Process and Chemical Engineering Industry Placement 2026 - 32745

Environment Agency; West Malling; Hybrid; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days annual leave

Around 19% pension contribution

Flexible working hours

Job summary

A UK environmental organization is offering a 12-month industry placement starting in September. You will support UK businesses in reducing environmental impacts while gaining experience in key areas such as data management and environmental compliance. The ideal candidate should be studying a Chemical or Process Engineering degree and possess teamwork, data confidence, and problem-solving skills. The role offers benefits like 25 days annual leave and pension contributions. Applications close on 15 February 2026.

Qualifications

• Genuine interest in the environment and passion for creating a better place for people and wildlife.
• Curiosity, flexibility, and determination to make positive change happen.
• UK right to work and penultimate year of study or recent graduate after June 2025

Responsibilities

• Support UK businesses to reduce environmental impacts.
• Review permit applications and support regulatory officers.
• Deliver technical projects across chemical, refineries, and metals.
• Collaborate with partners and stakeholders to support environmental standards development and public engagement.

Skills

Team working

Confidence with data

Problem-solving

Engineering knowledge

Health and safety awareness

Education

Chemical or Process Engineering degree accredited by IChemE

Job description

Process and Chemical Engineering Industry Placement 2026 - 32745

Support you can count on: From day one you’ll have a mentor and office buddy to help you thrive. You’ll join a career entrant community and a welcome event packed with learning and networking. You’ll also have the chance to join the EA's Chemical Engineering group, which focuses on your professional development and provides peer support to boost your technical knowledge and career prospects.

Application Process:

• Apply Online: Tell us about your skills, motivations, and why you’re excited to join.
• Behaviour-Based Assessment (BBA): Complete an interactive, game‑style assessment measuring natural behaviours and potential. Practice options are available.
• Shortlisting: We’ll review your application and assessment results.
• Interview: If shortlisted, you’ll be invited to a virtual interview.

Job Description

Shape your future with a 12‑month industry placement starting in September. You’ll work with the Regulated Industry teams, supporting UK businesses to reduce environmental impacts and improve process safety across chemicals, refineries, and metals. Your placement will involve three rotate areas: Permitting, Local Operations, and Environment & Business, giving you hands‑on experience in reviewing permit applications, supporting regulatory officers, and delivering technical projects.

During your placement you’ll gain experience in:

• Data management and analysis
• Environmental regulation and compliance
• Evaluating environmental impact
• Carbon reduction and industrial transition
• Developing environmental standards
• Incident management and enforcement
• Partnership working and public engagement

Experience / Skills Required

We’re looking for someone with a genuine interest in the environment and a passion for creating a better place for people and wildlife. You should bring curiosity, flexibility, and determination to make positive change happen. You should be studying (or have studied) a Chemical or Process Engineering degree accredited by IChemE.

• Team working
• Confidence with data
• Problem‑solving
• Engineering knowledge
• Health and safety awareness

Experience doesn’t have to come from paid work alone. Volunteering, sports teams, or social clubs all count.

Eligibility Criteria

To join our Industry Placement you must meet all the following criteria:

• You’re a UK, Commonwealth, or EEA national and have the right to work in the UK.
• You are enrolled in an undergraduate degree, or an integrated master’s program, and are in your penultimate year of study, or have graduated within the last year (from June 2025 onwards).

Benefits and Support

• Pension: Around 19 % contribution to a career‑average scheme invested in ethical, renewable energy businesses.
• Leave: 25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays.
• Flexibility: Full‑time role with hybrid options, flexible hours, and time back for overtime.

Ready to shape your future?

Applications close on 15 February 2026; interviews in March; offers by May. Apply early and make an impact!

Join our information call on 28 January 2026 at 12 PM to learn more and hear from current career entrants. Please find joining details in the Additional Candidate Pack.

For any questions, email eacareerentry@environment‑agency.gov.uk.

Who We Are

The Environment Agency works to help the country survive and thrive through the challenges of a changing climate. We keep people safe and protect the natural spaces, wildlife and future we all share. We are committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve, and welcome flexible working patterns for all our vacancies, including job share.

Training, Development and Interview Policy

• We offer full training, equipment and support during induction.
• All applicants are guaranteed an interview if they meet the minimum criteria for the post, in line with our Guaranteed Interview Policy.
• We support neurodiverse candidates and provide reasonable adjustments where required.

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements must be truthful, factually accurate and derived from your own experience. Please review our guidance on the appropriate use of AI.