Summer Development Internship Programme

The Environment Agency is an executive body of government that tackles environmental issues of national and international importance.

We work across a vast range of disciplines and deal with everything from flood defences to water quality, air quality, industry regulation, climate change and much more.

Whether you take on a role in science, policy making, finance, facilities management or one of our other crucial departments, you'll play a part in preserving and improving the environment on behalf of communities and the natural world for generations to come.

Within England we're responsible for

• regulating major industry and waste
• treatment of contaminated land
• water quality and resources
• fisheries
• inland river, estuary and harbour navigations
• conservation and ecology

We are also responsible for managing the risk of flooding from main rivers, reservoirs, estuaries and the sea.

Lead local flood authorities (LLFAs) are responsible for managing the risk of flooding from surface water, groundwater and ordinary watercourses and lead on community recovery.

Our priorities are to

• work with businesses and other organisations to manage the use of resources
• increase the resilience of people, property and businesses to the risks of flooding and coastal erosion
• protect and improve water, land and biodiversity
• improve the way we work as a regulator to protect people and the environment and support sustainable growth

My internship with the Environment Agency was transformative, offering invaluable insights and networking opportunities that have significantly contributed to my career. I enthusiastically encourage prospective interns to seize this chance for personal and professional growth. Embrace the learning journey with peers and overcome impostor syndrome by recognising its commonality; don't let self-doubt deter you from making a meaningful impact.

Bestari Dwilo – Intern air quality and amenity

Area of opportunity

Above all, working with us is a chance to build a career for change. You'll do vital, purposeful work that helps us protect places, people and communities while you gain exceptional experience in your specialism.

As a graduate or intern, you'll get opportunities to grow your skills and benefit from dedicated mentors and coaches.

What's more, you'll be able to access our great benefits package, including generous annual leave, an excellent pension, flexible working arrangements and a variety of staff networks.

Start a career for change today.

Types of programs

Graduate Schemes – Environment and Science

We develop environment and science professionals of the future to create better places for people, wildlife, and the environment.

On our four-year graduate training scheme, you will be welcomed into one of a diverse range of permanent science-based roles across the organisation. With a variety of jobs on offer, you can apply for a role based on your specific preferences, interests, and specialisms.

Our scheme provides the framework, mentoring, and opportunities for success in your chosen profession. The blended learning approach we offer includes a combination of events, training modules, professional development mentoring, and on-the-job experience to help you build skills, competency, and knowledge.

Industry Placements

We offer paid industry placements lasting up to one year. These opportunities could see you either working on a specific project or working across multiple teams.

Our 12-month paid industry placements usually start in the late Summer/early Autumn.

Depending on the opportunities we have available, roles will be split into appropriate subject and/or location categories.

Previously, we have recruited for industry placements in

• Environment and science
• Business and communications
• Process and chemical engineering
• Civil and Mechanical, Electrical, Instrumentation, Control and Automation (MEICA) engineering

Internships – Summer Development Internship Programme (SDIP)

The SDIP is currently a positive action scheme (Equality Act 2010 (legislation.gov.uk) which is open to Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic* individuals.

Our evidence shows us that we have a very low representation rate of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic staff. The scheme was first launched in 2022 to improve diversity in the organisation and increase the opportunities available to young people. To learn more about the context surrounding this internship programme please read the Environment Agency equality, diversity and inclusion strategy 2022 to 2025 – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).

In its inaugural year, 25 interns were welcomed in the organisation, since then SDIP has continued to support young graduates in gaining opportunities with us every year, with 69 joining in 2023 and 26 interns being involved in the 2024 programme.

The programme offers interns an extensive support network and specific learning and development sessions to encourage growth and retention.