At a Glance
- Tasks: Support Glasgow's Circular Economy initiatives and engage with communities to promote sustainability.
- Company: Join Glasgow City Council, the largest local authority in Scotland, driving climate action.
- Benefits: Earn £13.45 per hour, gain valuable experience, and work on impactful projects.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with opportunities for learning and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in tackling climate change while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Relevant degree or experience in sustainability, environmental science, or circular economy.
The predicted salary is between 13.45 - 13.45 £ per hour.
Applications Open: 29-06-2026
Applications Close: 13-07-2026
Working Hours: 35 per week
Interviews: Late July
Length of placement: 1 year
Wage: £13.45 per hour Real Living Wage
Location: 231 George Street, G1 1RX
Working pattern: Monday-Friday 9am - 5pm
The Organisation Glasgow City Council is the largest local authority in Scotland. Through Zero Waste Scotland’s Circular Economy Intern Programme, there is an exciting opportunity to join the innovative and forward‑thinking Sustainability service and support the circular economy transition in Glasgow, contributing to the City’s efforts to tackle the climate and ecological emergency.
The NRS Sustainability service manages Glasgow’s Climate Plan and a host of associated strategies and plans, including the Circular Economy Route Map and Action Plan. The Route Map addresses the need to move away from the “take‑make‑dispose” extractive model to a regenerative circular system where waste and pollution is eliminated, materials and products stay in use, and nature is regenerated. The Action Plan focuses on how to deliver this across a range of stakeholders including the Council, private sector, and civil society.
The post holder will support the delivery of actions within the Circular Economy Route Map and Action Plan.
The Role The delivery of Glasgow’s Circular Economy Route Map and Action Plan is underway. The internship will directly support and contribute to the delivery of various actions. Specific focus will be on the following topics:
- circular/reuse hubs
- support for circular initiatives and practices
- engagement and raising awareness of circular economy
Key tasks will include:
- Supporting scoping and engagement activities with circular economy communities, organisations and businesses with the aim to explore and co‑design reuse hubs in the city.
- Building on the circular economy initiatives mapping to expand the understanding of the state of circular economy and systems in the city.
- Exploring opportunities for vacant and underused premises and land to support unlocking premises for circular economy activities, communities and organisations.
- Scoping the circular economy forums, starting from existing material/sector topic priorities.
- Supporting other Circular Economy Action Plan priority actions.
The intern will benefit from being embedded in a team with diverse expertise and backgrounds and will have the opportunity to engage and interact with a great variety of climate related topics and projects.
The Candidate A degree or equivalent level qualification in a relevant discipline or demonstrable relevant professional experience is essential.
Education, qualifications & training: Relevant degree and/or qualification e.g. sustainability, environmental science, circular economy, policy or demonstrable experience in relevant sectors.
Skills:
- Experience of supporting sustainability/circular economy related projects
- Experience of supporting workshops and engagement activities, and ability to work with colleagues and stakeholders to co‑design solutions
- Highly numerate individual with ability to collate, analyse, interpret and present qualitative and quantitative data and information in high quality
- Ability to prepare high quality written reports
- Good communication skills and ability to maintain professional relationships
- Ability to follow instruction and support stated aims of work
- Understanding of GIS is desirable, but not essential
Knowledge Knowledge of circular economy, the ecosystem and the role of cities, awareness of Glasgow’s Circular Economy Route Map, and Climate Plan.
Other: Enthusiasm on the related topics, willingness and appetite to learn and work on complex topics and new challenges, to attend and participate in workshops and meetings.
Application Procedure Apply via the Bright Green Business web link provided and click on the APPLY button. You will need to register in order to upload your CV and Cover Letter as your application. Please note that CV and Cover letter will need to be uploaded as ONE document. All communication is via EMAIL so always check your JUNK MAIL/SPAM folders for our responses.
Important:
- You must be eligible to work in the U.K. for the full length of your placement. Valid Visa will be sought.
