At a Glance
- Tasks: Support local climate action by organising and uploading interventions to the ClimateView platform.
- Company: Join Renfrewshire Council's Sustainability Team and make a real difference.
- Benefits: Earn £13.45/hr while gaining hands-on experience in climate initiatives.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of Scotland's climate goals and learn about local governance.
- Qualifications: Interest in sustainability, data analysis skills, and effective communication.
Joining the Sustainability Team at Renfrewshire Council offers an intern a unique opportunity to see how local government operates from the inside while contributing to Scotland’s and Renfrewshire’s ambitious climate goals. You’ll gain hands‑on experience in planning and actioning local decarbonisation initiatives, working with departments such as planning, transport, housing, and energy. This role provides insight into decision‑making processes, budget planning, and stakeholder engagement, showing how councils balance environmental priorities with community needs. You’ll learn how policies are developed, approved, and implemented, and how collaboration with elected members, businesses, and residents shapes sustainable outcomes. It’s a chance to understand governance in action while building skills in project management, data analysis, and communication within a team committed to driving real climate impact.
Councils across Scotland use ClimateView, a data‑driven platform that helps local authorities design and monitor emissions reduction pathways tailored to their unique circumstances. This work is supported by the Scottish Climate Intelligence Service (SCIS), which provides guidance, tools, and training to accelerate climate action. Each council is partnered with a dedicated Local Lead, who works closely with teams to build capacity in using ClimateView effectively, surfacing climate change interventions from existing plans and strategies, and engaging colleagues across service areas as well as external partners. A key component of this process is the Intervention Capture Process (ICP), a structured spreadsheet that councils use to collate interventions and gather detailed information before uploading them to ClimateView. This collaborative approach ensures that local authorities can focus on reducing their area‑wide emissions and contribute meaningfully to Scotland’s national emission reduction targets.
This role supports the council’s Sustainability Team in advancing local climate action through the ClimateView platform, supported by the Scottish Climate Intelligence Service (SCIS). You will help identify and organise climate change interventions from council plans and strategies, ensuring they are captured through the Intervention Capture Process (ICP), uploaded to ClimateView and regularly maintained. Working closely with SCIS Local Leads, you’ll contribute to building capacity within the council, engage with colleagues across different service areas, and help maintain accurate, actionable data that informs emissions reduction pathways. The position offers a practical opportunity to be part of Scotland’s efforts to meet national climate targets while gaining insight into collaborative governance and climate planning.
Key Tasks
- Surface interventions from council plans/strategies/routemaps and input them into Intervention Capture Process spreadsheet.
- Upload council interventions from ICP spreadsheet to ClimateView platform.
- Liaise with SCIS Local Lead around surfacing of interventions and incorporate feedback if required.
- Attend SCIS workshops and training sessions.
- Liaise with internal council teams to get input on council interventions.
- Present key outcomes to wider team and RenZero groups.
The Candidate
- Confident in engaging with different stakeholders and departments.
- An understanding of and interest in sustainability and climate targets through a relevant degree programme.
- Data analytical skills as part of degree programme.
- IT and effective communication, presentation and written skills.
- Able to work individually and as part of a wider team.
- Motivated, organised and enthusiastic.
We particularly welcome applications from candidates with knowledge of, or an interest in, Renfrewshire and its communities. Local knowledge would be beneficial but is not essential. 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 Paisley employer: Bright Green Business
Renfrewshire Council is an excellent employer for those passionate about sustainability and climate action, offering a unique opportunity to work within local government while contributing to Scotland's ambitious climate goals. The supportive work culture fosters collaboration and professional growth, with hands-on experience in project management and data analysis, all while being part of a team dedicated to making a real impact in the community. Interns will benefit from engaging with various departments and stakeholders, gaining invaluable insights into governance and sustainable practices in a vibrant and dynamic environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Current Opportunities in Paisley
✨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!
✨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 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!
We think you need these skills to ace Current Opportunities in Paisley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Passion for Sustainability:When applying for the internship at Bright Green Business, 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. 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. 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
✨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.
✨Understand the Role's Impact
Dive deep into how the role of a sustainability intern fits into the bigger picture at Bright Green Business. 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.
