2026 Graduate Programme - Water - Sustainable Water Management

WSP; Shrewsbury; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading Engineering consultancy in Shrewsbury is seeking graduates for its Sustainable Water Management team. You will engage in projects addressing flood risks and help develop engineering solutions. Ideal candidates have a degree in a relevant field and a passion for the environment and problem-solving. The role offers opportunities for professional development and a supportive team environment.

Benefits

Health & Wellbeing support

Flexible working arrangements

Training and development opportunities

Discount gym memberships

Qualifications

• Graduated with at least a 2:1 in a relevant subject.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Strong problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Deliver a variety of civil engineering river and flood related schemes.
• Prepare business cases for flood protection works.
• Develop engineering designs for flood projects.
• Prepare work schedules and contractor specifications.
• Inspect various structural assets.

Skills

Engineering

Problem-solving

Creativity

Teamwork

Passion for the environment

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in relevant subject

Job description

Overview

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 for our Sustainable Water Management team, who have a flexible approach and an appetite to learn in a leading Engineering and Professional Advisory services consultancy. We want you to enjoy working in a collaborative environment where you can apply your skills working for a diverse range of clients and projects.

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

• Rivers and Coast: London, Bristol, Newcastle, Glasgow, Manchester, Birmingham, Liverpool, Leeds
• Catchment Science: London, Bristol, Newcastle, Glasgow, Shrewsbury
• Flood Risk Modelling: London, Bristol, Newcastle, Glasgow, Manchester, Birmingham, Liverpool
• Flood Risk & Water EIA: London, Bristol, Newcastle, Glasgow, Manchester, Birmingham, Liverpool, Basingstoke, Wrexham

Role and Team

Comprising of 350 water science and engineering professionals, our Sustainable Water Management teams work across a wide spectrum of services including flood risk, water resources, hydrology, flood modelling, sustainable urban drainage, water quality, water EIA, hydromorphology, hydroecology and hydrogeology. We provide high quality technical services and advice to government departments and agencies, the water industry and other industrial sectors, including power, transport, nuclear and mining.

Projects

Graduates are likely to be involved in a diverse range of projects across the UK water sector, such as:

• East West Rail watercourse design
• Rotherham flood alleviation scheme
• South Wales flood protection schemes

Our Sustainable Water Management team

Rivers and Coast

Graduates in the Rivers and Coast team will work in a supportive and innovative environment, delivering engineering solutions to rivers and flood challenges around the UK. Previous graduates have contributed to projects such as the Kendal Flood Alleviation Scheme and East West Rail watercourse management.

Day-to-day activities could include:

• Delivery of a wide variety of civil engineering river and flood related schemes
• Preparing and supporting business cases for works to protect from flooding
• Developing outline and detailed designs for engineering flood projects including hydraulic systems, flood defences, drainage and ancillary structures
• Preparing work schedules and specifications for contractors
• Carrying out asset inspection works of above and below-ground structures
• Working with local authorities and national environmentally based organisations

Other Specialisms

Flood Risk Modelling and Flood Risk & Water EIA involve managing stormwater and flood risk to mitigate impacts of population growth and urban development, addressing water quality issues and protecting surface water resources for the long term.

You will be joining a supportive environment and enthusiastic team, dealing with internal and external stakeholders and collaborating with colleagues in dynamic project environments.

Graduate Development Programme

Our two-year Graduate Development programme is designed to support personal and professional development through an engaging blended learning experience. It includes core business and professional skills training, career development workshops, networking opportunities, mentoring for professional registration and a breadth of 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. We encourage you to achieve chartered status with professional bodies, with support through enrolment in a professional institution's training agreement.

To learn about the sectors and specialisms we recruit into, and qualification requirements, please view the Graduate brochure or Graduate website.

What we will be looking for

You should have graduated with at least a 2:1 in a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a relevant subject for the role. To assist you in finding potential areas of the business that are relevant to you, please visit our Graduate brochure or website.

• Candidates must complete the application form in full answering all specific questions. This applies to all candidates. Successful completion of this stage is mandatory. Candidates who pass this initial stage will then complete an online skill enabler assessment. Both the application form and the skill enabler assessment are essential parts of the early career recruitment process.
• You’ll be looking to start work in either April or September 2026
• You’ll have a passion for engineering and consulting in Water
• You’ll have a desire for the environment, engineering, and planning
• You’ll have an enthusiasm for creativity and a drive to solve problems
• You’ll want to inspire us by sharing new ideas you have

If you don’t meet all the criteria, you may still have relevant qualifications for our roles; apply and we can see how your experience aligns to this role and other opportunities on our Graduate programme.

For information regarding the Application & Selection process, please visit our Early Careers brochure – Application & Selection.

We review applications for Early Career opportunities on a rolling basis, so we recommend applying early to ensure full consideration.

About Us and What’s in it for you

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.

Work-life balance

Our hybrid working policy offers the flexibility to work from home two days a week and collaborate in our modern offices across the UK.

Inclusivity & Belonging

We welcome applicants from varied backgrounds and experiences and support a culture of inclusion and belonging. We have employee resource groups to promote diversity and equal opportunity.

Health & Wellbeing

We support health and wellbeing through our Thrive programme, including a Virtual GP service and workplace adjustments where needed. The Gymflex scheme offers up to 40% off annual gym memberships as part of our flexible benefits, plus a menopause support package.

Flex your time

WSP My Hour provides time for personal activities with flexible options to adjust your schedule. We offer part-time and flexible working arrangements, additional leave options, and the ability to use bank holiday entitlements as you prefer.

Your development

We invest in your growth through training, mentoring and Chartered status support.

#WeAreWSP

We encourage applications from suitably qualified 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 and offer workplace adjustments if needed.