Graduate Sustainability Specialist - 2026

Location(s): 

New York, NY, US

Contract Type:  Regular (US only)
Work Pattern:  Full Time
Market:  Environment and society
Discipline:  Environment
Job Ref:  12167
Recruiter Contact:  Erika Fonseca

At Mott MacDonald, we trust our brilliant people to do brilliant things in engineering, management, and development services, supporting multisector project work in over 150 countries. As one of the largest employee-owned companies in the world, we pride ourselves on our ability to deliver exceptional outcomes through our network of 20,000+ talented consultants. With sustainability and innovation at the heart of all our sectors in North America, including, Buildings, Energy, Transportation, and Water.

 

We believe in empowering our people to excel, learn, and grow, offering diverse opportunities to contribute to career-defining work. Join us and be part of a collaborative environment where your ambitions are united with ours, and you can truly shape your story.

At Mott MacDonald, we believe in building a better world - one where communities flourish, ecosystems are protected, and sustainability is woven into every decision we make. Our Group Sustainability Team is at the heart of this mission, driving innovation, embedding climate and social responsibility, and helping us deliver on bold commitments like achieving net-zero by 2040.


We’re looking for a passionate and proactive Graduate Sustainability Specialist to join our team and help us accelerate our sustainability journey. This is more than a job - it’s a chance to grow, make a meaningful impact, and be part of a global movement for change.


What You’ll Do


You’ll collaborate with a supportive and forward-thinking team to:


•    Contribute to the delivery of our Group sustainability strategy.
•    Support the development of carbon reduction and climate transition plans.
•    Explore innovative ways to reduce scope 3 emissions, including supplier engagement.
•    Help communicate sustainability achievements across our global business.
•    Assist with data collection, analysis, and carbon footprint calculations.
•    Support ISO 14064 and ISO 14001 audit preparations and EMS improvements.
•    Conduct research to inform strategy and stay ahead of sustainability trends.
•    Respond to sustainability questionnaires and contribute to bid responses.
•    Help implement and monitor corporate social initiatives, including modern slavery and sustainable spend.

 

Why Join Us?


At Mott MacDonald, we celebrate achievements, value diversity, and foster a culture of inclusion and wellbeing. You’ll be part of a team that:


•    Champions collaboration and continuous learning.
•    Supports your personal and professional development.
•    Builds trust through transparency and integrity.
•    Prioritizes mental health and work-life balance.
•    Makes a real difference in the world.


We’re proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels respected, empowered, and inspired.

 
Candidate Specification:


At Mott MacDonald, we’re looking for curious, motivated graduates who want to make a real difference.  Join our purpose-driven teams where your ideas matter, your growth is supported, and your work enhances the world we live in. 


To be eligible for this 2026 opportunity, you should have less than one year of relevant experience and a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in a sustainability related discipline. 

 

What You’ll Bring


We’re looking for someone who is enthusiastic, curious, and ready to grow. You’ll have:


•    Knowledge of the Greenhouse Gas Protocol, ISO 14064, ISO 14001, and ISO 26000.
•    Experience in carbon foot printing and resource efficiency.
•    Awareness of sustainability disclosures, ESG frameworks, and legal requirements.
•    Strong communication, collaboration, and presentation skills.
•    Analytical skills and proficiency in Excel; Power BI knowledge is a plus.
•    A self-motivated mindset and the ability to work independently and as part of a team.

 

Desirable Extras


•    Understanding of Circular Economy principles and interventions.
•    Familiarity with TCFD, IFRS S1/S2, and TNFD frameworks.
•    Membership with a professional environmental organization.

 

We are looking for graduates with the following strengths:

 

•    Proactively takes initiative to complete tasks efficiently and independently.
•    Communicates effectively and clearly with clients and colleagues.
•    Delivers high quality written work with strong attention to detail and clarity.
•    Demonstrates a structured and analytical approach to problem solving.

This position is located in New York City, NY. You must be able to reliably commute to our office in this location, per our hybrid working policy. 

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the US, as Mott MacDonald is unable to provide sponsorship at this time.

Our teams are comprised of bright and enthusiastic people who wish to make a difference to the world that we live in. If you share that vision and don’t have all the experience outlined in this posting, we still want to hear from you!

Let’s discuss how we can help you take the next step in your career and how you can participate in an exciting new chapter for Mott MacDonald in North America.

 

At Mott MacDonald, we provide a comprehensive benefit package that includes 401k, medical, dental and vision insurance, short-term/long-term disability, paid holidays, PTO, parental leave and company paid life insurance. 

The expected salary for this position is $72,000 - $79,000. 

Individual pay is determined based on several factors such as work location, education, experience, and unique skills. 

 

Equal opportunity is the law. 

We seek to promote fair employment procedures and practices to ensure equal opportunities for all. We encourage individual expression in our workplace and are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels they have the opportunity to contribute.


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All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, protected veteran status, creed, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship status or disability status.

 

Hybrid working policy

At Mott MacDonald, we believe it makes business sense for you and your manager to choose how you can work most effectively to meet your client, team, and personal commitments. We offer a hybrid working policy that embraces your well-being, flexibility, and trust.


Nearest Major Market: Manhattan
Nearest Secondary Market: New York City