At a Glance
- Tasks: Get hands-on with soil sampling and data analysis in environmental science.
- Company: Join the University of Edinburgh's innovative Forests and Peatland Programme.
- Benefits: Earn competitive pay, enjoy flexible work options, and access great staff benefits.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse community and enhance your employability with the Edinburgh Award.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on peatland restoration and woodland creation while gaining valuable skills.
- Qualifications: Basic organisation skills and a willingness to learn in both fieldwork and lab settings.
The predicted salary is between 24729 - 25804 £ per year.
UE03: £24,729.00 - £25,804.00 Per Annum, Pro Rata.
CSE / School of Chemistry.
Part Time – 14 Hours Per Week.
Fixed Term Contract – 9 Weeks.
The Opportunity: Join our internship for a hands-on experience in environmental science! You'll engage in a full workflow from field soil sampling to comprehensive data analysis. Gain skills in setting up plots, conducting vegetation surveys, and using soil corers. In the lab, you'll perform bulk density measurements, prepare samples for CHN analysis, and learn data management techniques. Enhance your proficiency with GIS and R software, and explore your own research questions. Develop methodologies and gain valuable insights into spatial and temporal data analysis.
The University of Edinburgh initiated a long-term investment in October 2021 to restore peatlands and expand forests across Scotland. The Forests and Peatland Programme aims to deliver multiple benefits, including carbon sequestration, biodiversity improvements, and community/social benefits. As part of this programme, the University has acquired 887 hectares of land across three sites in Scotland and has formed several long-term 50-year partnerships covering a much wider area. This operational programme is creating woodlands and restoring peatlands, offering exciting and important short-term and longitudinal research opportunities. These internships roles will be supporting one of the PhD projects supported by the University’s Forests and Peatland Programme that aims to advance our understanding of the impacts, and monitoring and reporting techniques, around woodland creation and peatland restoration initiatives, which are designed and managed to meet multiple objectives, across different sites in Scotland.
Your skills and attributes for success:
- Ability to manage time and prioritise tasks across fieldwork and lab activities
- Basic organisation of data, samples, and records in a structured way
- Capacity to follow workflows and plan simple tasks step-by-step
- Recognise when to seek help, sharing and escalating, recognising the intrinsic value of team working and accepting support
- Awareness of sample/data quality and when something may be incorrect
As a valued member of our team you can expect:
- Competitive pay based on a pro rata salary of £24,729 (£13.60 per hour)
- An exciting, positive, creative, challenging and rewarding place to work.
- To be part of a diverse and vibrant international community
- Comprehensive Staff Benefits, such as a generous holiday entitlement, a defined benefits pension scheme, staff discounts, family-friendly initiatives, and flexible work options.
Championing equality, diversity and inclusion. The University of Edinburgh holds a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advance gender equality in higher education. We are members of the Race Equality Charter and we are also Stonewall Scotland Diversity Champions, actively promoting LGBT equality.
Prior to any employment commencing with the University you will be required to evidence your right to work in the UK. On this occasion the University will not consider applicants requiring sponsorship for this role. International workers will therefore only be able to take up this role if they can demonstrate an alternative right to work in the UK.
Key dates to note: The closing date for applications is 8th May 2026. Unless stated otherwise the closing time for applications is 11:59pm GMT.
Forest and Peatland Soil Sampling Intern (Employ.ed on campus) employer: University of Edinburgh
Contact Detail:
University of Edinburgh Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Forest and Peatland Soil Sampling Intern (Employ.ed on campus)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team! Before your interview, do a bit of research on the people you'll be meeting. Check out their work and see how it aligns with your interests in environmental science. This will help you connect on a personal level and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions with a friend or in front of a mirror. Focus on how your skills in data management and fieldwork can contribute to the Forests and Peatland Programme. The more comfortable you are, the better you'll perform!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your passion! During the interview, share your enthusiasm for peatland restoration and woodland creation. Talk about any relevant projects or experiences you've had, and don’t hesitate to ask questions about the programme. It shows you're engaged and eager to learn.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. Mention something specific from your conversation to remind them of your chat. It’s a great way to reinforce your interest and keep you top of mind as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Forest and Peatland Soil Sampling Intern (Employ.ed on campus)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Environmental Science: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for environmental science shine through! We want to see how excited you are about soil sampling and peatland restoration. Share any relevant experiences or projects that highlight your interest in this field.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure to structure your thoughts well. Use bullet points if necessary to break down your skills and experiences, making it easy for us to see why you're a great fit!
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application for this specific internship. Highlight the skills mentioned in the job description, like data management and teamwork. We love seeing candidates who take the time to connect their experiences with what we’re looking for!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it’s super easy to navigate!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Edinburgh
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of soil sampling and environmental science. Familiarise yourself with the specific techniques mentioned in the job description, like bulk density measurements and GIS software. This will show your genuine interest and readiness for the role.
✨Showcase Your Team Spirit
Since teamwork is key in this internship, be prepared to discuss examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others in the past. Highlight your ability to seek help when needed and how you value team support—this aligns perfectly with what they're looking for.
✨Demonstrate Your Organisational Skills
The role requires managing data and samples effectively. Bring up any experiences where you had to organise tasks or data systematically. You could even mention how you prioritised fieldwork and lab activities in previous projects to showcase your time management skills.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the Forests and Peatland Programme or the specific PhD project you'll be supporting. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also your understanding of the broader context of the work you'll be involved in.