Environmental Technician Placement Student

Are you passionate about the environment and technically minded with a practical approach to solving problems? Are you interested in pursuing a career in environmental science and data analysis? If so, this is an exciting opportunity for you to join our Environmental Investigations team as an Environmental Technician Placement Student.

As an Environmental Technician Placement Student, you will become an integral part of our Environmental Investigations team. You will collaborate with Environmental Scientists and Project Managers to scope and deliver critical water quality investigations for the Water Industry National Environment Programme. Whilst predominantly field-based, this role will also involve an element of office work, as you will help to review data from the samples you collect whilst assisting with quality control, mapping tasks, organising equipment, updating sample guides and report writing.

You will:

• Assist in creating and implementing environmental monitoring plans, with a focus on water quality drivers such as bathing waters and eutrophication effects.
• Engage and communicate with stakeholders, supporting the wider team in these efforts.
• Conduct in-field monitoring activities, including water quality sampling, installing and maintaining monitoring instruments, river flow and groundwater level monitoring, ecological monitoring and sampling, and habitat and fish surveys.
• Analyse and ensure the quality of existing and newly collected data, and prepare comprehensive reports for desk studies and final submissions to authorities like the Environment Agency.
• Develop a personal development plan to enhance your industry-specific skills and overall employability throughout the year.

This role is an industrial placement to be completed as part of a university sandwich year. To be successful in this role, you will be studying towards a BSc in an environmental, science or math discipline. You will be well organised, able to manage and prioritise your own workload and comfortable working alone safely in both office and outdoor environments.

The following are essential:

• A valid UK driving licence.
• The ability to swim.
• Proficient use of Microsoft 365, e.g., PowerPoint, Outlook, Word, Excel.
• Organisation and time management skills.
• The ability to effectively plan your own workload.
• Effective communication and presentation skills.
• Willingness to be outdoors in all weathers.

The following are beneficial:

• Experience in data analysis and the use of R or Python as a method of statistical analysis and data visualisation.
• Experience using ArcMap, ArcPro or an equivalent GIS program.
• An understanding of environmental issues such as water abstraction, hydrology, pollution, conservation and environmental legislation.
• A willingness to learn and develop on-the-job.

You do not need any prior knowledge of the water industry or water quality investigations for this role; you will be given the opportunity to complete a CIWEM-accredited ‘Introduction to the water industry' course upon starting. Full training, PPE and a company vehicle will also be provided throughout the course of the placement. However, a willingness to learn and engage is essential.

What you will receive:

• A combined pension contribution of up to 20%.
• Career progression and professional development opportunities.
• 25 days' holiday rising to 28 with length of service.
• The opportunity to sell up to five days of holiday every year.
• The opportunity to buy up to ten days of holiday each year (subject to conditions).
• A healthcare package that allows you to claim back healthcare costs.
• Life assurance of up to eight times your salary.
• The opportunity to lease a new electric car through salary sacrifice (subject to conditions).
• Cashback and discounts from more than 3,000 retailers.
• One paid volunteering day each year.
• Enhanced family leave and pay arrangements.
• Access to an interactive health and wellbeing platform.
• Support from trained mental health first aiders.
• A £1,000 referral fee if you recommend someone who is successfully recruited by us.

YTL UK is part of the international YTL Group based in Kuala Lumpur. The UK companies include Wessex Water, YTL Developments, YTL Construction UK, and YTL Arena. Our people tell us that YTL UK is a great place to work, which is why so many of them stay with us! You will have a unique opportunity to develop and progress your career within such a diverse group. We are passionate about diversity and inclusion – with that in mind, all applicants are welcome. We are delighted to have signed the Armed Forces Covenant and are a Disability Confident Employer. If you require reasonable adjustments to be made during the recruitment process, please inform a member of our Recruitment team.