2026 Graduate Programme - Earth & Environment - Ground & Water

WSP; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering consultancy in Birmingham is seeking Graduates to join their Ground & Water teams. You will assist in major projects, including ground investigations and demolition activities. Ideal candidates will have at least a 2:2 in a relevant degree and will enjoy a collaborative environment. This role offers a two-year Graduate Development Programme with opportunities for professional growth and hybrid working arrangements.

Benefits

Work-life balance

Health and wellbeing programs

Flexible time options

Development opportunities

Qualifications

• Ability to learn and adaptability.
• UK driving license or equivalent.
• Creativity and a willingness to share ideas.

Responsibilities

• Support project managers in delivering ground investigations.
• Assist in decommissioning and demolition activities.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders.

Skills

Flexibility

Attention to detail

Problem-solving

Effective communication

Education

Relevant degree (minimum 2:2)

Job description

Overview

At WSP, you can access our global scale, contribute to landmark projects and connect with the brightest minds in your field. You can embrace your curiosity in a culture that celebrates new ideas and diverse perspectives, and shape a career as unique as you.

Our environmental Ground & Water specialists support clients in successful assessment and investigation of Brownfield land, assist development proposals and commercial decisions, and are involved in the Demolition and Decommissioning of entire non-operational power stations to managing small, specialised redundant plants within active process areas.

Graduate opportunities

We are looking for Graduates with a flexible approach and an appetite to learn in a leading Engineering and Professional Advisory services consultancy. You will enjoy working in a collaborative environment with a diverse range of clients and projects.

We are recruiting for Graduates in the following teams and locations:

• Contaminated Land: Manchester, Glasgow, Bristol or London
• Demolition and Decommissioning: (April start) – Bristol, London, Southampton, Basingstoke, Guildford, Hertford, Cambridge, Nottingham, Birmingham, Leeds or Manchester

Role and responsibilities

Ground and Water teams have worked on a range of assignments. As a graduate in Contaminated Land or Demolition and Decommissioning, you will help deliver projects such as:

• Ground investigations for large infrastructure projects (e.g., HS2 and Heathrow)
• The Great Grid upgrade
• Remediation of former gasworks sites or petrochemical plants
• UK prototype fusion energy facility
• Projects supporting the nuclear industry
• Infrastructure and water schemes and investigations around emerging contaminants
• Thermal Power station decommissioning and demolition
• Refinery high-hazard plant demolition
• Nuclear power station decommissioning and demolition

Contaminated Land – typical activities

As a Graduate in this team, you will support the Ground & Water (geo-environmental/contaminated land/hydrogeology) team, delivering day-to-day project work, collaborating with project managers and project directors, and potentially spending significant periods on site. Activities include investigating, assessing and remediating contaminated sites, with progression toward reporting, client liaison and project management. Day-to-day activities may include:

• Phase 1 desk studies and reporting
• Phase 2 site investigation design, supervision, soil sampling, soil logging, subcontractor management, health and safety risk assessment and reporting
• Adherence to best technical, engineering and health and safety practice
• Communication with clients and subcontractors; assisting the project team
• Operational delivery support across disciplines
• Environmental site monitoring
• Data collection and data management
• Factual checking and progression to ground investigation reports

Demolition and Decommissioning – typical activities

This role is predominantly site-based, with travel across the UK and potentially internationally. You will support the Decommissioning and Demolition (D&D) team on projects requiring significant site work, progressing toward supervision and management of works. The role may suit graduates with a background in Demolition Management, Construction Management, Health, Safety and Environment or an Engineering-related course. Day-to-day activities include:

• Attendance at works/site briefings, meetings and workshops
• Observation and reporting of contractors’ works
• Assisting with planning and programming of works and addressing challenges in decommissioning
• Data gathering and surveying of new projects
• Client and contractor liaison; assisting the project team
• Operational delivery support

Our projects range from decommissioning entire non-operational power stations to managing small, specialised redundant plants within active process areas. You will join an enthusiastic and supportive team, dealing with internal and external stakeholders, and adapting to dynamic project environments.

Graduate Development Programme and progression

Our two-year Graduate Development programme supports personal and professional growth through blended learning, core business and professional skills training, career development workshops, mentoring for professional registration and on-the-job experience. To find out more, please visit: Who we are – ECP. Our teams are dedicated to supporting your career growth from the very beginning, with many graduates advancing within the company. We encourage chartered status with professional bodies.

For information about sectors and specialisms, please visit our Graduate brochure or website. Candidates should complete the application form in full and may be required to complete an online skill enabler assessment. Applications are welcome for April or September 2026 starts.

What we look for

You should have at least a 2:2 in a relevant degree. To help you identify suitable areas within the business, please visit our Graduate brochure or website.

• Complete the application form in full; the online skill enabler assessment is mandatory
• Start dates in April or September 2026
• UK driving licence or equivalent
• Ability to remain calm under pressure
• Ability to learn, attention to detail and adaptability
• Ability to work to defined budget and timescales; ability to build relationships
• Creativity and problem-solving drive
• Effective communication
• Willingness to share ideas
• Willingness and ability to travel in the UK, including overnight stays

If you don’t meet all criteria, apply anyway and we can discuss alignment with this role and other opportunities in our Graduate programme.

Application information

For details on the application and selection process and timelines, please visit the Early Careers brochure. We review applications on a rolling basis; submitting early is recommended.

About us and benefits

We are one of the world’s leading engineering and professional services firms, with a global team focused on positive, long-lasting impacts. Benefits include:

• Work-life balance and hybrid working (two days from home, with collaboration in offices)
• Inclusivity and belonging; employee networks and a culture of respect
• Health and wellbeing programs, including Thrive, Virtual GP, menopause support, and gym benefits
• Flexible time with options like WSP My Hour and adjustable leave
• Development opportunities, mentoring, and chartership support

We welcome applicants from varied backgrounds and ensure equal opportunity in our recruitment process.