Graduate Environmental Scientist - EIA (Edinburgh)

Graduate Environmental Scientist – EIA (Edinburgh)

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.

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 programme is more than just a steppingstone. It’s a launchpad for your career, offering you the tools, experiences and support you need. Join us and unlock your potential as you work on meaningful projects and collaborate with industry leaders to deliver outcomes and solutions for complex challenges.

About The Opportunity

Our Water and Environment Business Unit provides a focus for advising our clients on River Engineering and Flood Risk Management solutions. 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.

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.

The start date for this position is September 2026.

Here\’s 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.

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.

We want you to bring your whole, authentic self to Jacobs. We value collaboration and believe that in-person interactions are crucial for both our culture and client delivery. We empower employees with our hybrid working policy, allowing them to split their work week between Jacobs offices/projects and remote locations enabling them to deliver their best work.

Jacobs is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. We are committed to building vibrant communities within Jacobs, including through our Jacobs Employee Networks, Communities of Practice and our Find Your Community initiatives, allowing every employee to find connection, purpose, and belonging.

We are a disability confident employer, and we will interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for a vacancy. We welcome applications from candidates who are seeking flexible working and from those who may not meet all the listed requirements for a role.