2026 UK Graduate Ecology Career Path

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, Graduate Freshwater Ecologist, or Graduate Marine Scientist, 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’ll 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’ll 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

Graduate Marine Scientist – Safeguarding Coastal and Marine Environments

You’ll contribute to marine, coastal, and estuarine projects that span engineering, flood defences, port infrastructure, energy developments, and environmental policy. This is an environmental role focused on protecting marine ecosystems and supporting sustainable development.

What You’ll Do:

• Process large environmental datasets and conduct literature reviews

• Prepare environmental assessments and marine licence applications

• Design and implement coastal and offshore surveys

• Coordinate technical inputs and manage marine licences

• Collaborate with engineers, oceanographers, and planners on multidisciplinary projects

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: Adaptable working, mental health support, and a caring environment

• Societal Impact: Your work helps protect ecosystems, promote biodiversity, and shape sustainable infrastructure

Candidate Specification

We are looking for committed 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 some relevant experience (excluding placements) and have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree (obtained no earlier than 2024) or expected to achieve one, in one of the following degree disciplines: 

• Ecology

• Biodiversity

• Biology

• Conservation

• Marine

• Marine Biology

• Marine Ecosystem Management

In your application, you should aim to demonstrate your genuine interest in both the opportunity and in joining Mott MacDonald. You can do this by highlighting any relevant experience or interests - such as modules you've studied, previous work experience, or any research you've undertaken about our company, values, and projects.

We personally review every completed application form we receive as this part of our selection process is entirely human led, we do not use AI tools at this stage and kindly expect you not to either. We want you to answer each application question with authenticity so we can get to know the real you. Joining us as a graduate is your opportunity to shape your own story

We are looking for graduates with the following strengths:

• Proactively takes initiative to complete tasks efficiently and independently.

• Communicates effectively and clearly with clients and colleagues.

• Delivers high quality written work with great attention to detail and clarity.

• Demonstrates a structured and analytical approach to problem solving.

As we want the best people for the role, we support adaptable working.  Please ask us at interview stage about any adaptability you may need.

Mott MacDonald Ltd. is not able to provide visa sponsorship through the UK Skilled Worker route at this time. This is due to changes made by the UK Government in April 2024.

Our ethos is to develop, train and retain our graduates and therefore we are looking for a long-term relationship with our graduates.

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 mentor, who will guide you to meet the objectives of your professional training needs. You will join our three-year early careers soft skills development programme – Accelerating your Future, which is designed to give you the skills and tools necessary for a long-lasting successful career here at Mott MacDonald.

You will have the opportunity to make a difference; learn more about Our Purpose and the difference we can make! 

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.

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.