United Utilities
Environmental Graduate
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Salary: at least £32,250 per annum with an annual pay review & £2000 joining bonus
Location: Lingley Mere
Hours: 37 hours per week
Every day, we deliver one of life's most essential services to millions of people across the North West. From providing safe, high-quality drinking water to protecting the environment and supporting thriving communities, the work we do matters. We're now in the second year of our £16.5 billion investment programme, one of the largest transformation programmes in our history. It's an exciting time to join us as we improve our services, enhance environmental performance, embrace innovation and create a more sustainable future for generations to come.
There's more to us than just great water. We are where purpose flows.
What you can expect being a graduate in the Asset Management team:
As a graduate in our Asset Management team, you'll gain hands-on experience across a range of environmental disciplines, working alongside experts to help shape United Utilities' response to environmental challenges. Through a variety of placements, you'll build a broad understanding of the water sector, environmental regulation and long-term environmental planning while developing the skills and experience needed for a successful professional career.
What you’ll be getting stuck into day to day:
- Contributing to long-term environmental planning and strategy, helping us prepare for future challenges and opportunities;
- Working with environmental specialists to understand how we meet our commitments and regulatory obligations across our services to customers and the environment;
- Developing your knowledge of environmental legislation and learning how regulation influences the work we do every day;
- Collaborating with colleagues from operational, engineering and planning teams to understand how environmental considerations shape business decisions; and
- Working alongside fellow graduates and experienced professionals to develop your technical expertise, professional skills and industry knowledge
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What you’ll bring to the team:
A 2:1 degree preferably in an environmental planning, geography or science-based degree, however we are open to degrees outside of this if you can demonstrate the below points. All candidates should have:
- A genuine interest in the environment and a curiosity about how water, wastewater and the natural world are connected;
- Enthusiasm for learning about the water sector, environmental regulation and the role utilities play in protecting and enhancing the environment;
- Strong communication skills and the confidence to work with a wide range of colleagues, partners and stakeholders;
- A collaborative mindset and the ability to build positive working relationships across diverse teams;
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a willingness to tackle new challenges and think creatively;
- The ability to work independently, take ownership of your development and make the most of new opportunities;
- Flexibility and a willingness to embrace different placements, projects and experiences throughout the graduate programme;
- A full UK driving licence by the time that the programme starts
Why join United Utilities as a Graduate?
By joining us on our 3-year graduate scheme, you'll not only get first-class training and support, but we'll also provide you with an in-depth understanding of your business area, ultimately giving you the confidence, skills and knowledge required to become one of our future operational, technical or people leaders, driving meaningful change.
What's in it for you?
We know that delivering a great service starts with supporting you, our people. That's why we offer a range of benefits designed to help you thrive both at work and outside of it.
- Starting salary of at least £32,250 + £2,000 welcome bonus plus an annual pay review
- Annual pay increase and bonus (subject to performance)
- 26 days annual leave, increasing to 30 days after 4 years + bank holidays
- Enhanced maternity and paternity leave policies
- Up to 14% employer pension contribution
- Access to colleague wellbeing programmes and dedicated mentors who will support you whilst on scheme
- We’ll contribute up to £500 towards driving lessons and tests to help to get you on the road
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Want to learn more about life at United Utilities and explore our full benefits package? Take a look at our Flexa profile here: United Utilities | Verified Employers | Flexa Careers
Our commitment to opportunity for all
We're committed to creating a workplace where you feel you can belong and can succeed. Our colleague networks play an important role in this, these are;
- GeneQ – supporting gender equality, parents and carers
- Multi-Cultural & Faith
- LGBTQ+
- Armed Forces
- Ability – supporting colleagues with disabilities and long-term health conditions
We recommend that you are open and honest with us throughout the process and make us aware of any reasonable adjustments you may require.
To ensure a fair recruitment process, we ask that you apply for only one Graduate role per recruitment year. Take a look at all our opportunities and apply for the one that interests you most.
Additional Information
Our recruitment process requires you to complete:
- An Online application form
- Online tests
- An in-person interview and presentation
Please note that you must be available to attend an in-person recruitment stage during the period 17th November – 11th December
Application deadline: 21st October 2026 – please apply early as deadlines are subject to change
Based on current immigration guidelines this role is not eligible for visa sponsorship
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