Graduate Programme - Earth & Environment - Ground & Water

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. You can embrace your curiosity in a culture that celebrates new ideas and diverse perspectives. You can experience a world of opportunity and the chance to shape a career as unique as you.

We are looking for graduates to join our Ground & Water team in 2027. This is your opportunity to start your career in a team that helps solve real environmental challenges, from understanding ground and groundwater conditions to managing contamination risks and supporting the safe, sustainable regeneration of land.

Opportunities are available in:  Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, Naas (Dublin)

A little bit more about your role and the team...

As a graduate in our Ground & Water team, you will support our Contaminated Land specialists in investigating, understanding and improving land and water environments. You will gain hands-on experience across brownfield regeneration, major infrastructure, energy, utilities, water and industrial projects, helping clients make informed decisions and bring sites back into safe, sustainable use.

You will work alongside environmental scientists, engineers, hydrogeologists, planners and other technical specialists, learning how different disciplines come together to solve complex environmental challenges. Depending on the project, this could include supporting site investigations, interpreting data, contributing to reports, joining project discussions and helping to develop practical solutions for clients.

Before you start your application: We encourage you to take a few minutes to watch these short videos. They explain what to check before applying and offer practical guidance to help you prepare and submit your application: 

 Before you apply: Your recruitment journey starts here 

What we look for: Submitting your application

To find out more about our teams, degree backgrounds considered and what your day-to-day activities could include, please visit our Graduate Website Graduate schemes with WSP | WSP

What we’re looking for 

• You will have, or be on track to achieve, at least a 2:2 in a relevant bachelor’s or master’s degree. Please ensure you have checked degree backgrounds considered for our graduate roles via this link Earth and Environment & Mining graduate opportunities | WSP

• You will be looking to start work in September 2027.

• You will have an interest in geology, hydrogeology, contaminated land, groundwater and how these areas support sustainable development and environmental protection.

• You will be curious, flexible and motivated to understand how land and water environments influence the projects and communities around us.

• You will be comfortable working with others, sharing ideas and learning from different specialists across project teams.

• You will want to create value for our clients and take ownership for your work and development.

• You will be keen to learn, ask questions and broaden your technical skills through site work, project delivery and support from experienced colleagues.

• Willingness and ability to travel in the UK, to remote environments (some of which are inaccessible by public transport), including overnight stays.

Don’t quite meet all the criteria? Should you have the right qualifications for our roles, apply and we can see how your experience aligns to this role and other opportunities we have available for our Graduate programme”.

Graduate Development Programme

Our two-year Graduate Development Programme is designed to help you build the skills, experience and professional network needed to thrive at the start of your career with us. Through a blend of structured learning, mentoring and hands-on project experience, you will be supported every step of the way.

Application process

Candidates must complete the application form in full, including all specific questions. If successful at this stage, you will be invited to complete an online assessment, containing a cognitive assessment, personality questionnaire and Situational Judgement Test. All stages are essential parts of our early careers recruitment process.

We review applications on a rolling basis and may progress candidates before the closing date, so we recommend applying as early as possible.

Imagine a better future for you and a better future for us all.

Join our close-knit community of talented individuals who share your passion for making a positive impact. Our global team includes more than 69,000 employees, working together to make a difference in communities both close to home and around the world.

With us, you can. Apply today.

We are one of the world’s leading engineering and professional services firms. Our passionate people are united by the common purpose of creating positive, long-lasting impacts on the communities we serve through a culture of innovation, integrity, and inclusion. With over 11,000 professionals across the UK and Ireland, we are dedicated to our local communities and propelled by international brainpower.

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?

Work-life balance

At WSP, we understand that work is just one aspect of your life. It’s important to make time for you, your family, friends, interests and your community.

Our hybrid working policy offers the flexibility to work from home two days a week, while also providing opportunities to collaborate in our modern offices across the UK.

Inclusivity & Belonging

We welcome applicants with varied backgrounds and experiences. We enable rewarding careers by encouraging people to bring their whole and authentic selves to work so that our work represents the fullest spectrum of society. We celebrate integrity and treat people with respect, supporting each other and embracing a culture of inclusion and belonging at WSP. We have our employee resource groups bring together employees and allies with different backgrounds to promote a culture of inclusivity.

Health & Wellbeing

We are committed to supporting our people, giving you the tools to make improvements to your health and wellbeing through our Thrive programme.

Our Virtual GP service gives you access to an NHS or Irish Medical Council GP at a time and place that suits you – giving you peace of mind and quick access to medical advice when you need it most. We also provide reasonable workplace adjustments for those in need. Additionally, you can benefit from the Gymflex scheme, which offers up to 40% off annual gym memberships through our WSP flexible benefits program, as well as a comprehensive menopause support package.

Flex your time

To enhance work-life balance, WSP offers the “WSP My Hour,” allowing you to take one hour each day for personal activities, with the flexibility to make up the time earlier or later that day.

We also provide part-time and flexible working arrangements, the option to purchase additional leave, and the ability to use your bank holiday entitlement to suit you.

Your development

We understand the importance of development and training to you. That’s why we foster a supportive environment that invests in your growth, whether through training, mentoring, or Chartership.

#WeAreWSP

Here at WSP we positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity/paternity. As a Disability Confident leader, we will interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria, please let us know if you require any workplace adjustments in support of your application.