This role is for 2025-2026 university sandwich-year students only.
Are you passionate about the environment and interested in pursuing a career in environmental science and data analysis? Are you looking for a role that provides plenty of development opportunities? If so, we have a great opportunity for you to join our Environmental Investigations team as a Water Quality Placement Student!
What you'll do
As a Water Quality Placement Student, you'll become an integral part of our Environmental Investigation team. You'll collaborate with Environmental Scientists and Project Managers to scope and deliver critical water quality investigations for the Water Industry National Environment Programme.
The main duties of this role will include:
* assisting in creating and implementing environmental monitoring plans, with a focus on water quality drivers such as bathing waters and eutrophication effects
* engaging and communicating with stakeholders, supporting the wider team in these efforts
* conducting 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
* analysing and ensuring the quality of existing and newly collected data, and preparing comprehensive reports for desk studies and final submissions to authorities like the Environment Agency
* developing a personal development plan to enhance your industry-specific skills and overall employability throughout the year.
What you'll need
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 or 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.
The following skills and experience are essential:
* a valid UK driving licence
* the ability to swim
* basic IT skills
* time management skills
* a willingness to learn and engage.
The following skills and experience are advantageous but not essential:
* an understanding of environmental issues such as 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 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.
What you'll receive
* Total pension contributions up to 20%.
* Professional development opportunities.
* 25 days holiday
* 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.
* 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 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.
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. #J-18808-Ljbffr