- You must be available for the full length of your placement and be able to travel to the location.
- We will hold your application on our systems for 6 months from submission. This ensures your application can be considered for relevant roles where appropriate. If you would prefer us not to store your information for this period, please inform us.
We do endeavour to let all applicants know of the outcome once the whole process has been finalised. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status or pregnancy, and maternity.
Circular Economy Intern - Glasgow City Council employer: Bright Green Business Network
Glasgow City Council is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to the city's sustainability efforts through its Circular Economy Intern Programme. With a strong commitment to employee growth and a collaborative work culture, interns will engage with diverse teams and gain hands-on experience in tackling climate challenges while enjoying a competitive wage and a supportive environment in the heart of Glasgow.
Contact Details:
Bright Green Business Network Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Circular Economy Intern - Glasgow City Council
✨Dive into Environmental Networks
Get involved with sustainability-focused organisations and attend their events. Look for local meetups or conferences in environmental management where you can connect with professionals in the field. This can lead to insider info on job openings at companies like Bright Green Business Network that might not be advertised widely.
✨Show Your Passion with Projects
Consider undertaking personal or community projects that highlight your dedication to sustainability. Whether it's a local clean-up or a carbon footprint assessment, document your findings and results. This not only boosts your portfolio but also shows potential employers like Bright Green Business Network that you're proactive and serious about the field.
✨Seek Out Green Job Boards
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✨Let Your Online Presence Shine
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We think you need these skills to ace Circular Economy Intern - Glasgow City Council
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Passion for Sustainability:In your cover letter, let your enthusiasm for sustainability shine through. Share any relevant experiences, like projects, volunteer work, or events you've participated in that align with Bright Green Business Network's values. This position isn't just about meeting qualifications; it's about genuinely caring for the environment and showing us why you're the right fit for Circular Economy Intern - Glasgow City Council.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications and Experience:Make sure to showcase any specific qualifications, such as degrees in environmental science or certifications in sustainability practices in your CV. We want to see how your academic background and practical experiences align with the job you're applying for, so don’t hold back on anything that demonstrates your expertise in environmental management.
Tailor Your CV to the Role:As we're looking for someone to jump into a full-time role, be specific about previous roles or projects that demonstrate your capabilities in sustainability. Use bullet points to make accomplishments clear, and don’t forget to quantify your achievements wherever possible – it’s all about showing us the impact of your work!
Research Bright Green Business Network and Reflect It In Your Application:We love candidates who take the time to understand what we're about. Mention specific initiatives or projects that Bright Green Business Network is known for in your cover letter. This shows us that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely excited about the chance to contribute to our mission in the role of Circular Economy Intern - Glasgow City Council.
How to prepare for a job interview at Bright Green Business Network
✨Brush Up on Environmental Legislation
Given that we're diving into sustainability and environmental management, it’s crucial to have a solid understanding of current environmental laws and regulations. Be prepared to discuss how these laws apply to real-world scenarios, as you might face some technical questions about compliance and best practices during your chat with Bright Green Business Network.
✨Showcase Your Experience with Sustainability Projects
When you're discussing your background, highlight specific sustainability initiatives you've been involved in. Whether it’s a project at university or work experience, sharing measurable outcomes and your role will demonstrate your hands-on skills, which is super important for this full-time role at Bright Green Business Network.
✨Familiarity with Tools and Software
Make sure you're familiar with any relevant tools or software commonly used in environmental management, like GIS for mapping or data analysis tools. Bring this up in your interview as it shows you’re not only passionate but also prepared to roll up your sleeves and get to work!
✨Connect Your Values with the Company's Mission
Full-time roles are all about team fit, so it’s important to align your personal values with those of Bright Green Business Network. Be ready to discuss why you're passionate about sustainability and how you can contribute to their mission, as this will really resonate with the interviewers and show that you’re genuinely invested in their goals.
