Graduate Environmental Consultant – Sports Surfaces

A4 Plus Limited; Bingley; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

A4 Plus Limited in the United Kingdom is seeking a Graduate Consultant to join our specialist technical consultancy working on sports surface projects.

You will work with experienced consultants on a range of facilities from community to elite levels, with structured training and hands-on experience from day one.

The role combines site-based work, data analysis, reporting and consultancy, with increasing responsibility as you develop.

Qualifications

• We are interested in candidates with an academic, vocational or practical background in relevant subjects.
• A degree in Agriculture, Horticulture, Sportsturf/Turfgrass Science or related field is preferred.
• Practical experience in grounds management or sports turf is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Undertake site visits and technical assessments at facilities across the UK and internationally.
• Carry out sports surface testing using specialist equipment.
• Assist with agronomic and technical assessments of natural and synthetic surfaces.
• Support site investigations, feasibility studies and technical assessments.
• Collect, review and analyse technical and performance data.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations and project documentation.
• Assist with sports surface designs, specifications and technical documentation.
• Attend construction sites and assist with inspections and supervision of works.
• Liaise with clients, contractors, architects, engineers and other stakeholders.
• Attend project and client meetings and present technical findings.
• Undertake training and professional development to support progression.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Communication skills

Organization

Independent work

Teamwork

MS Office

Education

Degree in Agriculture / Turf Science / related subject

Vocational qualification with grounds management experience

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

The Role

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Graduate Consultant to join a specialist technical consultancy working across a wide range of sports surface and sports facility projects.

This is an ideal opportunity for a recent graduate or technically minded candidate looking to develop a career in sports surface consultancy, with structured training, mentoring and hands-on experience provided from day one.

You will work alongside experienced consultants on projects ranging from community and grassroots facilities through to elite and professional sporting environments, including football, golf, horse racing, tennis and cricket.

The role will provide a varied combination of site-based technical work, data analysis, reporting and consultancy, with increasing responsibility as your knowledge and experience develop.

Key Responsibilities

• Undertake site visits and technical assessments at sports facilities across the UK and internationally.
• Carry out sports surface performance testing using specialist equipment.
• Assist with agronomic and technical assessments of natural and synthetic sports surfaces.
• Support site investigations, feasibility studies and technical assessments.
• Collect, review and analyse technical and performance data.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations and project documentation.
• Assist with sports surface designs, specifications and technical documentation.
• Attend construction sites and assist with inspections and supervision of sports surface works.
• Liaise with clients, contractors, architects, engineers and other project stakeholders.
• Attend project and client meetings and assist with presenting technical findings.
• Undertake training and professional development to support your progression.

About You

We are interested in candidates with a relevant academic, vocational or practical background. This could include:

• A degree in Agriculture, Horticulture, Sportsturf/Turfgrass Science, Plant or Soil Science, Physical Geography, Sports Surface Management or a related subject.
• A relevant vocational or technical qualification combined with practical experience in grounds management, greenkeeping or sports turf.
• Practical industry experience demonstrating a good technical understanding of sports turf or sports surface management.

Previous consultancy experience is not essential.

You’ll ideally have:

• A genuine interest in developing a career within sports surface consultancy.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Good organisational skills and attention to detail.
• The ability to work independently and as part of a wider team.
• An enthusiasm for hands-on, site-based work and UK/international travel.
• A basic understanding of areas such as soils, turfgrass management, drainage, irrigation, construction or sports surface performance.
• Good Microsoft Office skills, particularly Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• A full UK driving licence.

Desirable Experience

Experience or knowledge in any of the following would be advantageous:

• Grounds management, greenkeeping or sports turf maintenance.
• Professional, educational or community sports environments.
• Sports surface construction, drainage or irrigation.
• Sports surface testing, site investigation or technical data collection.

Training & Development

The successful candidate will receive structured training, mentoring and practical experience across a range of consultancy projects.

Working alongside experienced consultants and technical specialists, you will develop your technical knowledge, project delivery skills and client-facing experience, with the opportunity to take on increasing responsibility as your career progresses.

Salary: Competitive, depending on experience