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- Tasks: Support environmental sustainability projects and gain hands-on experience in a public sector research organisation.
- Company: Join the Natural Environment Research Council, making a global impact on sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days holiday, flexible hours, and excellent learning opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference while developing your skills in a dynamic team environment.
- Qualifications: Must be a full-time university student in relevant fields with strong communication skills.
- Other info: Opportunity to work with sustainability experts and engage in impactful projects.
The predicted salary is between 23493 - 23493 £ per year.
Natural Environment Research Council
Salary: £23,493 per annum
Contract Type: Fixed Term – 8 weeks
Hours: Full-time
Location: Polaris House, Swindon, Wiltshire
Closing date: 8th March 2026
Interview: Virtually via Microsoft Teams in April 2026
Start date: July 2026
About the Summer Placement
This summer placement offers the opportunity to gain practical experience in environmental sustainability within a large public sector research organisation. The role will provide exposure to a range of sustainability activities, supporting the development of analytical, organisational, and professional skills in a real‑world policy and operational context. Throughout the placement, the student will work with the Sustainability Team and engage with sustainability colleagues across the NERC Centres, developing an understanding of how environmental sustainability is delivered in a complex, multisite organisation. By the end of the placement, the student will have an appreciation of how public sector organisations translate environmental commitments into practical, impactful action.
Summary of Key Duties & Responsibilities
- Supporting delivery of the NERC Carbon Pathway Programme
- Supporting delivery of the NERC Environmental Action Plan
- Assisting in the development of environmental communication and reporting materials for staff and external audiences
- Assisting with desk‑top environmental research activities, such as reviewing policies, plans and literature to create summary reports, briefings or slides as deliverables
- Assisting with environmental data analysis by collecting, organising and studying data to provide insights and produce infographics
- Establishing relationships and playing an active role as a member of the sustainability team
- Attending meetings and events to support learning with a willingness to travel if required
Person Specification
The below criteria will be scored during Shortlisting (S), Interview (I) or both (S&I).
Essential
- You are in full time education at university, and will be returning to university/your studies to complete your undergraduate degree once the summer placement has concluded (S)
- You have the right to live and work in the UK for the duration of the placement (S)
- You are studying a specific discipline in geography, natural science, environmental science, biology, sustainability or sustainable development (S)
- Good understanding of the fundamental principles of sustainability (S & I)
- Planned and organised approach to work and meeting deadlines (S & I)
- Able to work well within a team and show initiative (S & I)
- Good inter‑personal skills, particularly in communication (both written and verbal) and problem solving (S&I)
- Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office, particularly Word and Excel (S)
Desirable
- Can work independently, using available resources to overcome problems (S)
- Experience of data analysis and interpretation (S)
- A well‑read knowledge of global, national and regional issues that will allow you to communicate the need for environmental sustainability with passion, conviction and reasoning (S&I)
- Willingness to travel to other UKRI sites on occasions (S)
- Graduate member of sustainability related professional membership body (S)
Employee Benefits
- 30 days holiday pro rata
- Flexible working hours
- Easily accessible public transport links/free parking
- Excellent learning and development opportunities
As this job does not fulfil the UK Government minimum criterion for obtaining sponsored migrant worker status, we will be unable to apply for sponsorship for anyone not eligible to work in the UK. At interview, all shortlisted candidates are required to bring with them identification documents and original documents that prove they hold or can obtain the right to work in the UK.
Please note that we can only accept a maximum of 2 applications per candidate. Part of our application process involves submitting your CV and a cover letter. Your cover letter should address your suitability for the opportunity based how you meet each essential criteria stated in this advert. Please note that we hold the right to close this vacancy early if a sufficient number of applications have been received.
NERC Sustainability Summer Placement in Swindon employer: UKRI
Contact Detail:
UKRI Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land NERC Sustainability Summer Placement in Swindon
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the NERC and their sustainability goals! Research their projects and values so you can chat about them during your interview. This shows you're genuinely interested and ready to contribute.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your virtual interview skills! Since the interview is via Microsoft Teams, make sure you’re comfortable with the platform. Test your tech beforehand and find a quiet spot where you won’t be interrupted.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your teamwork skills! Think of examples from your studies or previous experiences where you worked well in a team. NERC values collaboration, so highlight how you can contribute to their sustainability team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace NERC Sustainability Summer Placement in Swindon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the NERC Sustainability Summer Placement. Highlight relevant experiences and skills that match the job description, especially in sustainability and teamwork.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should be a chance to shine! Address how you meet each essential criterion and show your passion for environmental sustainability. Keep it concise but impactful.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t forget to mention your proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Word and Excel. If you have experience with data analysis or environmental research, make sure to include that too!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. Remember, we can only accept two applications per candidate, so make them count!
How to prepare for a job interview at UKRI
✨Know Your Sustainability Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the fundamental principles of sustainability. Be ready to discuss current environmental issues and how they relate to the role. Showing your passion and knowledge will definitely impress the interviewers.
✨Show Off Your Organisational Skills
Since the role involves supporting various projects, demonstrate your planned and organised approach. Bring examples of how you've managed deadlines or coordinated tasks in the past. This will show that you're ready to handle the responsibilities of the placement.
✨Team Player Vibes
The NERC Sustainability Team is all about collaboration. Be prepared to share experiences where you've worked well in a team or taken the initiative. Highlighting your interpersonal skills will help you stand out as a candidate who can fit right in.
✨Master Microsoft Office
Familiarise yourself with Microsoft Word and Excel, as these tools will be essential for data analysis and reporting. If you have any specific examples of how you've used these programs effectively, be sure to mention them during the interview.
