Local recruitment: Graduate Water Resources Engineer

• Location: Wellington, All NZ Regions, New Zealand
• Capabilities: Civil and Structural
• Office Setup: Hybrid
• Job ID: #32460

At Jacobs, we’re challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world’s most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission-critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting-edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good.

Your impact

Our bodies and environment all depend on water, it is the building block that supports all life. Water issues are becoming increasingly prominent as we struggle with disparity between water availability and demands, water pollution, and competition for limited water resources. At Jacobs, we recognize these challenges and our engineers, scientists, and planners are working together with clients to find the right solutions to their water challenges.

Are you ready to work on real projects that shape the future of our communities and landscapes? We have an exciting opportunity for a Graduate Water Resources Engineer to join our Wellington Water Resources team in 2026. As a Graduate Engineer, you’ll be part of a passionate team tackling complex water challenges, from flood modelling and catchment hydrology to climate resilience, stormwater management to groundwater. You’ll gain hands-on experience, receive dedicated mentoring, and contribute to meaningful work that protects people, ecosystems, and the built environment.

As a Graduate Engineer, you’ll dive into:

• Hydrologic modelling – analysing rainfall-runoff processes to assess water availability and catchment response
• Hydraulic modelling – simulating flow behaviour in rivers, creeks, and urban drainage systems to assess flood impacts and mitigation options
• Climate resilience – helping clients adapt to changing climate conditions through robust water resource planning
• Spatial and technical data analysis – using GIS and modelling tools to interpret complex datasets
• Stormwater management planning – combining all the above and waterways management to support our client delivering resilient and sustainable outcomes for communities and the environment.
• Reporting and communication – translating technical findings into clear, actionable insights for clients and stakeholders

You’ll be supported by experienced engineers and mentors who’ll help you build your skills and confidence in surface water hydrology and hydraulics.

Here’s what you’ll need

• A university degree in Engineering by 2026
• A strong interest in water resources disciplines (surface water, flood modelling, water infrastructure, groundwater modelling, water quality, etc.)
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills
• The right to work in New Zealand
• Any knowledge of TUFLOW, HEC-RAS, QGIS, MIKE or ICM would be seen as highly favourable

This is your opportunity to grow your career while making a meaningful impact to the surrounding world. Let’s shape a more resilient future together.

Our 2026 Graduate Program

As a Graduate at Jacobs, you’ll be a valued member of our team from Day 1 and work on real projects, bids and tenders from the get-go. From gaining hands-on experience, to participating in networking events and structured learning sessions, you’ll find new and inventive ways to help our clients make the world a better place.

Our teams offer a supportive environment to help you to learn, grow and excel. Working under the guidance and mentorship of our experts and industry leaders, you’ll develop the skills and knowledge to deliver the boldest solutions for the extraordinary and the everyday.

We see graduates as the future leaders of our business, which is why we’re delighted to have placed #23 in the Australian Financial Review’s Top 100 Graduate Employers award for ‘Most Popular Employer’ in 2024 and featured in the Top 10 for ‘Most Popular Engineering Employer’ Award! No matter what drives you, you’ll discover how you can cultivate, nurture, and achieve your goals – all at a single global company.

Successful candidates may be asked to complete pre-employment checks including: Identity, Right to Work, Employment/Education History and Criminal Record. If you are unable to complete these checks or meet the associated criteria, then your offer of employment may be delayed or withdrawn.

To be considered for this role, please apply via the link and attach your CV, cover letter, proof of working rights (e.g., passport) and academic transcript to your application. Applications close Sunday 30th November at 11.59 PM AEST.

Jacobs. A world where you can.

With safety and flexibility always top of mind, we’ve gone beyond traditional ways of working so you have the support, means and space to maximize your potential. You’ll uncover flexible working arrangements, benefits and opportunities, from well-being benefits to our global giving and volunteering program, to exploring new and inventive ways to help our clients make the world a better place. No matter what drives you, you’ll discover how you can cultivate, nurture and achieve your goals – all at a single global company. Find out more about life at Jacobs here.

We aim to embed inclusion and belonging in everything we do. We know that if we are inclusive, we’re more connected and creative. We accept people for who they are, and we champion the richness of diverse perspectives, lived experiences and backgrounds in the workplace, as a source of learning and innovation. We are committed to building vibrant communities within Jacobs, including through our Jacobs Employee Networks, Communities of Practice and our Find Your Community initiatives, allowing every employee to find connection, purpose, and belonging. Find out more about our Jacobs Employee Networks here.

Our meticulously curated employee benefits support ALL employees throughout every stage of life. From paid parental leave to a lifetime financial allowance for you and your partner to access family forming Fertility & IVF treatment, adoption, and surrogacy assistance along with menopause and Low T treatment.

We are steadfast in our commitment to the wellbeing of you and your loved ones with a comprehensive suite of wellbeing resources supporting you physically, emotionally and financially. This is demonstrated in our company being recognised by WGEA for 12 consecutive years as an employer of choice for gender equality along with our industry leading GOLD employer status by the Australian Workplace Equality Index.

Cultural Support:

Māori and Pasifika peoples are strongly encouraged to apply. Jacobs aims to provide cultural safety at our interviews. Māori and Pasifika people are invited to nominate a Whanau, family or cultural representative to participate on the interview panel; please let your recruiter know in your application. No matter what drives you, you’ll discover a way to cultivate, nurture and achieve your goals – all at a single global company. 

We value collaboration and believe that in-person interactions are crucial for both our culture and client delivery. We empower employees with our hybrid working policy, allowing them to split their work week between Jacobs offices/projects and remote locations enabling them to deliver their best work.

Your application experience is important to us, and we’re keen to adapt to make every interaction even better. If you require further support or reasonable adjustments with regards to the recruitment process (for example, you require the application form in a different format), please contact the team via Careers Support.

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