Graduate Environmental Scientist - EIA (Edinburgh)

Jacobs Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom

At Jacobs, we're challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world's most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission-critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting-edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good.

Your impact: Join the Jacobs Graduate Development Programme (GDP) and have a meaningful, positive impact on our environments, communities and societies. Bring your passion, your ingenuity and your vision. Let’s see the impact we can create, together.

What will you get? Our Graduate Development Programme is a structured two-year scheme designed to support your development at the start of your Jacobs career journey. Through a combination of blended learning, mentoring, progress reviews and networking, you will establish yourself as knowledgeable and competent across four key focus areas; human skills, consulting skills, champion our strategy and your passions.

The Graduate Development Programme allows you to customise your learning journey to reflect your specific interests, career goals, and technical skillset – creating a graduate experience that is unique to you.

About The Opportunity

Our Water and Environment Business Unit provides a focus for advising our clients on River Engineering and Flood Risk Management solutions including flood defence structures, weirs, gates, sluices, flood storage reservoirs, natural flood management, habitat creation, hydrometric gauging facilities and fish passes. Our integrated Water Catchment Management team comprises in excess of 400 staff based in the UK and Europe, but with reach into the Middle East, Australasia and America.

The Water Catchment Management team has a diverse portfolio of projects with a key focus on flood risk management for the Environment Agency and other Local Authorities. The team work across sectors in integrated catchment management to deliver sustainable environmental solutions.

To meet our growing UK business needs and future development aspirations we are looking for a Graduate Scientist to join our Water Science team. The successful applicant will support a range of projects for clients in major public and private sector organisations and will become part of a respected and ambitious company with excellent career prospects including international opportunities.

Key tasks will include

• Planning and carrying out fieldwork, including River Condition Surveys as part of wider Biodiversity Net Gain assessments.
• Assisting with Fluvial Audits and Stream Reconnaissance Surveys
• Assisting with river restoration projects
• Undertaking Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) and Water Framework Directive (WFD) assessments to support a range of major infrastructure and flood risk management projects.
• Writing concise and logical reports including, for example, analysis of hydrological datasets and geomorphological assessments.
• Using and analysing various numerical datasets
• Working in GIS to analyse spatial data
• Identifying potential health and safety hazards of specific projects or work elements and demonstrating a commitment to your own safety and that of those around you.

What you'll need

• Be working towards a relevant Degree or Master’s level qualification in environmental science related degrees
• A flexible self-starter who is keen to drive your career forward
• Adaptable to change, with a thirst for learning new things
• You must have the permanent right to work in the UK

Selection Process

• Step 1 Apply Online
• Step 2 Solo Video Assessment
• Step 3 Interview

Apply before 19 October 2025 for your application to be considered in the first assessment window. You can still apply after this date if the role remains open to applications. However, you do so with the knowledge that we may not proceed with your application if the role is filled in the first assessment window.

What else we provide

• A flexible workstyle, embracing a hybrid working pattern and supporting those who need to balance work/life commitments a bit differently than others
• Free single medical cover and digital GP service
• Reimbursement towards relevant professional development and memberships
• A focus on safety, health, and wellbeing, prioritising our people through a culture of caring and positive mental health champion network
• Opportunities to give back to our communities through our Collectively program, incorporating matched-funding, paid volunteering time and charitable donations.