Job Summary
Devon County Council are recruiting a graduate to join as a Marine, Estuaries and Coastal Support Officer. In this role you will work closely with the Marine, Estuaries and Coastal Officer to support the effective delivery of projects across Devon’s marine, estuarine and coastal environments, with a particular focus on the Exe Estuary Management Partnership. You will support with admin, education and engagement, and communication, the role also involves networking with public sector, charitable, not-for-profit, and statutory organisations.
This role is part of the Graduate Business Partnership (GBP) scheme and offers full time hours (36.5 per week) from September 2025 for 12 months. The role offers flexible working arrangements and this role requires regular in-person attendance at Devon County Council offices in Exeter and site visits across Devon. You will be employed by the University of Exeter and seconded to DCC for the duration of your contract. This means you can take advantage of the benefits available from both organisations.
Key Dates
Closing Date: 31/07/25
Interview Date: 11-12/08/25
Start Date: 22/09/25
End Date: 21/09/26
Salary: £26,257 per annum
Purpose of the Role
This is an exciting opportunity for a recent graduate passionate about the marine, estuarine and coastal environment to gain hands on experience in estuary and coastal partnership management.
You’ll work closely with the Marine, Estuaries and Coastal Officer to support the effective delivery of projects across Devon’s marine, estuarine and coastal environments, with a particular focus on the Exe Estuary Management Partnership. The role involves networking with public sector, charitable, not-for-profit, and statutory organisations.
This role combines essential administrative support with the opportunity to lead inspiring engagement and education activities.
Duties and Responsibilities
Administrative and Partnership Support
* Monitor and manage the Exe Estuary Partnership mailbox: responding to enquiries
* Provide logistical support for the Partnership and related groups:
o Organise, book and attend meetings
o Take minutes and support meeting administration
* Help coordinate and deliver one Exe Estuary Forums (Winter):
o Source and liaise with speakers, venues, attendees
o Help develop promotional materials
* Support general work of the Marine, Estuaries and Coastal Officer as needed
Education and Engagement
* Shape and lead between 10 and 20 estuary-themed school sessions, working independently with minimal supervision
* Tailor session content to different age groups, curriculum links and local themes
* Assist in evaluating and improving engagement materials
Communications and Outreach
* Develop and deliver engaging and inspiring content for the Exe Estuary social media channels (Instagram)
* Maintain and update the Exe Estuary Management Partnership website with news, events, and project updates
* Create, gather content for, and distribute two digital newsletters (Spring and Autumn) for the Exe Estuary Management Partnership:
* Coordinate contributions from partners and stakeholders
* Draft, format and edit articles for clarity and consistency
* Circulate via mailing lists and promote through social media and the website
* Help promote positive stories from around the estuary and wider Devon coast
Training and Development - What Skills and Experience will this Opportunity Provide?
This role offers an excellent foundation for a graduate looking to build a career in the marine, environmental or public sector. You will gain a wide range of skills, knowledge and practical experience, including:
Project and Partnership Work
* Firsthand experience supporting a well-established multi-stakeholder partnership (Exe Estuary Management Partnership)
* Understanding the dynamics of estuarine and coastal management in practice
* Working within a local authority context on environmental and marine issues
Administrative and Organisational Skills
* Managing communications, responding to enquiries and supporting meetings
* Coordinating event logistics, including forums and partnership meetings
* Minute-taking, record-keeping and use of Microsoft Office and digital tools
Education and Outreach
* Planning and independently delivering environmental education sessions
* Adapting content to different age groups and learning needs
* Evaluating the impact of educational delivery and refining resources
Communications and Social Media
* Creating engaging and inspiring content for public audiences
* Managing and scheduling posts across different platforms
* Writing for different audiences including newsletters, websites and community stakeholders
Personal and Professional Development
* Developing confidence in independent working and initiative-taking
* Building professional communication and collaboration skills
* Opportunities to shadow and learn from experienced officers and external partners
* Insight into career pathways in marine and environmental sectors
Where possible, you will be encouraged to attend relevant training courses, networking events, and stakeholder site visits across Devon to broaden your understanding and skills.
Support Available
This role is designed to provide a supportive and developmental experience for a recent graduate. You will be offered:
* Regular supervision and guidance from the Marine, Estuaries and Coastal Officer, including:
o Weekly meetings with manager and informal support
o Clear task planning and guidance on priorities
o Feedback and reflection opportunities to support learning
* A comprehensive induction to Devon County Council and the Exe Estuary Management Partnership, including systems, procedures, and key contacts
* Mentoring and shadowing opportunities, including:
o Attending partnership meetings, forums, and external events
o Opportunities to observe and learn from more senior environmental officers, educators, and stakeholders
* Access to learning and development resources, such as:
o Devon County Council’s internal training platform
o Optional attendance at relevant external training, conferences, and workshops
o On-the-job training in tools such as social media scheduling, website editing, and newsletter design
* Encouragement to bring ideas forward and take ownership of certain projects with appropriate support
The role will balance independent working with structured supervision, ensuring you gain confidence, skills and valuable real-world experience in a safe and encouraging environment.
The Benefits
* Gain practical experience in environmental education, partnership working, event delivery and public engagement
* Build a portfolio of work including newsletters, school sessions, and social media campaigns
* Health and wellbeing e.g. eye test
* Reference
You will have access to a wide range of benefits, rewards and recognition from the University including:
* Flexible/hybrid working
* Generous pension
* A holiday allowance of 39 days per year
* Totum Card (student discount)
* Salary Exchange Schemes such as the Cycle to Work Scheme
* Discounted membership to the university's sports facilities including cricket centre, indoor/outdoor pools, squash courts and fitness centre’s.
