Graduate Environment & Sustainability

OCU; Scotland; Hybrid; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading utilities contractor in the UK is seeking a recent graduate for a role supporting sustainability initiatives. The successful candidate will assist with data collection and analysis while contributing to compliance with environmental legislation and sustainability strategies. This entry-level role offers hands-on experience in the utilities sector and opportunities for personal and career development in sustainable practices. A relevant degree and strong data analysis skills are required, with travel required across the UK.

Qualifications

• Understanding of sustainability principles and ESG practices.
• Familiarity with environmental legislation and ISO14001.
• Ability to travel within the UK and possess a valid driving license.

Responsibilities

• Assist in sustainability initiative implementation including energy efficiency and waste reduction.
• Help prepare sustainability reports ensuring compliance with frameworks.
• Monitor environmental performance at project sites.

Skills

Data analysis

Collaboration

Written and verbal communication

Problem-solving

Education

Relevant degree such as in Environmental Science, Sustainable Development or Environmental Engineering

Graduate IEMA preferred

Job description

Role Overview

As a recent graduate, you will support the sustainability initiatives across OCU Group, assist with data collection and analysis, and contribute to ensuring that our projects operate in line with environmental legislation, client requirements and our Sustainability Strategy. Reporting to the Head of Sustainability & Environment, this entry-level role provides an excellent opportunity to gain hands‑on experience and grow within the utilities sector while promoting sustainable construction practices.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist in the implementation of sustainability initiatives across the Group, including energy efficiency, waste reduction, and social value
• Assist in the preparation of sustainability reports, including data collection, analysis, and ensuring compliance with sustainability frameworks such as TCFD and CDP
• Help track and analyse key sustainability metrics (carbon footprint, energy usage, waste reduction, water consumption, etc.), and assist in creating reports that highlight progress towards environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals
• Help ensure compliance with sustainability certifications and standards such as ISO14001, EcoVadis and CDP by supporting the documentation and reporting processes
• Assist in the development of documents, guidance and processes to improve environmental and sustainability management across the business
• Conduct research on new sustainable construction methods, materials, and technologies. Stay up to date with industry trends and regulatory requirements related to sustainability
• Collate and share sustainability best practice and good news stories from across the business
• Attend project sites to monitor and assess environmental performance, identify areas for improvement, and help implement sustainability measures
• Assist in organising sustainability awareness programmes and training sessions for staff, contractors, and stakeholders on sustainable construction practices
• Collaborate and support the wider Sustainability & Environmental team in the delivery of their duties and responsibilities
• Assist the work winning and pre‑construction teams with environmental and sustainability obligations to ensure legal and client requirements are met
• Maintain accurate records of sustainability‑related data, ensuring that all environmental actions and achievements are well documented
• Assist in conducting environmental audits, assessments, and inspections to identify areas for improvement and ensure adherence to environmental policies and procedures
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams, including operations, engineering, health and safety, to integrate environmental considerations into business processes and decision‑making

Skills and Experience

• Relevant degree such as in Environmental Science, Sustainable Development or Environmental Engineering
• Graduate IEMA preferred
• Basic understanding of sustainability principles and ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) practices
• Familiarity of environmental and sustainability practices within the utilities / construction sector
• Basic understanding of relevant environmental legislation and ISO14001
• Strong ability to analyse data, identify trends, and present findings clearly and concisely
• Ability to collaborate and work effectively within cross‑functional teams
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively convey sustainability messages to both technical and non‑technical audiences
• Ability to identify sustainability challenges and propose innovative solutions
• Ability to travel within the UK as required and a valid driving licence

What We Value

We value our commitment to each other, summed up in our five values, we all sign up to these… We care about safety. We lead with integrity. We strive to be better every day. We make a positive impact. We deliver to grow. We are one company united.

Our Aim & Vision at OCU

To be the UK's leading energy transition and utilities contractor.

We are committed to leading the way in utilities and energy transition contracting, our mission is to innovate and deliver sustainability. At OCU, our passion for addressing complex challenges brings new standards of growth in our people and capabilities. We are an equal opportunities employer.

Company Information

Established in 1994, OCU Group is one of the fastest growing utility engineering contractors in the UK, with a long successful track record in delivering customer‑focused civil engineering solutions.

Working directly with many of the country’s leading blue‑chip power, water, telecoms, and rail clients, we are looking for the very best talent to join our growing team.

We pride ourselves on empowering our employees and offering opportunities for them to take control of their own personal development and career progression in a supportive environment.

We believe that being successful is a choice.

We choose to be successful.

We are OCU, ‘One Company United’.

We celebrate difference and appreciate diverse backgrounds. We encourage everyone who join us to be themselves at work and create inclusive teams in our workplace.