Biodiversity & Constructed Wetlands Placement Bath 2024

Wessex Water is a regional water and sewerage company, serving a large area of the South West, covering 10,000 square kilometres, including Dorset, Somerset, Bristol, most of Wiltshire and parts of Gloucestershire and Hampshire.

We are recognised by the water industry regulator, Ofwat, as one of the most efficient water and sewerage companies in England and Wales.

What you'll do

We have an exciting opportunity in our environmental investigations team for a placement student to work on our biodiversity and constructed wetlands projects. These environmental investigations are undertaken by Wessex Water and contribute towards regulatory activities advised by the Environment Agency and Natural England.

The role will involve working on our constructed wetlands and nature-based solutions investigation by undertaking the environmental monitoring of existing and proposed nature-based solutions and analysing data to assess performance.

The role will also involve working on our biodiversity schemes as a part of offsetting and drinking water protection projects. This will include meeting with landowners, identifying biodiversity options, preparing contracts and monitoring the implementation of biodiversity measures, such as hedgerow, woodland and wildflower-rich grassland creations.

As a Biodiversity and Constructed Wetlands Placement Student, you will be joining the Environmental Investigation team to assist Environmental Scientists and Project Managers with scoping and delivering investigations into biodiversity and constructed wetland performance for the Water Industry National Environment Program (WINEP).

The main duties of this role will include

• assisting in the design and delivery of environmental monitoring for the company's environmental investigations, focusing on (but not limited to) biodiversity and constructed wetland projects
• undertaking in-field monitoring, including water quality sampling, the installation and maintenance of water quality and flow monitoring instruments, and the ecological monitoring and verification of habitats and biodiversity schemes
• quality assurance and analysis of existing data and data collected in the field, as well as reporting on the results of work to Environmental Scientists and the wider team
• data analysis of water quality data while sharing findings with the team
• the preparation of reports to be included as part of WINEP output, as well as obtaining permission for access to private land.

What you'll need

You will be

• studying a relevant subject
• interested in nature-based solutions, water chemistry and environmental science, particularly onsite surveys and data collection
• able to process data and information in various formats, while also having experience with ArcGIS and R (desirable but not essential)
• able to produce reports and communicate with a variety of stakeholders, and operational and managerial staff alike
• happy to travel throughout the region and work outside, as well as being able to swim
• be able to work flexibly and enjoy making a difference.

It is essential that you have a full UK driving licence and a vehicle. All equipment (eg, PPE and laptop) will be provided as a part of this role.

You will be required to attend an interview before receiving an offer. The purpose of this interview will be to get to know you while determining a rough plan for your placement year.

At the interview, you will be given an overview of the company, give a 10-minute presentation on something you are passionate about, complete a short task on biodiversity options, and take part in a Q&A session. There will be an opportunity to ask any questions you may have. The initial interview will last approximately one hour; you may be called for a further interview.

What you'll receive

• Total pension contributions up to 20%.
• Career progression and professional development opportunities.
• 25 days' holiday rising to 28 with length of service.
• The opportunity to buy up to ten days' holiday and sell up to five every year.
• A healthcare package that allows you to claim back healthcare costs.
• Life assurance of up to eight times your salary.
• A new electric car in exchange for part of your gross salary.
• Cashback and discounts from more than 3,000 retailers.
• One paid volunteering day each year.
• Enhanced family leave and pay arrangements.
• An interactive health and wellbeing platform.
• Support from mental health first aiders.
• A £1,000 referral fee if you recommend someone to work for us.

Who we are

We are one of the top-performing water and sewerage companies in England and Wales, serving 2.9 million people across the South West. The work we do goes beyond providing an essential public service. We also aim to have a positive impact on the communities we serve and the natural environment.

Our people tell us Wessex Water is a great place to work, which is why so many of them stay with us! You will have the opportunity to develop and progress your career, while also receiving health and wellbeing support.

We also continue to promote 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.

This is an exciting opportunity to join us and if you would like to be part of our journey, we would love to hear from you. Please do not hesitate to let us know about any additional support you may need.

Sound interesting? Apply to start your application.