At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team as a Seasonal Environmental Surveyor and support exciting field projects.
- Company: Jacobs, a leader in environmental consulting with a focus on sustainability.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, competitive pay, and opportunities for skill development.
- Other info: Enjoy outdoor work, travel, and a supportive company culture that values inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the largest UK field survey while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Passion for environmental science and a college-level qualification in a related field.
The predicted salary is between 12 - 15 £ per hour.
We are seeking Seasonal Environmental Surveyors to support our experienced team on a variety of projects. We are looking for individuals with environmental fieldwork experience with good availability between September 2026 and March 2027. In particular, you will have the opportunity to work on the largest field survey ever undertaken in the UK, undertaking soil sampling and assessment surveys – collecting a range of soil samples, conducting in situ assessments and recording digital data. You will receive comprehensive training and gain excellent experience in a range of field survey and soil sampling techniques. Your broader project exposure will depend on your knowledge, experience and interests, but could include surveys and reporting for other soil science, ecological, water and environmental workstreams.
Primary Responsibilities
- Supporting our national team of soil/environmental scientists and ecologists working on a variety of projects
- Survey support and logistic planning
- Soil Sampling And Other Environmental Surveys As Required
- Producing quality-assured deliverables
- Report writing
Company Overview
Our Water and Environment business provides a focus for advising our clients on sustainability issues including environmental policy, renewable energy, low carbon economies, impacts of climate change and waste and resource management.
Locations
Edinburgh & Glasgow
Field-based role. Expect some physically demanding outdoor work over winter and overnight stays (all travel and accommodation expenses covered and budget for subsistence provided).
Contract type
Zero-hour contract
Key Benefits
- Flexibility & control: Choose when you work, ideal for balancing jobs with education, family, or other commitments.
- Statutory rights: You’re entitled to core rights like National Minimum/Living Wage, paid holiday, rest breaks, payslips, and protection from discrimination.
- Opportunity & experience: Great for building skills, gaining experience, and potentially moving into permanent roles.
- Short notice protections: Recent changes protect workers from unfair deductions if shifts are cancelled last minute.
Important considerations
Income and hours are variable, so earnings aren’t guaranteed. You’re usually classed as a ‘worker’, meaning some rights differ from full employees, but key protections remain. Whether you’re a recent graduate, a keen environmentalist, or an experienced consultant, we’d love to hear from you.
Essential Requirements
- Enthusiasm for a career in environmental science or ecology
- A minimum of a college-level qualification in an environmental discipline (or equivalent)
- Organised and dependable with good time management skills
- Driven and motivated individual with a proactive mindset
- Happy to work away from home and stay away for up to 4 nights a week
- Driving licence (please specify on your CV)
- Right to work in the UK
Desirable Skills
- Degree in environmental science, geography, ecology or related subject
- Previous experience in environmental/ecological surveys
We are seeking candidates with immediate availability. Interviews will be arranged at the earliest opportunity, with an anticipated start date in August. You’ll need flexibility for fieldwork and a proactive mindset to thrive in this exciting role.
Joining Jacobs not only connects you locally but globally. Our values stand on a foundation of safety, integrity, inclusion and belonging. We put people at the heart of our business, and we truly believe that by supporting one another through our culture of caring, we all succeed. We value positive mental health and a sense of belonging for all employees.
With safety and flexibility always top of mind, we’ve gone beyond traditional ways of working so you have the support, means and space to maximize your potential. You’ll uncover flexible working arrangements, benefits, and opportunities, from well-being benefits to our global giving and volunteering program, to exploring new and inventive ways to help our clients make the world a better place.
No matter what drives you, you’ll discover how you can cultivate, nurture, and achieve your goals – all at a single global company.
We aim to embed inclusion and belonging in everything we do. We know that if we are inclusive, we’re more connected and creative. We accept people for who they are, and we champion the richness of different perspectives, lived experiences and backgrounds in the workplace, as a source of learning and innovation.
We are committed to building vibrant communities within Jacobs, including through our Jacobs Employee Networks, Communities of Practice and our Find Your Community initiatives, allowing every employee to find connection, purpose, and belonging.
Jacobs partners with VERCIDA to help us attract and retain talent from a wide range of backgrounds. For greater online accessibility please visit VERCIDA to view and access our roles.
