Graduate Engineer - Drainage, Water & Infrastructure

About Fairhurst LLP -Fairhurst LLP is one of the UK's largest private multidisciplinary partnerships of consulting engineers, delivering civil, structural, geotechnical, environmental, transportation, planning, water, and landscape architecture services across 16 principal offices in the UK. Fairhurst specialises in providing cost effective, sustainable engineering solutions and prides itself on high-quality service delivery, technical excellence, and long-standing client relationships.

Role Overview -Fairhurst is seeking a motivated Graduate Engineers with relevant consultancy experience in drainage, water and infrastructure to join our busy and growing Water Services Team. This role offers hands on experience across a diverse range of projects involving flood resilience, drainage design, water structures and watercourse improvement schemes. This will support our successful delivery of projects in the energy, renewables, major transport infrastructure, flood protection and development sectors. You will be supported through structured development, mentoring, and clear progression routes towards professional qualification.

Graduate Engineers will work on live projects from the outset and will develop technical capability, project awareness, and stakeholder communication skills as part of a collaborative multidisciplinary team.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Technical & Design

• Support flood assessment, drainage and/or watercourse infrastructure design activities across a variety of live projects.
• Contribute to identifying catchment characteristics and completing hydrological assessments for small to medium sized watercourses.
• Assist with drainage design and/or flood modelling using industry standard software where experience allows.
• Support analysis of how developments may affect the water environment.
• Prepare calculations, drawings, and technical reports under supervision.

Project Management

• Support team planning, task coordination, and project delivery processes.
• Contribute to maintaining project documentation, supporting deliverables, and helping ensure deadlines are met.
• Gain experience in programme awareness, tracking progress, and balancing priorities.

Client & Stakeholder Engagement

• Attend site visits and meetings as required (a driving licence is essential).
• Support preparation of client facing materials and responses.
• Communicate clearly within the project team and external stakeholders.

Quality & Compliance

• Work within Fairhurst's quality assurance procedures.
• Ensure accuracy and consistency in technical outputs.
• Follow relevant standards, policies, and professional guidelines.
• Work closely with senior engineers and receive structured guidance to build technical and professional competencies.
• Engage fully with mentoring through your Delegated Engineer and Supervising Civil Engineer.
• Contribute positively to team collaboration and knowledge sharing.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Qualifications

• Master's degree in a relevant discipline suitable for progression toward ICE or CIWEM professional qualification.

Experience

• Experience in flood assessment, drainage and/or watercourse infrastructure design.
• Experience in hydrological assessments; experience with drainage or flood modelling software is desirable.

Skills & Attributes

• Ability to research assessment methods and communicate findings within the team.
• Passion for learning and developing technical capability.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Logical thinker with problem solving ability and initiative.
• Good organisational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment.
• Adaptable, motivated, and committed to delivering quality outcomes.
• Customer focused approach with professionalism and reliability.
• Full UK driving licence.

Core Competencies

Communication

Clearly conveys technical concepts and ideas in written and verbal form.

Problem Solving

Approaches issues analytically and presents well reasoned solutions.

Initiative

Demonstrates enthusiasm, curiosity, and a proactive approach to work.

Accountability

Takes responsibility for accuracy, deadlines, and personal development.

Organisation / Project Management

Manages time and tasks effectively while supporting project delivery.

Managing Resources

Uses tools, information, and supervision effectively to complete tasks.

Builds positive working relationships and contributes to team success.

Responds well to change, feedback, and evolving project needs.

Customer Service

Acts professionally and contributes to delivering value for clients.

Alignment with Fairhurst Group Values

• Excellence: Committed to delivering high quality, technically robust work.
• Lasting Relationships: Builds trust with colleagues, clients, and partners.
• Pure Thought: Applies clear, transparent reasoning and maintains professional integrity.
• Continuous Development: Engages in continual learning and development for personal and organisational growth.

WHAT WE OFFER YOU

• A collaborative, partner led environment with access to multidisciplinary expertise.
• Career and professional development and opportunities on high profile projects.
• Competitive salary and benefits, aligned to experience and location.
• A culture built on responsiveness, flexibility, and sustainable, value adding engineering.
• Competitive salary and excellent flexible benefits package
• Contributory pension, personal health care plan and life insurance
• 33 days annual leave (inclusive of Public Holidays) including annual leave purchase and buy back scheme
• Bonus Schemes including loyalty bonus and qualifications award
• Interest free travel loan

You can learn more about our staff benefits here.

ETHOS

We, at Fairhurst, know that progress within the industry is all about people. That's why we're working together to build a better, more inclusive and diverse future for engineers and the engineering industry.

We are committed to providing a workplace that is respectful, fair and inclusive for all employees. We recognise the value of different perspectives and backgrounds, and we are committed to creating an environment where everyone can contribute and succeed.

Please submit your CV and cover letter to stating the role and office you are applying to. For more information on Fairhurst please visit our website .