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 Sustainability Events!
Check out local sustainability and environmental management events or workshops. They’re a great way to meet industry professionals, pick up insights, and even get the inside scoop on internship opportunities that might not be advertised yet!
✨Get Involved in Green Initiatives!
Volunteer for local environmental groups or sustainability initiatives. Not only will this bolster your CV, but it also gives you a chance to connect with like-minded folks who can help you find internships, including valuable leads for roles at companies like Bright Green Business Network!
✨Showcase Your Passion Online!
Create a blog or social media profile dedicated to sustainability topics. This not only showcases your passion but also displays your knowledge and commitment to potential employers. It can make you stand out to companies like Bright Green Business Network when they're looking for interns!
✨Use University Resources Wisely!
Don’t forget to tap into your university’s career services. They often have connections with companies offering internships in environmental management. Get in touch with them to discover potential opportunities that they might be linked with, including those at Bright Green Business Network!
We think you need these skills to ace Circular Economy Intern - Glasgow City Council
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Passion for Sustainability:When applying for the internship at Bright Green Business Network, it's essential to showcase your genuine interest in sustainability and environmental management. Use your cover letter to share any related projects or volunteer experiences, perhaps mentioning specific initiatives or organisations that inspired you. This will help us see your commitment to the cause!
Showcase Relevant Skills:Make sure your CV emphasises skills relevant to sustainability, like knowledge of environmental laws, data analysis, and project management. If you've taken any environmental science courses or certifications, include those too! We love to see how your academic background applies to our field.
Tailor Your Documents to the Role:Don't just send off a generic CV and cover letter! Tailor your application specifically to the internship at Bright Green Business Network. Use keywords from the job description to ensure we're on the same page and can see how you fit into our team. This attention to detail can really make you stand out.
Be Open About Your Learning Goals:As this is an internship, we’re looking for candidates who are eager to learn. In your cover letter, share what you hope to gain from this experience at Bright Green Business Network. Highlight how this internship aligns with your career aspirations in sustainability. This will show us that you’re not just in it for the job, but for growth!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bright Green Business Network
✨Know Your Sustainability Jargon
Brush up on key terms and concepts in sustainability and environmental management—think carbon footprints, circular economy, and sustainability reporting. This could come in handy during the interview, particularly if you're asked to discuss recent trends or to explain how you would approach a specific environmental challenge.
✨Show Off Your Projects!
If you've done any relevant coursework, personal projects, or volunteer work focusing on sustainability, be ready to showcase them. Having specific examples to discuss not only shows your passion but also gives you a chance to illustrate your hands-on experience. Think about what you've learned and how it relates to the internship at Bright Green Business Network.
✨Understand the Role's Impact
Dive deep into how the role of a sustainability intern fits into the bigger picture at Bright Green Business Network. It’s a great idea to understand what projects you might be involved in and how your contributions could make a difference in their sustainability goals. Make it clear that you’re not just in it for the experience, but that you genuinely want to add value.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Your Motivation
As this is an internship, it's all about potential. Be prepared to articulate why you're interested in sustainability and what drives you to be part of the environmental management sector. They want to hear your enthusiasm and what you've done to build your knowledge, whether through academic courses, clubs, or other connections in the field.
