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
As a Quantity Surveying graduate, you’ll play a vital role in supporting both essential infrastructure projects and pioneering sustainability efforts at Scottish Water. Through this programme, you’ll gain practical experience in contract and commercial management across a diverse portfolio of projects, ranging from renewable energy initiatives to core water infrastructure upgrades.
You’ll develop key skills in cost control, contract administration, risk management, and tender analysis - capabilities essential for a successful career in a commercial environment. By engaging in these impactful projects, you’ll help ensure that each initiative maximises value and aligns with Scottish Water’s strategic vision for Scotland.
Take a look at the teams hiring
Scottish Water Horizons
As Scottish Water’s commercial subsidiary, Horizons drives sustainability projects across Scotland, leading transformative renewable energy and carbon reduction initiatives. From solar photovoltaics and hydrogen solutions to wastewater heat recovery, Horizons' projects are central to building a greener Scotland. Based in Stepps (Glasgow), this team plays a vital role in Scottish Water’s sustainability goals and Scotland’s environmental progress.
Commercial Management
This team provides essential contract and financial oversight within Scottish Water’s capital investment programme, covering routine maintenance and major infrastructure upgrades. Through cost control, risk management, and procurement, they ensure projects align with strategic priorities and deliver sustainable value. Working from hubs across Scotland, the team collaborates with stakeholders to drive high-impact results for Scottish Water’s infrastructure investments.
Over your two years with us, you’ll receive dedicated training to become a fully qualified Quantity Surveyor, 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 £31,000.
- 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 a Quantity Surveyor role, starting from £41,000. 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). Your degree should ideally be in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, or a related field. And we’re looking for a minimum of a 2:2 classification.
And you’ll need a full UK-issued (DVLA) driving license – or be on track to pass your test.
We’re looking for someone who’s great with numbers and data, can easily build strong relationships, and communicates well. A creative problem-solver who stays on track with deadlines would be a great fit.
You’ll need to live within commuting distance of one of our main office hubs, e.g., Edinburgh, Stepps, Dundee, Inverness.
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.
