Apply for the Electrical Engineering Graduate Programme with The Environment Agency by 12th March

Graduate electrical engineers are invited to work with the Environment Agency on flood risk management at the iconic Thames Barrier. Apply by 12th March 2022.

Job description

The Environment Agency are looking for graduate Electrical Engineers to join our well established and highly experienced MEICA teams (Mechanical, Electrical, Instrumentation, Control and Automation). As an Electrical Engineering graduate with the Environment Agency, you can have a major impact on reducing the risks to people, households and businesses from flooding.

You’ll follow a structured and well supported training programme that satisfies the requirements of the engineering council and Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) to become a Chartered Engineer. Our structured graduate programme lasts between four to five years and offers you a mix of internal and external placements. You’ll build your skills in everything from asset management to project feasibility, planning to design, and project management to site supervision. You’ll gain the full range of relevant attributes and capabilities to complete your chartered professional review.

One of the available posts will be based at the Thames Barrier.

The team

You will join a team of professional engineers who will support you throughout the scheme. They will share their extensive knowledge and experience to encourage your development to Chartered Engineer. Throughout the scheme there will be opportunities to join other projects and teams across the country providing a varied work environment.

There is one post available at the iconic Thames Barrier in Southeast London.

Experience/skills required

We’re looking for graduates with the innovation and passion to make a difference. Keen to learn, you will be ready to make the most of all the placements and opportunities that this scheme offers. You will also have evidence of skills you’ll need to develop during the programme including leadership, collaboration, people skills and problem-solving.

Knowledge of High-Voltage, pumping stations and waste-water treatment is preferable but not essential.

To join the graduate programme, you’ll need an accredited Electrical Engineering degree (or BEng (hons) plus an appropriate Masters degree or approved further learning to Masters level). Please visit the IET website if you are unsure that your degree meets the criteria.

Contact and additional information

If you have any questions about the scheme, please email gradengineers@environment-agency.gov.uk using ‘Graduate Electrical Engineers’ as the subject of your email.

The successful applicant for the role at the Thames Barrier will be required to pass suitable security vetting including a Counter Terrorism Check (CTC).

Assessments will take place in March/April 2022. This is likely to be face to face but virtual assessments might be used in line with government restrictions at the time.

We expect successful candidates to start in September 2022 (other dates will be considered).

We are committed to being an inclusive employer, ensuring equal opportunities and keen to have a workforce to reflect the full diversity of the communities we serve. We welcome applications from individuals of any age/gender or background.

Role Competencies

Competence 1: Takes Decisions and Solves Problems

The competency questions will be the first stage of the selection process. You may want to use the STAR approach and the indicators detailed in the candidate pack to help you write your answers. These competencies will also make up some of the interview if you are successful. We are also interested in how you would describe and demonstrate behaviours to meet the Environment Agency’s Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management Strategy.

Through your development as a graduate engineer you will be encouraged to take decisions and solve problems when working within teams and on projects.

Describe a time when you had to take initiative to develop an innovative solution. How did you come to your chosen solution?

Competence 2: Works in Teams

Through your development as a graduate engineer you will work in a variety of different teams, each working to achieve a common goal. Please give an example of a time when you have successfully supported others in a team to obtain a positive outcome?

Competence 3: Environmental Awareness

The Environment Agency has set an aim of becoming a carbon net zero organisation by 2030. Our 2020 Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management Strategy’s long-term vision is for: a nation ready for, and resilient to, flooding and coastal change – today, tomorrow and to the year 2100. These are key areas where you will be able to make a difference and be part of the solution.

Identify and describe electrical sustainable solutions that could help the Environment Agency meet the aims of the 2020 Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management Strategy.

Competence 4: Manages Self

Our graduate engineers are self-motivated and committed to all aspects of their personal development. This includes developing resilience and having an enquiring and growth mind set.

Describe a time when you received negative feedback, how did you respond to it and what did it teach you about yourself.

The post available at the Thames Barrier will require a Counter Terrorism Check.

To join the graduate programme, you’ll need an accredited Electrical Engineering degree (or BEng (hons) plus an appropriate Masters degree or approved further learning to Masters level). Please visit the IET website if you are unsure that your degree meets the criteria.