Environmental Practitioner Degree Apprenticeship - 28617

The Environment Agency is fully committed to having an inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve. We don’t just talk about diversity; we seek it, embrace it and live it, for the benefit of our staff, our communities and our environment. 
 
We help people and wildlife adapt to climate change, work to reduce impacts of flooding, drought, rising sea levels and coastal erosion. We improve the quality of water, land and air by addressing pollution, working with businesses to help them comply with environmental regulations. 

At the Environment Agency we aim to protect and improve the environment as a whole and promote sustainable development, contributing to the United Nations (17) Sustainable Development Goals 

If you’ve a passion for the environment, this Environmental Practitioner Degree Apprenticeship will develop skills and capabilities and equip you with experience/opportunities to make a real difference.  This is a fantastic opportunity for a person looking to build a career in protecting and improving the environment.    

The role requires working outdoors and in a variety of indoor office settings. The study aspect of the apprenticeship is block release, with a mix of online, block weeks and field trips with the training provider. You must be willing to travel for study and also work from home to complete parts of this apprenticeship. 

Responding to incidents is a central part of what we do. You will be required to have an incident role and make yourself available to respond to incidents or provide business continuity support during an incident. This may attract an additional payment and full training and alternative working arrangements will be available to support you with your incident role.

We encourage anyone interested to submit an application clearly stating your preferred location at competency 4.

As well as receiving coaching and mentoring from professional team members, you will work with and learn from experienced Environmental Practitioners. 
 
You'll be active in different types of work and involved in the delivery of various projects, all of which will enhance your knowledge and skills. 

 You will gain experience of Environmental Practices, learn about various parts of our organisation, our great colleagues, obtain insight and knowledge to support your role and career.

Applicants must meet the eligibility criteria. 

You will have a genuine interest in science, be passionate about the environment and creating a better place for people and wildlife.  You will be flexible in your approach and have determination to make positive change happen.  

 We want applicants who; 

- are responsible/organised 
- can manage competing work demands/responsibilities of university study  
- communicate well 
- work well in teams 
- achieve results 

Qualifications/Eligibility  

Applicants require five GCSE’s (Grades C/4 minimum) including Maths and English, or Functional Skills L2. Have/are expected to achieve 112 UCAS points at A-level Grades BBC (excludes General Studies). A-levels should include science-based subjects.

No upper age limit.

Must be eligible to work in the UK.

Apprenticeships commence September 2024 for 3 x 13 week semesters.

Block weeks are 2 per term (6 per year)

Applicants with environmental or science-based degrees (including physics/maths/geology/geography) will not be eligible.

The Environment Agency offers a fantastic benefits package, attractive salary, flexible working, 25 days annual leave and award-winning Pension Fund.

Amended: new salary pay scale = £27,245.

New starters will be welcomed into the team and given all training and support needed. As part of your induction you will be provided with all equipment required for your role.

We welcome applications for a minimum of 30 hours per week.

We aim to reflect the communities we serve and continue to develop diversity throughout our workforce. We welcome applications from all backgrounds regardless of race, sexual orientation or religion.

Interviews will be held during April 2024 via MS Teams.

Apprenticeship provider is likely to be Coventry University.

For questions relating to this role, please contact: eatalent@environment-agency.gov.uk

Description: ‘Has awareness of own strengths, weaknesses, impact and approach. Organised and takes personal responsibility for the role.’ 

• Aware of own strengths and of areas where help is needed.
• Asks for help when needed and acts on good advice.
• Takes responsibility for own action and behaviour.
• Adapts to changes and treats differing people equally well.
• Manages emotions and works hard to be resilient under normal pressure.
• Maintains an enthusiastic outlook, is encouraging to all colleagues.
• Prioritises and schedules activities to make best use of time at work.
• Thinks and plans to get the job done well and adjusts when needed.

Question: Please can you tell of us of a time when you have had to manage your time? How would you describe your strengths and weakness when under pressure to deliver a piece of work?

Please note; Your answer will be used for interview selection. You may want to use the STAR structure when writing your response (Situation, Task, Action, Result)

Description: ‘Sets and delivers high work standards, demonstrates the drive to meet targets. Prioritises and organises tasks and resources to ensure timely achievement of results.’ 
 
• Prioritises and organises to get things done well and on time.
• Work toward specific goals and keeps track of progress.
• Can be relied upon to always do their best.
• Recognises issues and adjusts actions or seeks help to deal with them.
• Shows dedication and commitment.

Question: Please tell us of a situation where you have had to get a job/task done under time pressures? What did you do to make sure the people around you knew your goals and how you were going to deliver them?

Please note; Your answer will be used for interview selection. You may want to use the STAR structure when writing your response. (Situation, Task, Action, Result)

Description: ‘Works cooperatively as part of a team to achieve common goals.’   

• Builds and keeps supportive relationships with everyone at work.
• Co-operates across the team to achieve shared goals.
• Builds relationships beyond own team when reasonable to do so.
• Supports the line manager and the team and offers friendly advice.
• Actively involves themselves and participates in team activities.
• Takes pride to speak positively about the team and colleagues.

Question: Tell us about a successful team you have been part of.
What made the team successful?
What was your personal contribution to the success of the team?
What did you learn from working in this team?

Please note; Your answer will be used for interview selection. You may want to use the STAR structure when writing your response (Situation, Task, Action, Result)

This competency will not be assessed.

Please state which role and location you would like to be considered for:-

Greenhouse Gas Reductions and Net Zero schemes (GGR)
Location: National, location flexible

Environment, Planning & Engagement (EPE)
Location: Exeter & Bodmin

Waste Regimes Operational Services (WROS)
Location: National, location flexible