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    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

    As a Water Quality Placement Student, you will be joining the Environmental Investigation team to assist Environmental Scientists and Project Managers with scoping and delivering investigations into water quality for the Water Industry National Environment Program.

    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) those with a water quality driver such as bathing waters and the effects of eutrophication
    • undertaking in-field monitoring, including water quality sampling, the installation and maintenance of water quality monitoring instruments, assisting with river flow and groundwater level monitoring, and ecological monitoring, including macroinvertebrate and sediment sampling, and habitat and fish surveys
    • quality assurance and the analysis of existing data and data collected in the field, while also reporting the results of work to the Environmental Scientist and wider team
    • data analysis of water quality data while sharing findings with the water quality 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

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

    You will also hold IT skills including word processing and spreadsheets. If you have the following it would be preferable but not essential:

    • an understanding of the environmental issues of water abstraction, hydrology, pollution, conservation and environmental legislation
    • experience in data analysis and the use of R or Python as a method of statistical analysis
    • experience using ArcMap or an equivalent GIS program.

    You don't need any prior knowledge of the water industry, water quality investigations or many of the technical skills necessary, as full training will be given throughout the course of the placement, however, a willingness to learn and engage in these is essential.

    In addition to the above, due to the nature of the role you will need to hold a valid driving licence and have the ability to swim. 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 planning a water quality investigation, 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.