coastal infrastructure. You'll contribute to projects that span the full lifecycle—from early design to implementation—ensuring nature is protected, enhanced, and celebrated.

We're proud to be a wholly employee-owned company, where our people shape our direction and success. You'll be supported by a culture that values your wellbeing, encourages innovation, and empowers you to grow your career with purpose. The successful candidate will be expected to 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

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

Experience
Less than 12 months' relevant experience (excluding placements).

About you
Committed and motivated graduate with a genuine passion to make a difference in the world. Proactive, able to work independently and efficiently. Effective and clear communicator with clients and colleagues. Strong attention to detail and clarity in written work. Structured and analytical approach to problem solving. Embraces flexible working.

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.

Additional Information
Mott MacDonald Ltd. does not currently offer Skilled Worker visa sponsorship due to recent UK Government changes. Applications from candidates requiring Graduate visa or other time-limited visas will not be accepted. Candidates eligible for alternative UK immigration routes not requiring sponsorship are welcome to apply.

Development and Benefits
From day one, you will receive comprehensive training and be assigned a mentor to support your professional growth. You will join the three-year early careers soft skills development programme – Accelerating your Future.

Additional benefits include:
- Biannual salary reviews for the first three years
- Competitive salary aligned with industry standards
- Contributory pension up to 7% of your salary
- Flexible benefits scheme tailored to individual needs

Culture and Inclusion
Mott MacDonald values equality, diversity, and inclusion, promoting fair employment practices and an inclusive environment where everyone can contribute.

Agile Working
We support flexible and agile working arrangements to help you balance client, team, and personal commitments effectively.