Graduate Hydrogeologist in Manchester

You see the world through a unique lens and that’s exactly what we need. We embrace how you see things differently – it’s essential for creating a sustainable future. Arup is a global consultancy with advisory and technical expertise across more than 150 disciplines. We guide, plan and design the future of the built environment. Globally, each year we recruit hundreds of graduates and students who help us see things differently and solve the most complex challenges facing our clients, climate and communities.

Join one of Arup's centres of excellence for hydrogeology, based in our UK North offices. We are looking for talented graduates to join our Hydrogeology / Groundwater team. From your first day, you’ll join an unrivalled community of experts, where everyone is supported in their career path and encouraged to work towards a professional qualification.

The opportunity: Graduates in our Hydrogeology team will be working in a multi-disciplinary office, preparing hydrogeological assessments, models and designs in co-ordination with a team of expert hydrogeologists for projects across a wide range of markets. Candidates will be expected to have a good comprehension of groundwater modelling and some experience with GIS for interrogating and presenting data would be useful. You will provide input to multi-disciplinary projects and groundwater-specific projects covering groundwater resources and supply, groundwater control and management, contamination and geothermal engineering both in the UK and internationally. Candidates will help us to deliver effective and professional services for a range of varied and high-profile clients. Due to the multi-disciplinary nature of our design teams, you will also work alongside experts in other Arup disciplines. With support you will get the opportunity to work on projects across the UK and overseas from time to time.

Key Responsibilities include:

• Geological, hydrogeological and geotechnical desk studies, site assessments and development of conceptual ground models.
• Planning and interpretation of ground investigations, including drilling, trial pitting, rock coring, geological logging, in situ testing and groundwater monitoring.
• Groundwater resource and supply investigations, including borehole feasibility assessments, borehole design and performance evaluation.
• Hydrogeological investigations, including pumping tests, groundwater monitoring programmes and interpretation of groundwater data.
• Groundwater flow, contaminant transport and geotechnical modelling to support engineering design, resource assessment and risk evaluation.
• Preparation of technical reports, factual and interpretative ground investigation reports, hydrogeological assessments and environmental documentation.
• Geological and hydrogeological input to Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs), Environmental Statements and regulatory submissions.
• Assessment of potential impacts of developments on ground conditions, groundwater resources and groundwater-dependent receptors, including identification of mitigation measures.
• Working closely with specialists from other disciplines to develop integrated and sustainable engineering solutions.
• Attending project meetings and communicating with colleagues, project partners, contractors, regulators and clients.

Is this role right for you?

• A Masters degree in Hydrogeology or equivalent. We also welcome applicants with a Masters degree (or equivalent qualification) in a relevant Earth Science discipline, such as Geology or Geophysics as well as Environmental Engineering or Environmental Science.
• Enthusiasm for a career in Geology and Hydrogeology, underpinned by a knowledge and understanding of our sector and work and an analytical thought process.
• The ability to visualise geology and conceptualise groundwater flow in three dimensions.
• A good understanding of groundwater modelling with exposure to GIS software for analysing, interpreting and presenting data being useful.
• Additional experience with coding languages, digital development, and use of specialist software would be an advantage.
• The aptitude to work on your own initiative and be proactive, seeking to improve existing ways of working, as well as enjoying working as part of a team.
• Enthusiasm for working out-of-doors from time to time.
• Additional language skills would be beneficial, reflecting the international nature of our project work, but are not essential.

Alongside your degree, we look for the following core attributes:

• Changemakers: A passion for sustainable development and creating a better world is key.
• Innovative minds: We’re looking for critical thinkers who embrace new ideas and challenge the status quo.
• Growth seekers: You have a growth mindset, always eager to learn and explore new ways of working.
• Adaptable adventurers: You’re ready to take on any challenge that comes your way.

You should be able to start this opportunity on 1 September 2027.

Advert Closing Date: 16 October 2026. Please note, in the event of high applicant volume, this role may be closed ahead of the advertised closing date. Early application is recommended.

Eligibility: Please note that we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role. Therefore, you must ensure that you are eligible to work permanently in the UK without our sponsorship.

To be considered for a graduate opportunity, your application must include a copy of your academic transcript and meet the following criteria:

• Full working rights in the country of application.
• No more than 12 months of full-time experience in a comparable role.
• Recently graduated, or on track to graduate, from your most recent degree, related to your role of choice, before employment starts.

What we offer you: At Arup, we care about each member’s success, so we can grow together. Guided by our values, we provide an attractive total reward package that recognises the contribution of each of our members to our shared success. As well as competitive, fair and equitable pay, we offer a career in which all of our members can belong, grow and thrive – through benefits that support health and wellbeing, a wide range of learning opportunities and many possibilities to have an impact through the work they do. We are owned in trust on behalf of our members, giving us the freedom, with personal responsibility, to set our own direction and choose work that aligns with our purpose and adds to Arup’s legacy. Our members collaborate on ambitious projects to deliver remarkable outcomes for our clients and communities. Profit Share is a key part of our reward, enabling permanent members to share in the results of our collective efforts. We take an approach to flexible working that supports the diversity and wellbeing of our members.

Next steps: We've designed our application process to be straightforward and supportive, giving you the opportunity to showcase your skills and potential. Applications are reviewed as they're received, so we encourage you to apply as early as possible. The process includes an online application, psychometric testing, application review, case study, interview and offer stage. Our friendly Early Careers team is available throughout the process to answer questions and help you feel confident every step of the way.