Devon County Council’s Flood & Coastal Risk Management Team are recruiting a new graduate to work on an environmental project relating to flood resilience in the local community. This is an exciting opportunity for individuals with an interest in environmental impact to learn about and gain experience in flood resilience, natural flood management, property flood resilience and flood warning systems working across the beautiful county of Devon.

This role is part of theGraduate Business Partnership(GBP) Scheme and offers full-time hours (36.5 hours per week) over a 22-month contract. You will be employed by the University of Exeter and seconded to Devon County Council, which means you’ll have access to the competitive benefits on offer from both organisations.

A driving licence is essential for this role as you will need to undertake occasional site visits across Devon. You have the option to work remotely with 1-2 days per week at either County Hall or Great Moor House in Exeter. Travel expenses for business purposes will be covered, and you will have access to a pool car if you do not have your own transport.

Key Dates

Closing Date: 10/7/25

Interview Dates: 21/22/24 July

Start Date: ASAP after interview/Flexible

End date: 31/3/27

Salary: £26,257 per annum

Purpose of the Role

We are looking for an enthusiastic individual to join our team to help communities across Devon to prepare for and become more resilient to the risk of flooding. You will be proactive and flexible, have an interest in natural flood risk management and flood resilience, and most importantly have a passion to make a difference to people's lives. As your knowledge and experience develops, you will have the chance to get involved in other related projects and adopt a leading role on initiatives, if this is of interest. You will learn from a huge range of partners to deliver flood resilience interventions including natural flood management and nature-based solutions across the beautiful county of Devon.

The team is largely working in a hybrid way with a mixture of home and office work. The office is based at County Hall in Exeter. You will need to be located within easy travelling distance of Devon, for site visits and events, such as physical public engagement events. You will therefore need to travel throughout Devon to plan and take part in these events including occasional evening or weekend events. The teams currently meet once a week (sometimes twice a week when other team meetings are scheduled) at the offices at County Hall. Your travel expenses will be covered, and you will have access to a pool car if you do not have your own transport.

You will support the following projects and activities:

The Flood and Coastal Devon Resilience Innovation Project (DRIP)

The project is delivered by 16 Devon based partner organisations including DCC as the lead partner. The project is working closely with over 20 communities in Devon and is looking to deliver innovative flood resilience actions including natural flood management, property flood resilience measures and new flood warning systems.

Duties and Responsibilities

The main purpose of this role is to:

• Support the Project Manager and the Project Officer with day-to-day project delivery activities including implementing flood resilience interventions, managing flood resilience data (including working with GIS data), organising events, engaging targeted communities and project administration.
• Develop and manage communications and stakeholder engagement activities specifically for the project including website updates, writing contents for local newsletters, press releases and social media and planning and scheduling social media campaigns and project updates.
• You will interact with the Marketing, Press and PR Teams at Devon County Council, and you will work closely with the DRIP Project Officer and project partners coordinating social media releases and ensuring communications are consistent across the project partners.

The Wider Flood & Coastal Risk Management Team

• You will occasionally support the wider Flood and Coastal Risk Management Team in delivering the varied roles and responsibilities expected of the Lead Local Flood Authority with the aim of reducing flood risk to properties within Devon. For example: assisting flood risk officers with site visits, land drainage enquiries, watercourse consenting and enforcement, minor flood investigations and writing flood incident reports.

Training and Development - What Skills and Experience will this Opportunity Provide?

• You will receive on the job training from members of your team to help you get started. There will be plenty of opportunities to learn from others especially from the DCC Officers and where appropriate to attend technical/non-technical training courses and/or seminars/workshops to develop your skills and knowledge.
• There will be an element of mandatory DCC online training to keep abreast of usually including Cyber Security, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, Fire Safety and others.

You will be asked to complete the University’s mandatory online training in:

• Prevent Duty - Inclusive, Cohesive and Safe Universities
• Equality and Diversity Introduction
• Health and Safety Introduction
• Information Governance

Support Available

• Daily line management and support will be provided by the Project Manager and Project Officer within Devon County Council’s Environment Group including weekly one to one catch ups.
• More formal supervision meetings will be arranged every 1 – 2 months or as required.
• You will be offered 1:1 support from the Internships Team at the University.
• The university offers extensive support to staff, including a structured Professional Development Review andWellbeing Serviceplus 1:1 support from the Internships Team.

