Hydrology Analyst Internship Warrington 2023

More than ever before we need inspiring talent to join us and make the North West stronger, greener and healthier. We all know the challenges of climate change and by joining our internship you'll play a role in securing efficient, reliable water resources for customers across the North West.

At United Utilities, we're not only essential service providers to over 7 million customers across the region but we're also at the forefront of tackling some of the biggest climate and environmental challenges in a generation. All our people are essential in achieving our net zero targets and creating a more resilient North West.

It's a big job and a lot of work goes on behind the scenes to keep things running smoothly for our customers. From operating our pipes and improving water quality, to embracing new technologies and safeguarding the local environment – whether you're in our head office or out on site, there's always plenty going on. Our internship programmes will give you the opportunity to learn first-hand how we make this happen.

In 2020 we were awarded the Glassdoor Employees' Choice Award Best Places to Work based solely on feedback from our colleagues.

About the role

Within United Utilities we have a Water Resources Team that are responsible for producing the company's long term water resources management plan and drought plan. Both of these plans make sure there is a secure and sustainable supply of water for customers and the environment in the future and during drought events.

The Water Resources Team have a new Hydrology Strategy, which involves undertaking a wholesale update of all hydrological inflow series by summer 2024. Having robust hydrological inflow series are crucial, as they underpin both short term water resources management and long term water resources planning. This work involves supporting the implementation of new rainfall-runoff models at all of our catchments, running the model and analysing outputs.

In addition, a key part of the work is to ensure the models are well calibrated to actual flow data, as we have a requirement to get regulatory sign-off before the new inflows can be used. This project represents a step change in our approach to creating hydrological inflows and as such will require additional resources to deliver. The outcome of this project will significantly increase our hydrology modelling capability and deliver a much improved set of hydrological data.

As a summer intern acting as a Hydrology Analyst you will support on this project. Responsibilities will include:

• Completing hydrological data reviews
• Preparing data time series for minor catchments to feed into and calibrate rainfall-runoff models
• Running rainfall-runoff models
• Summarising model outputs to report to the water resources team

This is a great opportunity to get exposure to the environmental sector, notable environmental work conducted within the water industry. Skills you will develop include data analysis, interpreting data, report writing and internal and external communications. As your internship progresses there will be substantial scope to take on additional responsibilities as you gain more experience and gain exposure to other areas of the team.

Don't worry, we won't throw you in at the deep end. You'll have mentors and managers with you as you progress through your placement and support you as you work towards your personal development goals.

You'll be joining a team based at the United Utilities head office in Warrington and an organisation just voted the 19th best place to work in the UK as voted for by users of Glassdoor. You'll enjoy life on our leafy campus surrounded by over 2,000 colleagues who all help to provide great service for our 7 million customers.

Who you are

• You will be aiming for a minimum of a 2:1 in an environmentally focussed degree such as Geography, Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering or Natural Science and a student at least in your penultimate year at university.
• You must have a strong and well-developed analytical skills, with an attention to detail, ability to interpret and analyse data and contribute towards recommendations that consider the needs of the environment, customers and businesses.
• You should possess excellent written and interpersonal skills and have the ability to communicate and influence across multiple stakeholder groups, including being able to creatively use a range of media and presentation skills for qualitative and quantitative information in a means that can be understood by all.
• You must be highly computer literate (in particular word processing, spread sheets, presentations and GIS).
• You must demonstrate a willingness to learn and genuine interest in/curiosity about Catchment management and water resources.
• You must be motivated and enthusiastic, understand the importance of team work and possess ambition and drive to succeed and make the most out of you 10 week internship.
• You should be able to be comfortable working flexibly across a range of tasks and activities to deadlines, be able to prioritise your time.

If you want to join an FTSE 100 company that wants to disrupt the water industry and you want to make a positive change in the world we would like to hear from you. We celebrate and support diversity and are committed to ensuring equal opportunities for both employees and applicants.

Due to the length of your programme you will be engaged via our resourcing partner Rullion.

Internship duration

• 3 months

How to apply

All roles will be advertised on our United Utilities Career's Page. Roles will be advertised on selected University portals to encourage applications. All applications will need to be completed online through the United Utilities Careers Page.

The first step of the application process is to submit your CV. This should be a summary of your education, skills and experience enabling you to successfully sell your abilities.

It should include

• A small paragraph containing a personal statement
• Skills and achievements
• School/college subjects and grades or predicted grades
• Volunteering/work experience
• Hobbies and interests

We also strongly encourage you to submit a covering letter.

This should include

• What you are currently doing and how this links to the internship you are applying for
• Relevant skills and experience
• A summary of why you are interested

Successful applicants will be invited to an interview. Interviews will be online via Microsoft TEAMS. However, if you'd prefer to attend in person at United Utilities headquarters in Warrington then we can accommodate this too.

The interview duration is approximately 60 minutes and will be a competency based interview. You will have the opportunity to ask questions at the end.

If you're successful, you'll need to make sure that you're able to travel to work at our site at Warrington.