Environment and Science Industry Placement - Environment Agency

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

Our 12-month industry placements, starting in September, 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:

• Analysing environmental data and producing reports that inform policy and operational decisions.
• Supporting projects on climate change, agriculture, water regulation, and biodiversity.
• 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.
• Influencing planning decisions to deliver greener, more resilient communities.

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. 

The Team

Our Environment & Science teams work nationally and locally across Environment & Business, National Operations, Area Operations, and Strategy, Transformation, & Assurance directorates. We combine scientific evidence, regulatory expertise, and policy leadership to improve water, land, and biodiversity, manage flood risk, and drive climate action. You'll join friendly, multidisciplinary teams where curiosity, collaboration, and integrity matter - and where your contribution helps deliver resilient communities and healthy ecosystems. 

Experience/Skills Required

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

• Have an interest in environmental science/management, ecology, hydrology, climate/energy policy, or data analysis. 
• Be organised, adaptable, and confident working with others.
• Demonstrate problem-solving, attention to detail, and clear communication.

You'll develop

• Technical skills in GIS, data analysis (Excel/Power BI), and evidence synthesis. 
• Knowledge of environmental regulation (water, waste, industry), planning, and catchment/nature recovery policy.
• Experience in stakeholder engagement, project coordination, and report writing.

Experience doesn't have to be paid - volunteering, university projects, fieldwork, or community initiatives all count.

To see more about the roles we can offer and our widespread office locations, please read the Additional Candidate Pack.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Industry Placement 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 enrolled in an undergraduate degree, or an integrated master’s program, and be in their penultimate year of study, or have graduated within the last year (from June 2025 onwards).

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

Contact and Additional Information:

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, 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 April; offers by June. Apply early and make an impact!

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

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.

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.

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