Graduate Development Programme 2025 - Technical Scientist

About the Programme

Join us as an Ofwat graduate and step into a world where you are empowered and encouraged to use the economic tools developed in your degree to help us solve problems in the water industry from the very start. Our graduate programme will offer a truly versatile role, great insights into how a regulator works with excellent training enabling you to create a solid foundation for your career.

RAPID and Environmental Planning Team

Ofwat plays a critical role in ensuring the water sector provides secure, clean, and reliable water supplies to our customers, as well as that sufficient water is available to the environment. The Regulators’ Alliance for Progressing Infrastructure Development (RAPID) was set up in 2019. It is a partnership made up of the three water regulators – Ofwat, the Environment Agency (EA) and the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI). RAPID was formed to help facilitate the development and funding of new large scale strategic water supply options by the water companies. As part of our work, RAPID identifies and addresses issues relevant to the development of major water supply infrastructure projects and analyse the feasibility of strategic water supply schemes. 18 schemes are being progressed so far.

The Environmental Planning function includes two key Ofwat teams: Environment and Water resources. We inform policy, influence planning processes and incentivise and monitor infrastructure delivery – both water resources and wider environment. This is to drive optimal outcomes for customers and environment under the challenges of climate change whilst supporting sustainable development.

Ofwat is a statutory consultee in the water resources management planning process (to balance water supply and demand) and water companies are funded to deliver their plans through the price review process which Ofwat runs. The Water resources team work closely with regulators, government, water companies and regional groups as part of the water resources planning process and is a key area of our work.

We offer rotational and static opportunities, which both provide the same learning, development and support. This role is a static role within the RAPID and Environmental Planning directorate.

Qualifications

You will have (or be on target to achieve) at least a 2:2 degree in a numerical, engineering or science-related discipline, such as (but not limited to), engineering, environmental science or geography. As this is a graduate programme, you must have graduated already, or be due to graduate in 2025, and have some work experience following your graduation.

Experience, Skills and Knowledge

• Background in science and basic understanding of water company functions.
• An understanding of technical analysis and being good with numbers. 
• An interest in applying scientific approaches to a range of regulatory problems and policy making.  
• Able to demonstrate effective problem solving, demonstrating critical thinking, decision making and information processing.

Attributes and Values

Values: Throughout the selection process, we will be looking for evidence of our SAILOR values. 

Attributes: We will also assess you on the following attributes and behaviours that are essential for success on the programme. These are defined more fully in our Framework for Success. The attributes which will be assessed are:

• Committed Learner
• Makes Relationships Court
• Creates Clarity
• Adaptable Thinker
• Delivers Outcomes

Why You Should Join Us: 

We’re forward-thinking, creative, innovative, and ambitious. We constantly push the boundaries and embrace new ways of working.  

With us, your work matters, your voice is heard, and your impact is felt. Ours is a culture of trust, adaptability, autonomy, collaboration, and innovation. We all want positive change for water customers, the environment, and the future of water.  

But for us, change is more than what happens on the outside – we’ve always pushed boundaries internally, too. From becoming the first Civil Service organisation to achieve ‘Smarter Working’ status, to gaining our prestigious ‘Smarter Working Maturity’ award, we’ve consistently demonstrated our commitment to embracing innovative ways of working. Our people do their best work when given freedom over where, when, and how they work. Which is why we trust our teams to balance meaningful collaboration in the office with the adaptability of working from home. 

You will also benefit from:

• Excellent employer pension contributions of 28.97% (around £8,980 for this role). You can find further details about pension schemes under Terms and Conditions in the Candidate Pack.
• 27.5 days leave (25 days annual leave + 2.5 days privilege leave) increasing to max 32.5 days with each year of service, plus bank holidays
• Access to exclusive discounts on a variety of goods and services, including retail outlets, 
  theatre tickets, holidays, insurance, and a gym membership
• Adaptable working arrangements that suit your lifestyle
• Fees paid for membership of relevant professional bodies
• Up to 3 volunteering days per year
• Recognition vouchers scheme
• Generous shared parental leave and pay
• Enhanced sick pay
• Regular development opportunities
• Health and wellbeing initiatives
• Cycle-to-work scheme
• Season ticket loan for home-to-office travel
• Free eye tests and contribution to lenses/spectacles for VDU users

How to apply

Apply through the Civil Service Jobs website where you’ll be asked to create an account and complete an application form. If you’re unable to make an electronic application, please contact us and we will support you in completing your application.

Please ensure you have submitted your application in full ahead of the deadline listed below. Unfortunately, we won't be able to consider late applications.