NATURAL ENVIRONMENT RESEARCH COUNCIL
Salary: £23,493 per annum
Contract Type: Fixed Term – 8 weeks
Hours: Full-time
Location: Polaris House, Swindon, Wiltshire
Closing date: 8th March 2026
Interview: In person at Polaris House in April 2026
Start date: June/July 2026
As the NERC Management Estate team, we deliver the NERC UK Estates Strategy creating a modern, efficient, compliant, and fit‑for‑purpose sustainable estate that fully supports extraordinary environmental science.
Role Overview
Lead the Strategic Transformation Programme to modernise and optimise the NERC Estate, ensuring it meets the needs of pioneering research. The work is supported by Head Office operational activities that provide:
* Compliance and landlord assurance
* Environmental sustainability initiatives
* Condition and asset management
* Budgetary control and capital project oversight
These services are delivered across four UK‑based NERC centres:
* British Antarctic Survey
* British Geological Survey
* National Oceanography Centre
* UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology
About the Summer Placement
Student life is great, but taking time out to gain workplace experience can be both rewarding and invaluable as you choose your path ahead. We offer the opportunity to make a difference from day one. Everything we do has a global impact and our summer placements are no exception.
This placement offers a unique opportunity to gain client‑side experience in estate and construction project management within a dynamic research environment. The role will:
* Support the Estate Management Team in delivering the Estates Strategy & head office operational activities
* Shadow experienced professionals and learn from both head office and research centre perspectives
* Contribute to capital projects that enhance estate transformation, sustainability and compliance
* Travel to NERC sites across the UK to understand the link between strategic estate planning and operational delivery
Our small, collaborative team will provide guidance and mentorship, ensuring the successful candidate develops a broad range of skills and gains valuable insight into managing sophisticated estates that support pioneering science.
Key Duties & Responsibilities
* Health & compliance support: Assist with estate health checks and compliance exercises to ensure standards are met.
* Data analysis & insights: Collect, organise, and assist with the analysis of estate data; help develop dashboards and infographics to inform decision‑making.
* Estate strategy delivery: Support activities related to the implementation of the NERC Estate Strategy and assist with managing associated framework tasks.
* Funding coordination: Assist in preparing and gathering long‑term maintenance funding requests to support delivery of condition survey.
* Project assurance: Provide support for project management assurance and contribute to RIBA and business case development.
* Flexibility: Be willing to work in a hybrid environment and travel to NERC Head Office and centres as required, including occasional overnight stays.
Person Specification
Essential
* Full‑time university student returning to studies to complete an undergraduate degree after the placement.
* Right to live and work in the UK for the duration of the placement.
* Studying a relevant estate management/surveying course such as building surveying, property management & real estate, commercial management, construction & property, construction management.
* Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word and Excel).
* Planned and organised approach to work and meeting deadlines.
* Able to work well within a team and demonstrate initiative.
* Strong interpersonal, communication (written and verbal) and problem‑solving skills.
Desirable
* Ability to work independently, using available resources to overcome challenges.
* Experience of data analysis.
* Understanding key challenges and opportunities in making buildings more sustainable, including reducing carbon emissions and improving environmental and financial performance.
* Willingness to travel to other UKRI sites on occasions.
Employee Benefits
* 30 days holiday pro‑rata
* Flexible working hours
* Easily accessible public transport links / free parking
* Excellent learning and development opportunities
As this job does not fulfil the UK Government minimum criterion for obtaining sponsored migrant worker status, we will be unable to apply for sponsorship for anyone not eligible to work in the UK. At interview, all shortlisted candidates are required to bring identification documents and original documents proving they hold or can obtain the right to work in the UK.
Application Guidance
Please note that we can only accept a maximum of two applications per candidate. Part of our application process involves submitting your CV and a cover letter. Your cover letter should address your suitability for the opportunity based on how you meet each essential criterion stated in this advert. We hold the right to close this vacancy early if a sufficient number of applications have been received.
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