Graduate Hydrogeologist in Leeds

Let’s transform society together… We’re Sweco. We’re future planners, city shapers, urban innovators, digital transformers, net zero chasers, community connectors, social enterprisers and lifestyle improvers. We’re difference makers. We’re Europe’s leading design, engineering, environment and regulatory consultancy and we’re now recruiting for the November 2026 cohort on our Early Careers Graduate Scheme.

Specifically, we are looking for passionate and forward‑thinking graduates who strive to make a difference and have the ability to work within an inspiring and stimulating team environment. We provide the necessary support and opportunities for you to develop and fulfil your career goals. Uniquely, we recruit to role – and right now we’re looking for a Graduate Hydrogeologist to join our Water department.

You will join a growing team of hydrogeologists, hydrologists, flood risk and sustainable drainage experts, hydraulic modellers, geomorphologists, civil engineers, and water quality specialists who provide consultancy advice, design and modelling services for clients in the public and private water supply, development and infrastructure sectors. We support every stage of a project from planning and design through to construction and post‑completion.

Examples of projects that our groundwater team are working on at present include long‑term pesticides, nitrates, saline intrusion and water resources investigations under water company Water Industry National Environment Programmes (WINEP). We are also supporting major highways schemes, water companies and private developers on schemes across the country from the preliminary design and EIA stage through to construction, via the design and implementation of groundwater monitoring and testing programmes, groundwater flooding studies and de‑watering assessment and permitting.

We’d like to hear from graduates that share our ethos, values and are driven to truly transform the world around them.

What does the role involve?

• Assisting with project delivery tasks including office based feasibility and design work, site investigations and construction support.
• Providing day to day technical input as part of a team of engineers and technicians.
• Ensuring your research and design output is completed in accordance with the scope of works, timescales and budgets.
• Working in close collaboration with colleagues from other disciplines as required to deliver project requirements and added value to the client.

What do you need to apply?

• Have a degree in a subject relevant to the role you’re applying for.
• Have less than 12 months relevant work experience (excluding placements).
• Are confident using Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, PowerPoint).
• Are driven and solution orientated.
• Can work in the UK with no restrictions. This unfortunately means that we are unable to accept candidates who require sponsorship. This is a permanent role, and we are looking for candidates who can grow and develop their careers with Sweco, we are therefore unable to accept applications from those on a graduate visa due to their time limits.

What’s in it for you?

As a graduate at Sweco you will be enrolled on our two year Graduate Scheme which will provide the opportunity to visit other UK offices, socialise with other Sweco Graduates and equip you with the soft‑skills to succeed within your role and the wider business. From the moment you join us you will receive the training you need, both within your team where you’ll learn on the job from your immediate colleagues, but you’ll also be assigned a mentor from elsewhere in the business. Members of our previous graduate cohorts have already been promoted and we’ll work with you to achieve professional recognition and chartership in your chosen discipline.

You’ll be offered a permanent position with an industry standard salary and benefits package which includes 25 days holiday, a great pension and life assurance.

Sounds good right? Don’t take our word for it, read what our previous graduates have to say about being a graduate at Sweco on the careers section of our website!

We are committed to providing feedback to all those that attend an interview or assessment centre but unfortunately are unable to provide personal feedback to those that are unsuccessful at application stage.

Let’s transform society together at Sweco!

Employee Benefits

• Flexible and hybrid working (Flexworks Policy)
• Competitive pension contribution
• Life Assurance
• Private Medical Insurance
• Discretionary Annual Bonus Scheme
• Payment of two relevant professional subscriptions
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays (with the option to purchase up to 5 additional days per year)
• Cycle2Work Scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme (wellbeing, mental health, financial and work advice)
• Employee discounts via Sweco Benefit Select (Faircare)
• Salary Sacrifice Electric Vehicle Scheme
• We plant a tree for all new starters!

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

It’s important to us that all our colleagues thrive at work - we strive to have a friendly and inclusive culture which respects the contribution individuals can bring to Sweco. We aim to promote equality, inclusivity and diversity for everyone.

Here at Sweco we positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity/paternity.

We have signed the Armed Forces Covenant to ensure those who serve or have served, and their families, are treated fairly.

We are an accredited Real Living Wage Employer which reflects our commitment to fair pay and support for all colleagues.

We are also proud to be a Disability Confident Committed employer, and will interview applicants covered by the Equality Act 2010 that opt into the guaranteed interview scheme on the application form and meet the minimum criteria for the role.

If I have a disability, can I get help (e.g. “reasonable adjustments”) with the application process?

Yes. If you’re an applicant with a disability that requires a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process or are limited in the ability or unable to use the online application system and need an alternative method for applying, please contact GB_Function-HR-Resourcing@sweco.co.uk for assistance.

In order to address your request the following information is needed:

• Name
• The best method for contacting you (Phone or email)
• The position title
• Requisition/vacancy number

Upon receipt of this information, we’ll respond to you promptly to obtain more information about your request.