Overview
The Graduate role is designed to assist in the delivery of projects to provide low carbon and energy efficient measures through our grant funding schemes. The role focuses on monitoring and maintaining retrofit projects, reviewing properties that could benefit from improvement with retrofit measures, and assisting residents with energy savings advice. You will assist with the delivery of the Council's government funded retrofit projects by assessing properties on a case-by-case basis, working with the Council's Retrofit Coordinators to evaluate the best options to help residents, and monitoring projects to evaluate how measures improve the community. You will report findings to internal and external stakeholders and work closely with the Project Manager by reviewing and analysing data to track progress and demonstrate performance to heads of service and Service Directors. As a participant in the Graduate scheme, you will be exposed to software, policies, data and organisations to support your development. You will engage with real-world customers, playing a vital role in enhancing residents’ lives, fostering thriving communities, and providing retrofit information that benefits vulnerable residents.
This key role in the Housing Retrofit Team offers hands-on experience in delivering vital information about energy efficiency. You will help plan and coordinate retrofit works to improve the lives of vulnerable residents across Somerset. You will develop skills in communication, stakeholder engagement, organisational structures and policies, problem-solving, and gain practical knowledge of risk management, home heating retention and carbon emissions whilst contributing in a project coordination capacity. It is an excellent opportunity to build a foundation for a rewarding career in the housing sector. The Graduate scheme provides opportunities to utilise your talents and contribute to improving healthy homes across the County.
There are over 252,000 homes in Somerset where households could be living in fuel poverty, with many needing advice and support services due to crisis or housing condition. This role offers a rewarding and meaningful career, with the opportunity to make a tangible difference. As a Graduate, your role will be central to advancing the retrofit business plan, retrofit projects, and improving energy efficiency in Somerset. You will engage with projects, residents, colleagues and stakeholders to ensure services are person-centred, cost-effective, and aligned with strategic priorities and statutory obligations. The retrofit services aim to be more self-funding as the role develops to support the service to the community.
Responsibilities include assisting with reporting data to stakeholders and managers who will review project outcomes in line with PAS 2035:2023, targeting identified properties, and spending controls. The post holder will liaise with internal teams and external partners to support the delivery of high-quality services that promote independence, wellbeing, and inclusion. The role is 37 hours per week, fixed for 2 years, and hybrid (3 days in the office, primarily Bridgwater) with occasional county-wide travel for contract reviews, appointments and training. During the first two months, more time may be required in a council location to receive coaching and software support. You will receive peer support as part of Somerset Council’s Graduate Programme, including courses relevant to PAS 2035:2023 and Retrofit Coordination, with opportunities to experience other service areas within the Council, subject to agreement.
We are committed to diversity and inclusion and aim to reflect the people and communities we serve. We offer ongoing support, training and guidance to help you develop. This role includes a salary and benefits package described below.
Responsibilities
* Assist with monitoring retrofit projects and reviewing properties for potential improvements with retrofit measures.
* Assist residents with energy savings advice and information on retrofit options.
* Assess properties on a case-by-case basis in collaboration with Retrofit Coordinators.
* Support reporting to internal and external stakeholders and tracking project progress.
* Analyse data in partnership with the Project Manager to demonstrate performance to heads of service and Service Directors.
* Engage with projects, residents, colleagues and stakeholders to ensure services are person-centred, cost-effective and aligned with priorities and statutory obligations.
* Support delivery of high-quality services that promote independence, wellbeing and inclusion.
* Assist with reporting data to stakeholders and managers in line with PAS 2035:2023, target properties, and spending controls.
* Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to deliver retrofit information and services to vulnerable residents.
* Participate in training and development opportunities under the Graduate Programme, including PAS 2035:2023 and Retrofit Coordination.
Qualifications
* Knowledge of energy systems, building materials and construction techniques.
* Knowledge of assessing the current state of a building and identifying potential upgrades.
* Problem-solving experience to resolve unforeseen issues during projects.
* Project administration experience; proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint.
* Ability to work collaboratively with multiple stakeholders and strong written and verbal communication skills.
* Domestic Energy Assessor, NEA Level 3 Award in Energy Awareness, Retrofit Advisors or Coordinators qualification, or working towards a Level 5 Retrofit Coordinator.
* Relevant degree (minimum 2:2) attained within the last 3 years; degree field is flexible.
Benefits
* Flexible working arrangements where possible, including home working.
* Generous annual leave allowance with option to purchase additional leave.
* Staff gym discounts and Employee Assistance for wellbeing support.
* Auto-enrolment into a Pension Scheme with optional AVC.
* Flexible Benefits Scheme via salary sacrifice for cycle to work and health screenings.
* My Staff Shop discounts on shopping, dining, cinema tickets, insurance and more.
* Salary: Grade 12, £28,598 per annum, rising to Grade 11 £32,597 per annum under the Graduate scheme.
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