* The university offers extensive support to staff, including a structured Professional Development Review and Wellbeing Service plus 1:1 support from the Internships Team.
* All Graduates are offered a ‘how to make the most of your internship’ guide.
* You will have access to the university’s Career Mentor Scheme and career consultancy opportunities.
* You will have access to the university’s extensive suite of online training which includes Excel, presentation skills, and negotiation skills.
* You will be invited to quarterly networking and professional development events through ‘The Graduate Network’.
About You (Person Specification)
Degree and Attainment
* A degree (or equivalent qualification) in a relevant subject such as: Marine Biology, Environmental Science, Geography, Ecology, Conservation, Coastal Management or related discipline
* A graduate from a UK university in the last 3 years
* A strong interest in marine, estuarine or coastal environments
Skills and Abilities
* Strong organisational skills and attention to detail
* Ability to manage time effectively, prioritise tasks and meet deadlines
* Confident communicator – both written and verbal – with a professional manner
* Able to work independently and take initiative, especially when delivering education sessions
* Comfortable using IT tools including email, Microsoft Office, and social media platforms
* Willingness to learn new systems and tools (e.g. website editors or newsletter design software)
Experience
* Experience working or volunteering in a relevant field (marine/coastal/environmental) is desirable
* Experience delivering education, outreach, or working with children/young people is an advantage
* Experience of organising events, workshops or forums (desirable but not essential)
* Experience using social media for engagement or promotion (desirable)
Personal Attributes
* Enthusiastic, proactive and adaptable
* A genuine passion for the marine and coastal environment, demonstrated through your studies, work experience, volunteering, community involvement, or other relevant activities.
* Comfortable working with a range of people, from school children to stakeholders and the public
* A collaborative team player, but also confident working independently
* Willing to travel within Devon – access to transport is desirable
About the Company
Devon County Council is the strategic authority for one of England’s most beautiful and ecologically diverse counties. Our mission is to create a greener, healthier, and more prosperous Devon, delivering essential services that support people, places, and the natural environment. We are committed to protecting and enhancing Devon’s stunning coastlines, estuaries and countryside through innovative, collaborative and evidence-based approaches. As an employer, we pride ourselves on creating an inclusive and supportive workplace that values professional development, flexible working, and employee wellbeing. Working for Devon County Council means being part of a forward-thinking organisation that’s making a tangible difference across communities and helping safeguard the future of Devon’s unique natural heritage.
Graduate Business Partnership (GBP) Scheme Requirements
* To undertake a graduate role through the GBP scheme, you must have either achieved your degree or be in your final year at any UK-based university.
* If you are in your final year, your working hours may be reduced to 15 hours per week (for undergraduates) or 6 hours per week (for postgraduates) to ensure you have the capacity to successfully complete your degree. More hours can be completed if your academic agrees and provides written confirmation.
* If you do not pass your degree, the GBP role will end early.
* You must have graduated in the UK within the last 3 years of your most recent degree (we will consider extenuating circumstances of potential applicants that may have prevented them from undertaking a graduate role within 3 years of graduation).
* The University of Exeter is committed to developing an environment which promotes equality of opportunity, values diversity and inclusivity.
* We are committed to creating an inclusive culture and engage with evidence-based charter frameworks for gender (Athena SWAN and Project Juno for Physics), race equality (Race Equality Charter Mark) and LGBTQ+ inclusion (Stonewall Diversity Champion)
* Learn about the university’s commitment to the Disability Confident scheme here
* At the time of starting employment, the successful candidate must have permission to work in the UK and evidence must be provided in advance of the appointment. Examples of suitable evidence can be found here. Candidates should continue to have permission for the duration of the GBP contract. This includes British citizens, individuals with an EU Pre-Settlement or EU-Settlement Status; and those with a Graduate Route Visa.
* All graduates need to reside in the UK whilst undertaking this role.
How to Apply
* Download and complete the attached 2024-25 Internship Application Form. CVs cannot be accepted. Please make sure you have downloaded the latest copy of the Internship Application Form.
* Guidance and useful tips for completing your application are found on the Internship Application Form.
* Refer to the job details contained within the advert when writing your personal statement.
* Use the STAR approach to evidence each requirement in the Person Specification.
* You should insert the correct reference code on the application form: GBP 7791
* Please save your Internship Application Form as ‘your name - GBP 7791’
* The University is a Disability Confident employer and as such this policy applies to recruitment through GBP Scheme. Applicants who identify a disability on the application form will be offered an interview if their application demonstrates they meet the essential criteria.
* Please also include details of any reasonable adjustments you may need for an interview or to undertake the role.
* You should explain why you would like to work for the employing organisation and why you think you would be a suitable candidate for this role.
* Send your completed application (not by OneDrive) to internships@exeter.ac.uk, with the reference code: GBP 7791 in the subject bar of your email, by the closing date.
Further Guidance and Support
* (Exeter graduates only) You can refer to the My Career Zone Digital resources on application and interview preparation here.
* (Exeter graduates only) If you need support with your application, you can book an appointment through the Career Zone.
* Unless stated, interview expenses will not be paid.
* It is recommended that you check your online presence on social media to ensure it represents you well, as some employers may undertake online research of their applicants.
* If you have any questions, you can email the Internships Team at internships@exeter.ac.uk