2025 UK Graduate Coastal Scientist Career Path

Do you want to work for a company whose purpose is to improve society by considering social outcomes, and to transform businesses, communities, and opportunities for its employees? Mott MacDonald is a global consultancy whose people do exactly that.

It’s an exciting time for our Ports, Coastal and Offshore team with major project success and workload growth. As part of your role you will join our experts in developing ports, coastal and offshore projects. Alongside this you will have the opportunity to develop your skills in project management, business development and driving sustainability in the marine environment.

We are especially looking for someone with great team spirit to become an integral part of our wider Ports, Coasts and Offshore team which brings together a wealth of knowledge and experience in coastal numerical modelling, oceanography and ocean science, coastal processes, climate resilience, civil engineering and master planning.

As a coastal scientist you will be involved in a wide range of technical work including:

• Coastal numerical modelling and metocean studies
• Coastal erosion and flood risk feasibility studies
• Business case development to support funding opportunities for schemes
• Outline design of coastal and flood structures
• Climate risk and vulnerability assessment
• Stakeholder engagement
• Mapping and feasibility of offshore cables and windfarms
• Marine nature-based solutions

We are pioneering the use of digital, carbon and positive social outcomes appraisal to provide clients with optimum solutions. Our team work worldwide and is currently working in locations such as The Caribbean, US, Senegal, Canada, Belize and Australia, as well as the UK and Europe.

Candidate Specification

We are looking for adaptable and motivated graduates with a genuine passion and a desire to make a difference in the world. If this describes you, apply today to launch your career at Mott MacDonald.

To be eligible for this opportunity, you will have less than 12 months relevant experience (excluding placements) and have a degree (obtained no earlier than 2023 ) or are expected to achieve one relating to coastal science.

In your application you should be able to demonstrate your interest through relevant experience, such as studying relevant modules, or previous work experience.

We are looking for graduates with the following characteristics:

• Methodical approach to problem solving
• Ability to use your initiative to undertake tasks efficiently and independently.
• Excellent verbal communication skills, which allow you to confidently liaise with clients and team members.
• Excellent written communication and attention to detail and be able to demonstrate accurate technical drawings and good report writing.

As we want the best people for the role, its available as part time, job share or full time. This is because we recognise that sometimes people are not available full time. Please ask us at interview stage about any arrangement you prefer.

We continue to welcome applications from candidates who are eligible for alternative immigration routes in the UK, that do not require sponsorship as a Skilled Worker now or in future

About your development

A graduate position should be more than just a job. We know this and so do you. That’s why with our graduate roles, we aim to give you the experience and technical knowledge you need to progress your career.

From the moment you join us, you’ll receive the training you need. You will be assigned a chartered mentor, who will guide you to meet the objectives of your professional training agreement. We’ll support you on your journey to gaining chartered status with your chosen institution.

What else is involved?

You’ll be enrolled onto Accelerate Your Future, a structured three-year soft-skills development programme which develops the strengths that we know graduates need to be successful at Mott MacDonald. It also gives you the opportunity to network and meet other graduates in your cohort. The programme is a mix of residential events, classroom-based learning, virtual webinars, and sustainability and social impact challenges.

In addition to developing your soft skills, we recognise that each persons career goals vary, so when rolling off the programme we provide you with the tools and support to develop your ongoing career the way you wish to. Alongside our vast library of e-learning courses available to you, you can choose which direction you want your career to go in.

You’re probably wondering what else is on offer. Join us, and you’ll get:

• Biannual salary reviews: we believe that hard work should be rewarded and recognised. Therefore, for the first three years of your career with us, you’ll have biannual salary reviews.
• A competitive salary: in addition to biannual reviews, we will ensure that you’re given a salary that matches the current industry standard.
• Contributory pension up to 7% of your salary: we have the best people on our team, and we like to look out for them. With our support, you’ll have all the advice and options you need to be able to invest in your future.
• An adaptable benefits scheme: our company is made up of a range of different people and we understand that different people want different things. That’s why with our adaptable plan, you’ll have the ability to manage the range of benefits we have on offer, to suit your specific needs.
• Salary Range: £29,700 - £31,900

Our social side

Being part of Mott MacDonald means more than just work, there’s a huge range of fun and exciting things that you can get involved in.

From the moment you join us, you’ll have the opportunity to expand your social and professional network, whether it’s meeting other graduates or joining forces with other members of staff from around the company at our annual sports day. Each of our offices have a sports and social committee which will give you the chance to be part of a variety of sports, social and charity events. We’re committed to promoting a solid culture of social responsibility and encourage our staff to play active roles in the local community.

It's worth noting that sports and social committees tend to vary from office to office, so as well as getting involved in what’s already on offer, don’t be afraid to suggest new events or initiatives that you think could be a great addition. It doesn’t stop there. As well as events, you’ll also have access to discounts on cinema tickets, travel, fashion, utilities and much more as part of our company benefits which you can take advantage of the moment you join.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

We put equality, diversity and inclusion at the heart of our business, seeking to promote fair employment procedures and practices to ensure equal opportunities for all. We encourage individual expression in our workplace and are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels they have the opportunity to contribute.

Agile working

At Mott MacDonald, we believe it makes business sense for you and your manager to choose how you can work most effectively to meet your client, team and personal commitments. We embrace agility, adaptability, and trust.

More about Mott MacDonald

We’re a global engineering, management and development consultancy.

Our purpose is to improve society by considering social outcomes in everything we do, relentlessly focusing on excellence and digital innovation, transforming our clients’ businesses, our communities and employee opportunities. A fundamental part of this is respecting each person’s differences and striving to meet their needs.

Our values: progress, respect, integrity, drive, excellence