As a disability confident employer, we will interview disabled candidates who best meet the criteria. We welcome applications from candidates who are seeking flexible working and from those who may not meet all the listed requirements for a role.
We value collaboration and believe that in-person interactions are crucial for both our culture and client delivery. We empower employees with our hybrid working policy, allowing them to split their work week between Jacobs offices/projects and remote locations enabling them to deliver their best work.
Your application experience is important to us, and we’re keen to adapt to make every interaction even better. If you require further support or reasonable adjustments with regards to the recruitment process (for example, you require the application form in a different format), please contact the team via Careers Support.
Seasonal Environmental Surveyor - Edinburgh employer: Jacobs
At Jacobs, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through continuous professional development opportunities and mentorship programmes, ensuring that our team members thrive in their careers while making a meaningful impact on global water quality initiatives. Located in a vibrant environment, we provide a unique chance to engage with high-profile projects that not only challenge the status quo but also contribute to sustainable solutions for communities and ecosystems.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Seasonal Environmental Surveyor - Edinburgh
✨Dive into Local Environmental Events
Get yourself along to local environmental fairs, community clean-ups, or sustainability workshops. These events are a goldmine for meeting industry pros and learning about seasonal opportunities—plus, it shows you’re genuinely invested in the field!
✨Join Environmental Networks and Groups
Connect with environmental engineering tech groups on platforms like Meetup or Facebook. Being part of communities can lead to word-of-mouth job openings, especially for those seasonal positions that pop up during peak times.
✨Leverage University Resources
If you’re connected to a uni, now’s the time to hit up your career services! They often have special placements for seasonal spots in environmental firms, and they can help polish your approach for interviews and networking.
✨Apply Early and Often
Seasonal roles can fill up fast, so don’t delay! Keep an eye on Jacobs's website for openings. Plus, make a habit of checking up on local companies that may not advertise widely but could be looking for interns or seasonal staff.
We think you need these skills to ace Seasonal Environmental Surveyor - Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Environmental Passion:When applying for the seasonal role in environmental engineering tech, make sure to highlight your passion for sustainability and your commitment to eco-friendly practices. Use your cover letter to showcase any relevant projects or experiences that underline your dedication to the field—let your enthusiasm shine through!
Highlight Technical Skills:Don’t forget to list your technical skills that are relevant to environmental engineering. This could include software expertise like AutoCAD, GIS tools, or data analysis programmes. Your CV should reflect these skills clearly, as they are vital for the roles you'll be tackling with Jacobs.
Demonstrate Learning and Flexibility:Seasonal roles are all about agility and learning quickly. In your application, emphasise any experiences where you’ve had to adapt or learn new skills on the fly. This can be particularly appealing to Jacobs as they seek candidates who can hit the ground running and tackle seasonal challenges.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter for the Role:Each application should be tailored specifically for the role you’re aiming for. Use keywords from the job description for Seasonal Environmental Surveyor - Edinburgh, and don't shy away from including related coursework or volunteer work in your CV. Applying through our website is a breeze—just make sure your documents are on point!
How to prepare for a job interview at Jacobs
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
As this role in environmental engineering tech might involve technical questions, it's essential for us to review key concepts related to environmental regulations, sustainable practices, and any specific software tools commonly used in the field, like AutoCAD or GIS software. Show that you've got a solid grasp of the technical side of things by being ready to discuss recent projects or technologies you've worked with.
✨Prepare for Problem-Solving Scenarios
Expect scenarios during the interview that will test your problem-solving skills. We should prepare for questions that might ask how we'd approach certain environmental engineering challenges or case studies. Think through real-world examples where you've tackled similar issues in the past—this will give you a competitive edge.
✨Emphasise Your Adaptability
Since it's a seasonal role, showcasing your adaptability can really make us stand out. Be ready to explain why you're interested in this type of contract and how you're willing to jump in quickly, pick up new skills, or adapt your previous experience to meet the demands of the project.
✨Show Your Passion for the Environment
Let your enthusiasm for environmental issues shine through during the interview. We should be prepared to discuss how our personal interests align with the values of Jacobs and how we envision contributing to their mission. Sharing any relevant volunteer work or personal projects can also highlight that passion.
