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  4. Ecology Placement Bath 2024
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You will provide support to the Environmental Scientist and Principle Environmental Scientist in the delivery of Wessex Water's environmental investigations though the design, delivery, data analysis and reporting of water quality, ecology and hydrology monitoring programmes.

What you'll do

The Ecology Placement Student will report to Environmental Scientist but may work across several teams to deliver environmental monitoring associated with our Business Plan commitments.

You will be based at our Operations Centre in Bath but will spend approximately three days per week doing fieldwork in the catchment. Your responsibilities will include:

  • training in field and office-based tasks
  • water quality sampling
  • river flow and groundwater level monitoring
  • ecological monitoring through macroinvertebrate and sediment sampling, and habitat, invasive non-native species and fish surveys
  • obtaining permission for access onto private land
  • quality assurance and analysis of new and existing data
  • the preparation of reports
  • dissemination of findings to the team through presentations.

What you'll need

Personal skills

  • The ability to effectively plan own workload.
  • The ability to safely work alone and across teams.
  • The ability to work in field and office environments.
  • Effective communication and presentation skills.
  • Organisation skills and efficient time management.

Technical skills

  • Studying towards a BSc in a science discipline.
  • A willingness to learn and develop on the job.
  • A willingness to develop a good understanding of environmental issues, such as water abstraction, hydrology, pollution, conservation and environmental legislation.
  • IT skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
  • The ability to swim confidently.
  • A full driving licence.
  • Experience in data analysis and the use of R or Python as a method of statistical analysis (preferable).
  • Experience using ArcMap or an equivalent GIS program (preferable).

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 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 ecology, 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.