Role
***Ringfenced to level 5 & 6 LJMU students only***
***Applications must be submitted using the application form linked below. Please upload it instead of a CV. Any other method will not be accepted***
Download application form
This is an exciting opportunity for an undergraduate with a keen interest in environmental issues to develop their knowledge and understanding of climate change mitigation projects and policy, and local government procedures. The Climate and Environment internship will be based in the Climate, Waste & Open Spaces Department under the Place Services Directorate at St. Helens Council. The department is based at the Hardshaw Brook Depot in St Helens but there would also be opportunities for blended working. The department is focused on sustainability and improving the environment of St. Helens including:
- climate change mitigation projects,
- emissions monitoring and reduction,
- increasing recycling and reducing waste,
- creating & maintaining green spaces,
- promoting local nature recovery,
- working with other departments to ensure sustainability in new developments and transport projects.
The role would involve working on a project relating to climate change and the environment in St Helens which could be partially determined by the interest and experience of the intern and the needs of the department. There would also be opportunities to learn the workings of different roles in the department and local government procedures. The successful candidate would also be able to improve their IT skills with use of Office 365, Teams and GIS.
Duties and responsibilities
Purpose:
Delivering a project as part of the Council’s response to the declaration of a climate emergency. The postholder will support the implementation of the Climate Change Action Plan and assist the Climate Change Manager with the development, implementation and monitoring of sustainability, carbon reduction and climate change adaptation projects.
Main duties:
The intern will work with the Climate Change Manager to complete a project from the St. Helens Climate Change Action Plan. There are a range of projects available which would be determined by the intern’s interests and experience. Some examples of projects include:
- local nature recovery & biodiversity net gain,
- increasing community engagement with climate change mitigation and creating an awareness programme,
- increasing engagement with schools and creating an education programme on climate change,
- increasing engagement with businesses and making them aware of climate change risks and mitigation,
- investigating the monitoring of Scope 3 emissions.
Specific responsibilities:
- Support the response to any emerging national policy, funding opportunities or statutory requirements placed on the Local Authority in relation to carbon reduction, open spaces, sustainability or the wider climate change agenda.
- Help to promote and communicate the work being done by the Council and its partners in response to the climate emergency
- Act as a climate change champion both internally and externally.
- Engagement and collaborative working both within the Council and its wider partners to promote the role the council is playing in responding to the climate emergency and to foster collective action.
Generic responsibilities:
These are standard responsibilities to be included in all job descriptions to ensure consistency across the Council
- To contribute to ensuring the function’s business targets are met, in accordance with best practice, to agreed specification, and with full compliance with health, safety, professional standards, statutory and other relevant legislation.
- To work collaboratively with Council colleagues as and when required.
- To behave in accordance with St Helens accountabilities framework and the Council’s Code of Conduct a fundamental aspect of which is the “Seven Principles of Public Life”.
- To comply with the Council’s Policy Framework.
- To undertake training and development as required.
Skills and experience
Knowledge & Qualifications:
- Relevant Level 4 Qualification (e.g., Geography, Environmental Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Engineering, Applied Science, Maths, Geology etc).
- Studying for a relevant qualification at Level 5 or 6 relating to climate change, the environment, sustainability, communities or other relevant areas (for example Geography, Environmental Science, Biological Sciences, Wildlife Conservation, Engineering, other relevant sciences etc).
- Knowledge of relevant legislation and concepts/principals in relation to climate change/sustainability/ environmental policy.
Skills:
- Good interpersonal skills and communication skills enabling effective communication on all levels.
- Ability to work as part of a team and independently.
- Demonstrate good timekeeping/time management and organisational skills.
- Good analytical skills which enable the production of meaningful data.
- Basic IT skills such as use of Microsoft 365.
- The ability to prepare and present accurate and meaningful information to the Climate Change and Environment team.
Location
WA10 9SU / Liverpool
Additional information
***Ringfenced to level 5 & 6 LJMU students only***
***Applications must be submitted using the application form linked below. Please upload it instead of a CV. Any other method will not be accepted***
Download application form
Applications close at 11:59pm on Sunday 5th October 2025
Apply for job