Environment and Science Summer Internship Programme 2026 - 32751

Environment and Science Summer Internship Programme 2026 - 32751
28
East Midlands, East of England, London, North East, North West, South East, South West, West Midlands, Yorkshire and the Humber
Beverley , Blandford Forum , Bristol , Chichester , Exeter , Kettering , Leeds , Newcastle , Penrith , Peterborough , Preston , Romsey , Shrewsbury , Spalding , Wallingford , Warrington , Welwyn Garden City , Worthing , York , Various
Staff Grade 2
Internship
Digital, Engineering, Environment & Sustainability, Geography, Information Technology, Programme and Project Management, Science
Full Time, Part Time
£25,301 Pro-rata

15/02/2026, 23:55 hours

ER02 Job Family Role Profile Environment & Regulation, Grade 2

Basic Check

Want to help tackle climate change, protect ecosystems, and shape sustainable futures? At the Environment Agency, our Environment & Science internships put you at the heart of evidence-based decision-making. 

Our 12-week summer internships, starting in June, offer hands-on experience in environmental science, data analysis, and policy development. You'll work on projects that influence national strategies, protect communities, and restore nature. From climate adaptation and water quality to biodiversity and flood resilience, this is your chance to make an impact that lasts. 

Support you can count on: From day one, you'll have a mentor, office buddy, and access to training and networks. You'll join a career entrant community and a welcome event packed with learning and networking.

What you'll do: Your work will vary depending on the team, but could include:

  • Researching climate and energy policy and supporting net zero strategies. 
  • Translating agricultural science into practical advice for farmers.
  • Analysing water quality data and producing reports that inform enforcement. 
  • Using GIS and coding tools to support habitat restoration and flood resilience. 
  • Assisting with biodiversity surveys, fisheries management, and contaminated land assessments.
  • Helping manage flood defence assets and sustainability learning programmes.

You'll gain skills in data analysis, GIS, environmental policy, stakeholder engagement, and technical reporting, while learning how science drives real-world solutions.

Application Process 
Apply online and share your skills, motivations, and interest in the role. Complete a Behavioural-Based Assessment (BBA) - an interactive, game-style test with practice options. Shortlisted candidates will attend one virtual interview. Full details, including support for neurodiverse applicants, are in the Candidate Pack. 

Our Environment & Science teams work nationally and locally to protect people and nature. From shaping climate policy and restoring ecosystems to managing flood risk and water quality, we combine technical expertise with innovation. You'll join a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment where evidence matters and your contribution helps create resilient communities and healthy ecosystems. 

We're looking for individuals who are curious, analytical, and passionate about the environment. You will:

  • Have an interest in environmental science, ecology, climate policy, or data analysis. 
  • Be organised, adaptable, and confident working in a team.
  • Demonstrate problem-solving and attention to detail.

Roles span multiple teams and could help you develop:

  • Skills in GIS, R/Python, and environmental data analysis. 
  • Knowledge of climate adaptation, water regulation, and biodiversity.
  • Project coordination and stakeholder engagement experience.

Experience doesn't have to come from paid work alone - volunteering, research projects, or fieldwork all count.  

To see more about the roles on offer and our widespread office locations, please read the Additional Candidate Pack attached to this advert. 

To be eligible for this Internship you will need to meet all the following criteria:   

Criteria 1   

You are a UK, Commonwealth or EEA (European Economic Area) national   

You have the right to work in the UK   

 Criteria 2  

Must be an undergraduate or postgraduate in final year of study or recently graduated in last 12 months (from June 2025).  

*If successful, you will be required to give evidence of your qualification (expected or awarded).

We're committed to building an inclusive workforce that reflects the diverse communities we serve. You'll receive full training, equipment, and support during induction, plus a generous benefits package: 

Pension: Around 19% contribution to a career-average scheme invested in ethical, renewable energy businesses.

Leave: 25 days annual leave (pro-rated to 12 weeks), plus bank holidays, for work-life balance.

Flexibility: Hybrid options, flexible hours, and time back for overtime.

Ready to shape your future?

Applications close on 15 February 2026; interviews in March; offers by May. Apply early and make an impact!

Join our information call on 28 January 2026 at 12 PM to learn more and hear from current career entrants. Details in the Additional Candidate Pack.

Email eacareerentry@environment-agency.gov.uk for queries. 

Who we are

We are inspiring the people we work with to help the country to not only survive but thrive through the challenges of a changing climate. We want to keep people safe and protect the things that matter to us all – our natural spaces, our wildlife and our future.

We are committed to making our organisation as diverse as the environment and represents the communities we serve. Our society and environment are changing, bringing us new challenges all the time. We need a diverse workforce to help us deliver better for the different communities we serve. 

Joining the Environment Agency provides you with the opportunity to pursue many career paths whilst you are with us – developing complementary skills in frontline place-based delivery, shaping and influencing future strategic direction and providing inspirational and creative leadership.

12 weeks

After you have submitted your application, you will be sent a link to access a site called Arctic Shores. This will take you to an online assessment for you to complete. The next steps will be explained, and you can take the test at a time convenient for you. If you think you may require any reasonable adjustments, please contact eacareerentry@environment-agency.gov.uk.

If you are applying from the Civil Service please note that the Environment Agency is not a part of HM Civil Service and you would not be a Crown Servant in the event of being appointed. Therefore, you will not be eligible for continuous service. For applicants who currently work in local government or other bodies listed in the Redundancy Payments (Continuity of Employment in Local Government etc) (Modification) Order 1999, you may be eligible for continuous service for the purpose of calculating any future redundancy payment. If you are unsure of your status then you should contact your own HR Team.

We are fully committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve. We welcome flexible working patterns for all our vacancies, including job share, so please include clearly any information regarding your preferred working arrangements on your application.

We also have a Guaranteed Interview Policy to support those with a disability who are seeking employment. We have committed to guaranteeing an interview to anyone with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post.

The Environment Agency, as a Non-Departmental Public Body, is committed to providing value for money and utilises Central Government frameworks and contracts for all external recruitment needs. For this reason, we are unable to engage with the market directly through post, email or phone calls . Should you wish to become a support supplier on one of these frameworks or contracts please visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/become-a-crown-commercial-service-supplier/becoming-a-supplier-through-the-crown-commercial-service-what-you-need-to-know for more information.

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Although the Environment Agency is a non-departmental public body sponsored by Defra, we subscribe to and align with the candidate guidance on the use of artificial intelligence found on the  Civil Service Careers website. Please review for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

This Vacancy is closed to applications.