WSP is one of the world's leading professional services firms, uniting our engineering, advisory and science-based expertise to make a positive impact. We envision future possibilities and bring them to life through technical know-how and innovation.

We empower our clients to dream big and carve new paths, tackling the real-world challenges that matter most.

Our land referencing team identify and engage with people and organisations whose property or rights are affected by development and infrastructure delivery.

We research who owns land and property, help clients use this information to arrange for surveys, and engage and consult with affected parties. Land referencing enables the creation of essential documentation like a project’s book of reference and notices that deliver required compulsory purchase powers.

Graduate opportunities

WSP's Land Team gives graduates exposure to the full project lifecycle: identifying land interests, securing access, negotiating agreements, supporting consents, advising on compensation and helping infrastructure projects progress responsibly.

What will you get involved in?

As a graduate within the WSP Land Team, you will gain broad technical experience that can support progression towards professional qualifications such as Assoc RICS and MRICS. The work is particularly relevant to candidates interested in the RICS Land and Resources pathway, rural practice, compulsory purchase, valuation, stakeholder engagement and infrastructure delivery.

You will see how land consultancy combines property knowledge, agricultural awareness, negotiation, technical plans, statutory powers and commercial judgement. That breadth gives RICS applicants a strong platform to collect real project examples and supporting CPD evidence.

A practical route into land and property consultancy

• RICS-relevant experience — client care, communication and negotiation, inspection, agriculture, compulsory purchase and compensation, valuation and consultancy services.
• Project variety — transport, utilities, energy, development, environmental and regeneration schemes.
• Professional judgement — balancing client objectives with landowner impacts, statutory requirements and fair compensation principles.

Land acquisition, access and negotiations

• Negotiating access agreements for surveys, investigations and early project works.
• Supporting Heads of Terms, licences, option agreements, wayleaves, leases, easements and property acquisition.
• Engaging with landowners, agents, solicitors and project teams to resolve ownership, access and occupier issues

Valuation, compensation and rural land management
• Understanding how infrastructure affects agricultural holdings, rural businesses, development land, residential property and trading operations.
• Assisting with crop loss, land damage, disturbance, temporary occupation and accommodation works negotiations.
• Using agricultural knowledge to understand cropping patterns, yield impacts, livestock movements, access constraints, stewardship obligations and seasonal working restrictions.
• Learning how valuation principles, comparable evidence and heads of claim support fair and robust compensation advice.

Who thrives in the Land Team?

We welcome graduates from backgrounds including Rural Land Management, Real Estate, Geography, Planning, Surveying, Environmental Science, Agriculture, Law and Economics. Curiosity, clear communication and a practical interest in how land is used are just as important as technical knowledge.

For full details see downloads and keep and eye on the Careers page on our website to apply. Come and meet us at the RAU Graduate Careers and Placements Fair on 14th October!