WSP in the UK & Ireland
River & Flood Risk Civil Engineer

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River & Flood Risk Civil Engineer
WSP | Water, Drainage & Environmental Engineer (Rivers & Flood Defence) – UK Roles
About the Role
What if you could shape a career as unique as you?
At WSP, you can find opportunities to grow and pursue what matters most to you. Leverage our global reach to take on new challenges, collaborate with diverse talents, and expand your horizons.
FOCUSED EXPERT ISENEEDED WSP is seeking Engineers with expertise in Water, Drainage, and Environmental Engineering for rivers and flood defence projects to strengthen our technical capabilities.
We partner with clients—primarily the Environment Agency, Local Authorities, and asset management organisations—across the UK, delivering designs from concept to detail for projects in water sustainability, hydraulic systems, and flood defence.
Key Responsibilities
As part of this role, you will:
- Deliver civil engineering schemes for rivers and flood defences.
- Prepare business cases for flood protection works.
- Develop designs (outline and detailed) for flood projects, including:
- Hydraulic systems
- Flood defences
- Drainage systems
- Ancillary structures
- Collaborate with infrastructure clients to design hydraulic elements (culverts, weirs, scour protection, walls, outfalls) for roads, railways, and property projects.
- Prepare contractor work schedules, specifications, and contractor packages.
- Conduct inspections of above/underground structures.
- Supervise construction works (supported by team members as needed).
- Engage with local authorities and environmental agencies.
Location: Primarily in the North of England—Liverpool, Manchester, Leeds, or Sheffield.
About Our Team & People Culture
Together, WSP is one of the world’s leading engineering consulting firms, creating meaningful change across communities through innovation, integrity, and inclusion. We embrace curiosity and fresh perspectives to solve challenges beyond traditional paradigms.
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
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Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
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Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
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Why you're a good match
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Experience fit
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Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
Our Sustainable Water Management team is a leader in the sector, valuing collaboration, responsibility, and proactive problem-solving. The successful candidate will contribute to delivering high-impact, innovative solutions and shape the future of the team at WSP.
Requirements & Criteria
We are looking for candidates at levels: CHARNTERED ENGINEER SENIOR ENGINEER PRINCIPAL ENGINEER
To be successful, we require you to demonstrate:
- A degree in civil or flood risk engineering (proven qualifications).
- Post-degree experience in hydraulic designs for rivers or flood defence schemes.
- Technical knowledge of flood/river diversion principles and related design solutions.
- Proficiency in CAD or Civil 3D.
- Relevant site experience, ideally including site supervision.
- Strong communication skills (both written and verbal).
- Demonstrated track record of delivering projects meet quality and commercial targets.
- The ability to work towards/achieve Chartered or Incorporated Engineer status.
Join us and help create opportunities for a brighter future!
About WSP
WSP is a global engineering consultancy combining local roots with world-class expertise. We’re passionate about making a difference in our community, driven by innovation and inclusion.
Our 11,000+ professionals (UK & Ireland) prioritize creativity, sustainability, and collaboration. Whether you’re building highways, managing water ecosystems, or modernising infrastructure—we put communities first.
What We Offer You
Work-Life Balance
Flexibility is valued—we offer:
- A hybrid working model: 2 days working from home per week.
- Modern, collaborative workspaces across the UK.


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Inclusivity & Belonging
At WSP, we celebrate diversity and encourage employees to bring their authentic selves to work:
- Support career growth via employee resource groups (ERGs).
- Flexible schedules, promoting a faithful culture of inclusion.
Health & Wellbeing
We provide:
- The Thrive programme, promoting mental and physical wellbeing.
- WSP Virtual GP service, offering vadonitrile and NHS/IMC GP consultations easily.
- Gymflex scheme, with up to 40% off annual gym memberships (via our flexible benefits).
- Comprehensive menopause support.
WSP “My Hour”
Enhance balance—take one hour daily for personal needs, with the flexibility to work hours flexibly (forward or backfill).
Flexible Opportunities
- Part-time roles and flexible working arrangements.
- Optional extra leave and the flexibility to use bank holidays suited to your lifestyle.
Development & Growth
WSP prioritizes uplift:
- Support via mentoring and training programs.
- Foster Chartered or Incorporated Engineer status for those committed to it.
WSP’s Commitment to Diversity
We positively encourage applications from all backgrounds—regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion, marital status, pregnancy, or maternity/paternity.
As a Disability-Inclusive employer (Disability Confident), we guarantee interviews for disabled applicants meeting essential criteria. Please notify us if you need reasonable adjustments as part of the process.
Careers gender does not discriminate. Here, exceptional people shape the future.
A better career for you. A brighter future. Apply today.
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