Environment & Sustainability Specialist

AWE plc; Spencers Wood; On-site; GBP 24,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defense technology firm in the UK is offering a one-year placement as an Undergraduate Environment Specialist. You will contribute to environmental management and sustainability projects, developing key skills while ensuring compliance and driving improvements. Ideal candidates will be pursuing degrees in Environmental Science or related fields and be available to start in August 2026.

Benefits

£23,500 salary

270 hours of annual leave including bank holidays

9-day working fortnight

Qualifications

• Understanding of AWE's Environmental Management System is key.
• Practical experience in sustainability initiatives is a must.
• Must provide evidence of a minimum 2:2 degree by August 2026.

Responsibilities

• Develop understanding of AWE's Environmental Management System.
• Gain experience conducting Environmental Risk Assessments.
• Participate in sustainability initiatives and assessments.

Skills

Understanding of Environmental Management Systems

Environmental Risk Assessment

Sustainability initiatives

Education

Environmental Science or related degree

Job description

Overview

We are offering a rewarding and exciting one-year placement as an Undergraduate Environment Specialist at AWE - a role where you will make a genuine contribution to keeping the UK safe and secure. The role sits within the environment and sustainability team who are responsible for implementing AWE's Environmental Management System, certified to ISO 14001 and driving continuous environmental improvements across the business. The role will provide a diverse experience and will involve undertaking environmental risk assessments to identify appropriate control measures, ensuring compliance with Environmental Permit conditions and driving environmental improvements through the delivery of AWE's Environmental Sustainability Strategy and Climate Transition Plan. This includes sustainability projects and initiatives underway. The role offers the opportunity to work across the whole project lifecycle including; design of new facilities, large modifications of existing facilities as well as our core production and research facilities. As an Environmental Specialist you will be working alongside other environmental professionals interfacing with facility operators and project managers as part of an integrated team.

Responsibilities

• Develop understanding of AWE's Environmental Management System and gain practical experience of implementation in operational areas, including projects and facilities.
• Gain experience of Environmental Risk Assessment and risk-based inspections in line with relevant legislation, industry standards and AWE's policies, procedures and guidance.
• Develop understanding of AWE's approach to sustainability including plans for reducing carbon, enhancing biodiversity and embedding the principles of the circular economy.
• Gain practical experience of delivering sustainability initiatives.
• Gain experience of using sustainability assessment tools.
• Develop understanding of key pieces of environmental legislation applicable to AWE.
• Online tests and assessments: numerical, verbal, logical and cognitive assessments (shortlisted candidates will have practice materials).
• Virtual Assessment Centre: successful candidates will be invited to a virtual assessment centre running Nov–Dec 2025, with pre-assessment webinars.
• We are interested in the following degree disciplines: Environmental Science, Environmental Management, Sustainability.
• Before starting with the business, you will need to provide evidence of a minimum 2:2 in your degree by August 2026.
• You must be able to join AWE in August 2026.
• You must be a British National, able to start in August 2026, and eligible for security clearance.
• Curious, problem-solvers with integrity, resilience, and a collaborative mindset who are eager to grow and apply skills to real-world challenges.

Qualifications

• Accepted degree subjects: Environmental Science and Ecology

Benefits

• £23,500 salary
• Holiday entitlement of 270 hours of leave annually including bank holidays
• Excellent work/life balance and a vibrant and welcoming grad social scene
• 9-day working fortnight – every other Friday off
• A salary-sacrifice benefit scheme
• A welcome payment
• Potential to secure a Graduate role for when you finish university, subject to availability
• Access to savings on a wide range of everyday spending across retail, hospitality and leisure
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme
• Access to our Occupational Health Services

Why AWE?

• Build leadership skills, self-awareness, and teamwork.
• Join a vibrant early careers community with events, ERGs and networking opportunities.
• Benefit from continual support: a line manager, pathway lead, and 'buddy' to guide your journey.