At Scottish Water, our graduate programmes empower you to drive change, tackle real challenges, and shape Scotland’s future. This is more than just a launchpad for your career – it's an opportunity to make a meaningful impact. As part of our team, you’ll play a key role in delivering essential services and infrastructure that help Scotland flourish every day.
You’ll be joining us at a fascinating time, as we transform into a more agile, innovative organisation that delivers outstanding service, delivers great value for money, and works in an environmentally sustainable way that goes beyond Net Zero. Start a career that’s built for you, today.
What you’ll do
Ready to make an impact in a critical field with real-world applications? Join us to help shape the future of Scotland’s water and wastewater networks. This is a chance to build a rewarding career while improving essential services for millions of people.
As a Hydraulic Modelling Graduate, you’ll develop skills in assessing and optimising water and wastewater networks. Using advanced modelling software and digital tools, you’ll work on projects to improve the efficiency and sustainability of Scottish Water’s infrastructure. You’ll collaborate with experts across the business and gain hands-on experience in both technical and strategic areas, ensuring the long-term success of Scotland’s water services.
Take a look at the team hiring
Hydraulic Modelling
This team plays a vital role in supporting capital projects and improving asset performance across Scotland’s water and wastewater networks. By optimising network operations through advanced modelling and data analysis, they help ensure Scottish Water meets current and future demands sustainably. The team collaborates closely with internal teams to drive efficiency, innovation, and long-term reliability in Scotland’s water services.
Over your two years with us, you’ll receive dedicated training to become a fully qualified Assistant Modelling Specialist, building the skills and confidence needed to succeed.
How does the graduate programme work?
- You’ll be employed on a permanent contract from Day One, with a starting salary of £29,000.
- As you progress through the programme and reach key milestones, you’ll be rewarded with salary increases that recognise your growth and commitment to ongoing learning. Upon completing the programme, you’ll also have the opportunity to advance into an Assistant Modelling Specialist role, starting from £33,560. For more details, please visit www.scottishwater.co.uk/graduates.
- You’ll be part of a cohort of c.30 graduates, giving you an instant and invaluable network of contacts throughout the business.
- There is plenty of support. As well as your day-to-day manager, we’ll match you up with a mentor who will support and coach you as you go through your programme.
- You’ll have access to both structured and informal training designed to equip you with the skills you need now, and in the future.
What you’ll need
You’ll have graduated within the last three years (or be on track to graduate next summer) with a degree in a relevant discipline such as Civil/Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Geography, or a scientific/numerical field. We’re looking for a minimum 2:2 classification.
We’re looking for someone who is eager to learn and has a passion for problem-solving, data analysis, and improving systems. You should enjoy working collaboratively, engaging with different teams, and communicating complex ideas clearly. Any experience in projects that have made a real impact, or improved processes will be a definite plus. Familiarity with Ruby/GIS scripting would be a plus, as would the ability to simplify complex hydraulic modelling outcomes for those without technical expertise.
You’ll need to live within commuting distance of our head office in Stepps, Glasgow. In terms of essential requirements? That’s it.
But here’s the thing: We get thousands of applications for our Graduate roles each year. What makes the best candidates stand out?
Here are a few things we love to see
- CVs that tell us more than what grades you earned over the years. Show us what you’ve learned. What you love. What your aspirations are.
- Cover letters that tell us why you’re interested in Scottish Water (and in this role)
- People who use their application to show that they are Bold, Responsible, Inspiring and Caring.
Looking out for you
While the work we do is important, it’s not the only thing that matters. That’s why we make sure you have everything you need to find a good work-life balance.
You’ll get plenty of time to recharge with 38 days of holiday every year (including public holidays). And you can even buy five more if you need a little extra time. You can also take paid time off to volunteer in your community.
When it comes to major life events we have family-friendly policies around adoption, maternity, and parental leave. And for the everyday? We embrace flexible working.
For your future, there’s our pension (the ‘know-what-you’ll-get-when-you-retire’ kind), as well as life assurance.
As for some nice extras? You can expect an annual company bonus. Not to mention access to SW Splash – handy rewards that can save you money on holidays, bills, and shopping.
What happens next?
- The closing date for applications is Sunday 22nd December.
- Assessment activity will kick off in January with some surprisingly fun (no, really!) online testing.
- Final face-to-face interviews will happen during February. Where you can give us a good grilling too.
- If you accept a place on the programme, you’ll go through some pre-employment screening during the Spring, including a criminal record check.
- All our new Graduates will start together in September, with a week-long induction event in Glasgow. You’ll learn more about the organisation, meet our leaders, visit some of our operational sites, start making friends, and have a lot of fun.
A few final things worth knowing
Research shows that some people avoid applying for jobs unless they can meet every single criteria. If you’re interested in this job, but don’t tick all the boxes, apply anyway! We hardly ever hire people who can do every part of a job from Day One. Everyone has a learning curve. So don’t rule yourself out!
Let us know if there are any changes we can make to our recruitment process to help you perform at your best. Lots of our people have disabilities or neurodiverse conditions (including some of our recruiters!). We're also aware that some people might be experiencing temporary challenges because of life events, like menopause. We’re very used to making adjustments, so please don’t be afraid to ask.
As part of our commitment to developing a flourishing Scotland, it’s important that all our employees are Scottish taxpayers. If you join us, your home address will need to be in Scotland. If you don’t already live here, you'll need to commit to moving here within your first three months.
