At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist experts in water quality and resources, tackling pollution and assessing infrastructure impact.
- Company: Join Mott MacDonald, a global leader in engineering and consultancy.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, hands-on experience, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Engage in fun social events and contribute to community initiatives.
- Why this job: Make a real-world impact while learning from industry leaders in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Currently enrolled in a degree or completing your bachelor's this summer.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 30000 £ per year.
Closing date: Friday 12th June. Interviews scheduled soon after. Opportunity expected to start mid‑July for a period of eight to ten weeks.
At Mott MacDonald, we believe in the power of potential. Our placements are more than just work experience – they’re a launchpad for your future, a place where your curiosity is welcomed, your ideas are valued, and your growth is supported every step of the way. You will work alongside our water quality and water resources experts to assist clients in understanding the reliability and vulnerability of their surface water sources, assessing the impact of infrastructure on receiving water quality and identifying management measures to tackle pollution. We deliver services in these areas to a variety of clients such as water companies, environmental regulators, and government bodies.
What You’ll Experience
- Collaboration & Community: Work alongside diverse teams who are passionate, supportive, and driven by shared purpose.
- Real‑World Impact: Contribute to meaningful projects that make a difference for our business, our communities, and the world.
- Learning & Growth: Gain hands‑on experience, develop new skills, and discover what drives you.
- Belonging & Inclusion: Be part of a culture where everyone is respected, heard, and empowered to thrive.
Typical duties and responsibilities
- Water quality analysis
- Hydrological analysis
- Water quality impact assessment
- GIS analysis of hydrogeographic and water quality data
- Using coding skills to streamline analysis where applicable
- Undertaking appropriate training and working toward professional qualification
Candidate Specification
To join us for a summer placement you must currently be enrolled on a degree course at university, or completing your bachelor’s degree this summer and enrolling onto a master’s course. If you have completed your studies, we encourage you to apply for a graduate opportunity. Degree disciplines typically suited to this work include:
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Geography
- Environmental sciences
- Earth sciences
- Water science
We’re looking for students with the following characteristics:
- 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.
About Our Summer Placements
We’re looking for highly motivated students who are passionate about learning from our industry experts. You’ll be given the opportunity to gain invaluable experience working on some of the exciting projects that are helping to shape tomorrow’s world. We understand that to put your learning into practice it’s important that you’re given an accurate insight into our innovative industry. With enough work placement experience under your belt you can get just that. Think of it as a worthwhile investment toward your future career. We place a lot of emphasis on giving you a realistic view of our world, so you can decide if it’s the industry you want to work in. Many of the employees that we recruit for our graduate schemes are students that have made an impression during their placements with us, so remember, this could be the start of a promising career for you with Mott MacDonald.
We are a living wage employer, so we offer a great hourly rate for your placement with us.
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 placement students and 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 strong 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.
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, flexibility 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.
Location(s): Brighton, GB; Bristol, GB; Cambridge, GB; London, GB; Manchester, GB
Contract Type: Contract
Work Pattern: Full Time
Market: Water
Discipline: Water
Job Ref: 14937
Recruiter Contact: earlycareers.recruitment@mottmac.com
2026 UK Summer Placement: Water Resources and Water Quality in Cambridge employer: Mott MacDonald
At Mott MacDonald, we are dedicated to nurturing talent and fostering a collaborative work environment where your ideas are valued and your growth is prioritised. Our summer placement offers you the chance to engage in impactful projects alongside industry experts, all while enjoying a vibrant culture that promotes social responsibility and inclusivity. With competitive pay and opportunities for networking and professional development, this is an excellent launchpad for your future career in water resources and quality.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land 2026 UK Summer Placement: Water Resources and Water Quality in Cambridge
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your university's alumni or professionals in the water resources field. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings and even referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research Mott MacDonald and their projects, especially in water quality and resources. Show them you’re not just another candidate but someone who genuinely cares about their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your problem-solving skills. Think of real-world scenarios related to water quality and how you would tackle them. This will help you stand out during technical interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Mott MacDonald.
We think you need these skills to ace 2026 UK Summer Placement: Water Resources and Water Quality in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for water resources and quality shine through. We want to see that you’re genuinely excited about the opportunity to learn and contribute to meaningful projects.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for this placement. Highlight relevant coursework, skills, and experiences that align with the job description. We love seeing how your background fits with what we do!
Be Clear and Concise:In your written application, clarity is key. Use straightforward language and structure your thoughts logically. We appreciate high-quality written work, so pay attention to detail and proofread before hitting send!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to navigate!
How to prepare for a job interview at Mott MacDonald
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into Mott MacDonald's projects and values. Familiarise yourself with their work in water resources and quality. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you connect your skills to their needs.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Be ready to discuss your relevant coursework and any hands-on experience you've had. Whether it's water quality analysis or GIS skills, highlight how these experiences make you a great fit for the role. Use specific examples to illustrate your capabilities.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the team, projects, or company culture. This shows that you're engaged and eager to learn more. It’s also a great way to determine if Mott MacDonald is the right place for you.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Mott MacDonald values collaboration, so be sure to express your enthusiasm for working in diverse teams. Share examples of how you've successfully collaborated in the past, and emphasise your ability to communicate effectively with colleagues and clients.