The Benefits

• Devon County Council operates a flexible working policy to support work-life balance.
• You will have the opportunity to help the public by reducing the risk of flooding to their properties which can be very rewarding.
• Travel expenses or personal mileage will be paid when out on official business.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) will be provided as required.
• A laptop and any necessary ancillary equipment will be provided to carry out the role and a dedicated docking station and desk when in the office. All relevant checks will be carried out to ensure safe working arrangements are in place.
• There is an active social group for Graduate officers operating at DCC, meeting at the Coaver Club on Wednesday lunchtimes
• Development Days in July and December for whole Environment Directorate

You will have access to a wide range of benefits, rewards and recognition from the University including:

• 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.
• 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 the You (Person Specification)

E=Essential D=Desirable

Attainments/Qualifications

• You should have graduated from aUK-based university in the last 3 years.
• A relevant degree e.g., geography, ecology, environmental science, hydrology, science, engineering, communications (E)
• International graduates with a Graduate Visa are welcome to apply.
• DCC welcomes applications from all backgrounds including underrepresented backgrounds and individuals who may have a disability. Please indicate how the team can support you during the interview process on the application form, if you are shortlisted.

Personal Qualities and Attributes

• Enthusiasm, energy, and a passion for bringing people together to improve flood resilience and people’s lives (E)
• A strong interest in flood risk management, flood resilience, climate adaptation and/or carbon reduction. (E)
• Enthusiasm for working with others, networking and proactively developing strong working relationships with others. (E)
• A strong interest in all forms of communication (social media, websites, events etc). (E)
• Flexible and proactive – able to deal with changing priorities and identify better ways of working. (E)

Skills

• Organised and self-motivated. The role will require organising meetings, events, webinars, and workshops and will involve working from home where appropriate. (E)
• Ability to plan and prioritise (E)
• Strong written/report writing skills and confident verbal communication skills. (E)
• Ability to convey technical information clearly to a range of people including members of the public and community groups (Training and support will be provided). (E)
• Attention to detail when writing, editing and proof reading(E)
• Ability to use GIS and Microsoft Office e.g., Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint. (E)
• Good interpersonal skills (E)
• A commitment towards equality and diversity. (E)
• Willingness and ability to work in a team environment and independently (E)

Knowledge

• A broad understanding of river and coastal science, flood risks and flood resilience and climate adaptation (D)
• Knowledge or experience of using technical software associated with website updates, social media, and video editing (D)

Prior Experience

• Some communication experience (as a volunteer or paid) – For example: using social media or other comms channels (video etc), writing newsletters, articles, creating or updating content for a website (E)
• Previous experience adapting when working with a diverse range of people
• Relevant project or research work- paid or voluntary (D)

About Devon County Council

Devon County Council’s Environment Group sits in the Flood & Coastal Risk Management Team at Devon County Council (DCC) and will be managed by the Special Projects Manager (Environment & Major Schemes). Working for DCC you will meet likeminded, passionate people who make a difference to this beautiful county. Without the staff at DCC, we would not be able to build our strong resilient communities, look after the beautiful landscapes or provide first class education to the thousands of children in the county.DCC values the benefits of having a diverse workforce and is committed to providing equal opportunities and an inclusive working environment. We welcome applications from people who share our commitment to challenge inequality and promote diversity across Devon.

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 atany 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 UKwithin 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 promotesequality 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 schemehere
• 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 foundhere. Candidates shouldcontinue to have permission for the duration of the GBP contract. This includes British citizens, individuals with anEU Pre-Settlement or EU-Settlement Status; and those with aGraduate Route Visa.
• All graduates need to reside in the UK whilst undertaking this role.

How to Apply

• Download and complete the attached2024-25Internship 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 7772
• Please save your Internship Application Form as ‘your name -GBP 7772’
• The University is a Disability Confident employer and assuchthis 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 employingorganisationand why you think you would be a suitable candidate for this role.
• Send your completed application (not by OneDrive) tointernships@exeter.ac.uk, with the reference code:GBP 7772in 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 preparationhere.
• (Exeter graduates only)If you need support with your application,you can book an appointment through theCareer 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 anyquestions, you can email the Internships Team atinternships@exeter.ac.uk