At a Glance
- Tasks: Support climate change plans using the ClimateView platform and engage with various departments.
- Company: East Lothian Council, committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2045.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, competitive pay, and valuable experience in climate action.
- Other info: Gain hands-on experience in local government and project management while contributing to climate goals.
- Why this job: Join a team making a real impact on local climate initiatives and sustainability.
- Qualifications: Degree in relevant field and basic IT skills; Excel proficiency is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 13.45 - 13.45 £ per hour.
Applications Open: 10/06/2026
Applications Close: 24/06/2026
Working Hours: 35 hrs/week
Interviews: 29/06/2026
Length of placement: 12 Weeks
Start Date: 06/07/2026
Wage: £13.45 per hour
Working pattern: Flexible, with infrequent in-person meetings
Location: Haddington, East Lothian, EH41 3HA
The Organisation
East Lothian Council is a local authority covering the region immediately to the east of Edinburgh, serving a semi‑rural population of approximately 110,000. The Council declared a climate emergency in 2019 and has a requirement to reach net zero emissions in its operations by 2045.
The Role
This role supports East Lothian Council’s Climate Change Officer in accelerating the development of climate change plans using the ClimateView platform. You will identify and organise climate change interventions from Council plans and strategies, upload them to ClimateView, and prepare to publish the Council’s ClimateView dashboard.
Key Tasks
- Identify interventions from council plans and projects and upload them to the ClimateView platform.
- Attend SCIS workshops, training sessions, and support resources.
- Liaise with internal council teams to gather input on interventions.
- Act as secretariat for working group meetings to share and discuss insights from the ClimateView dashboard.
Outcomes and Learning
- Contribute to building and communicating a picture of climate action in East Lothian.
- Experience planning and actioning local decarbonisation initiatives with departments such as planning, transport, housing, and energy.
- Learn how policies are developed, approved, and implemented in local government.
- Build skills in project management, data analysis and communication.
- Be part of a team leading on achieving Scotland’s ambitious climate change goals.
The Candidate
Skills and experience required:
- A degree in a field with a strong interest in government, public policy, and climate change.
- Good basic IT skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office and Microsoft Teams.
- Confidence in using Excel is highly desirable.
- Experience with websites, web applications or digital platforms is advantageous.
Eligibility and Availability
- Eligible to work in the U.K. for the full duration of the placement.
- Available for the full length of the placement and able to travel to the location as required.
Equal Opportunity Statement
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.
Current Opportunities in Haddington employer: Bright Green Business
East Lothian Council is an exceptional employer committed to tackling climate change and fostering a sustainable future for the community. With a flexible working pattern and a collaborative work culture, employees are empowered to contribute meaningfully to local decarbonisation initiatives while gaining valuable experience in public policy and project management. The Council's dedication to employee growth and its strategic partnerships provide unique opportunities for professional development in a supportive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Current Opportunities in Haddington
✨Get Involved in Sustainability Events
Dive into local or virtual sustainability workshops, seminars, and community events. These are great spots to meet industry professionals and other like-minded peers who might know of placement opportunities in companies like Bright Green Business.
✨Join Environmental Clubs and Societies
If you're still at university, make the most of campus sustainability clubs or environmental societies. They often have connections to local organisations and can provide insights into placement openings that aren't widely advertised.
✨Utilise Your University’s Career Services
Your university’s career services are goldmines! They can help pair you with companies looking for placements in sustainability like Bright Green Business. Book a session with a career advisor to get tailored advice.
✨Make Your Passion Visible Online
Showcase your sustainability projects and initiatives on social media or a personal blog. This visibility can attract attention from companies like Bright Green Business searching for passionate individuals for their placement programmes.
We think you need these skills to ace Current Opportunities in Haddington
Some tips for your application 🫡
Spotlight on Your Relevant Experience:When applying for a sustainability and environmental management role like Current Opportunities, make sure to highlight any hands-on experience you have in this field. Whether it's projects from your studies, voluntary work, or internships, detail how they've shaped your understanding of environmental issues and management practices. We want to see your passion for sustainability shine through!
Show Off Your Qualifications:Include any relevant qualifications, certifications, or coursework that are directly linked to sustainability and environmental management. If you've got a strong grasp of environmental legislation or data analysis tools, mention these. It’s all about showcasing your foundational knowledge and how it aligns with the role at Bright Green Business.
Emphasise Your Learning Potential:As this is a placement role, we’re keen to see your motivation and eagerness to learn. In your cover letter, express why you're excited about the opportunity at Bright Green Business and what you hope to gain from the experience. We love candidates who are ready to dive in and soak up as much knowledge as they can!
Keep It Personal and Engaging:Your application should reflect your unique voice—make it personal! Instead of a standard approach, share what specifically draws you to Bright Green Business and this Current Opportunities position. Whether it's a particular project or their values, connecting your enthusiasm and background can really help you stand out when applying through our website.
How to prepare for a job interview at Bright Green Business
✨Show Off Your Passion for Sustainability
In a placement for sustainability and environmental management at Bright Green Business, your genuine passion for the field can go a long way. Dive into recent projects or initiatives that excite you, linking those to what Bright Green Business is doing. It shows you're not just interested in the role, but that you actually care about the bigger picture!
✨Be Ready to Discuss Environmental Regulations
You're likely to get questions about environmental laws and regulations relevant to the industry. Brush up on concepts like the Environmental Protection Act or local sustainability initiatives connected to the role at Bright Green Business. Demonstrating your knowledge here can set you apart as someone who's already in the know.
✨Highlight Your Learning Mindset
As this is a placement, they're not just looking for a perfect candidate but someone eager to learn. Prepare examples that showcase how you've adapted or picked up new skills in past experiences—whether in school projects or volunteer work—emphasising your willingness to grow in the sustainability sphere.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions where they'll want to see how you think on your feet. They might present a hypothetical environmental challenge and ask how you would approach solving it. Practise articulating your thought process clearly, incorporating both analytical and creative problem-solving aspects to impress them at Bright Green Business!
