2027 UK Graduate Coastal Science Career Path

Before making an application, please browse all graduate opportunities available as we will only accept one application per candidate.  Once you have made an application you will not be able to make changes to your selection or make a new application.  The exception is if we open new vacancies in the new year.      

 

To avoid missing out on your preferred role, we recommend applying as early as possible, as positions will close once filled.

 

 

Application process

 

• Online strengths-based assessment
• Application form

 

CVs and cover letters are not required as part of the application process. Candidates will be assessed through a single-stage strengths-based interview.

 

Start your career with a global, employee-owned consultancy where your work can make a real difference. At Mott MacDonald, you'll work alongside experts, contribute to meaningful projects, and have the support, learning opportunities, and experience needed to grow your career from day one.

 

 

Job Description

 

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 Ports, Coastal and Offshore team which brings together a wealth of knowledge and experience in coastal processes (including numerical modelling), strategic planning, feasibility and business case preparation, climate resilience, engineering design and construction supervision.  

 

We are pioneering the use of digital, carbon and positive social outcomes to provide clients with optimum solutions. Our team works across the globe and is currently working in locations such as The Caribbean, North America, South East Asia and the Middle East, as well as the UK and Europe.  

  

Below you’ll find more information on the Coastal Scientist role.

 

 

Coastal Scientist – Bristol/Croydon/Newcastle (Masters Essential)

 

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

 

• Coastal erosion and flood risk feasibility studies  

• Development of coastal management plans including Strategies, business cases and coastal change adaptation plans 

• Flood risk and coastal erosion options studies 

• Climate risk and vulnerability assessment  

• Support design and planning for offshore and marine renewable developments including hazard mapping and cable burial risk assessments 

• GIS mapping / spatial analysis and coastal data interpretation   

• Coastal numerical modelling and metocean studies  

• Marine nature-based solutions  

• Stakeholder Engagement 

 

 

Candidate Specification

 

At Mott MacDonald, we’re looking for curious, motivated graduates who want to make a real difference.  Join our purpose-driven teams where your ideas matter, your growth is supported, and your work enhances the world we live in.

 

To be eligible for this opportunity, you will have less than 12 months’ relevant experience (excluding placements) and have a masters degree (obtained no earlier than 2025) or expected to achieve one of the following degree disciplines:

 

• Coastal science  

• Oceanography

 

For some of our opportunities, a master’s degree is essential – this is reflected in the list of opportunities in the application form.

 

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 ask 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 strong attention to detail and clarity. 

• Demonstrates a structured and analytical approach to problem solving. 

 

 

UK Immigration

Mott MacDonald Ltd. are not currently offering sponsorship to candidates under the Skilled Worker visa route in the UK. This decision is as a consequence of the changes made to the Skilled Worker route 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. For this reason, we cannot accept applications from candidates who would be working under the Graduate visa route or other time-limited visas, (irrespective of visa duration), due to their temporary nature and the requirement for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route in future. 

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. 

 

AI Usage

At Mott MacDonald, we see the value AI can bring, but we take a people-first approach to hiring. While AI tools can help candidates prepare and build confidence, every application and hiring decision is reviewed by our recruitment and hiring teams. We encourage the responsible use of AI while ensuring we get to know the real person behind the application.

 

Accessibility

We want you to feel supported and able to perform at your best throughout our recruitment process. If there is anything we can do to make applying or interviewing with us more accessible, please contact us at [email removed] and we'll be happy to discuss how we can help.

 

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 ca