NERC Estate Management Summer Placement

Natural Environment Research Council
Salary: 23493 per annum
Contract Type: Fixed Term 8 weeks
Hours: Full-time
Location:Polaris House Swindon Wiltshire
Closing date:8th March 2026
Interview: In person at Polaris House in April 2026
Start date: June/July 2026

As the NERC Management Estate team we deliver the NERC UK Estates Strategy creating a modern efficient compliant and fit-for-purpose sustainable estate that fully supports extraordinary environmental science.

Our role is to lead the strategic transformation programme to modernise and optimise the NERC estate ensuring it meets the needs of pioneering research. This work is supported by head office operational activities that provide:

• Compliance and landlord assurance
• Environmental sustainability initiatives
• Condition and asset management
• Budgetary control and capital project oversight

We deliver these services across four UK-based NERC Centres:

• British Antarctic Survey
• British Geological Survey
• National Oceanography Centre
• UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology

About the Summer Placement

Student life is great but taking time out to gain experience of the workplace can be both a rewarding and invaluable experience as you choose your path ahead. We can offer you the opportunity to make a difference from day one. Everything we do has an impact globally and our Summer Placements are no exception.

This placement offers a unique opportunity to gain client-side experience in estate and construction project management within a dynamic research environment. The role will:

• Support the Estate Management Team in delivering the Estates Strategy & head office operational activities
• Shadow experienced professionals and learn from both head office and research centre perspectives.
• Chip in to capital projects that enhance estate transformation sustainability and compliance.
• Travel to NERC sites across the UK to understand the link between strategic estate planning and operational delivery.

Our small collaborative team will provide guidance and mentorship ensuring the successful candidate develops a broad level of skills and gain valuable insight into managing sophisticated estates that support pioneering science.

Summary of Key Duties & Responsibilities

As a member of the Estate Management Team this opportunity will support and assist in the following areas:

• Health & Compliance Support: Assist with estate health checks and compliance exercises to ensure standards are met.
• Data Analysis & Insights: Collect organise and assist with the analysis of estate data. Help develop dashboards and infographics to inform decision-making.
• Estate Strategy Delivery: Support activities related to the implementation of the NERC Estate Strategy and assist with managing associated framework tasks.
• Funding Coordination: Assist in preparing and gathering long-term maintenance funding requests to support delivery of condition survey.
• Project Assurance: Provide support for project management assurance and contribute to RIBA and business case development.
• Flexibility: Be willing to work in a hybrid environment and travel to NERC Head Office and centres as required which may include occasional overnight stays.

Person Specification

The below criteria will be scored during Shortlisting (S) Interview (I) or both (S&I).

In order to apply for the role we are looking for the following:

Essential:

• You are in full time education at university and will be returning to university/your studies to complete your undergraduate degree once the summer placement has concluded (S)
• You have the right to live and work in the UK for the duration of the placement(S)
  You are studying a relevant estate management/surveying course such as building surveying property management & real estate commercial management construction & property construction management (S)
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office particularly Word and Excel (S)
• A planned and organised approach to work and to meeting deadlines (S)
• Able to work well within a team and demonstrate initiative (I)
• Strong inter-personal skills particularly in communication (both written and verbal) and problem solving (S&I)

Desirable:

• Can work independently using available resources to overcome challenges (I)
• Experience of data analysis (S)
• Understanding key challenges and opportunities in making buildings more sustainable including reducing carbon emissions and improving environmental and financial performance (S&I)
• Willingness to travel to other UKRI sites on occasions (S)

Employee Benefits

We are offering a permanent position with a whole host of benefits including:

• 30 days holiday pro rata
• Flexible working hours.
• Easily accessible public transport links/ free parking
• Excellent learning and development opportunities

Link to more benefits: this job does not fulfil the UK Government minimum criterion for obtaining sponsored migrant worker status we will be unable to apply for sponsorship for anyone not eligible to work in the UK. At interview all shortlisted candidates are required to bring with them identification documents and original documents that prove they hold or can obtain the right to work in the UK.

You can check your eligibility here: Guidance

Please note that we can only accept a maximum of 2 applications per candidate.

Part of our application process involves submitting your CV and a cover letter. Your cover letter should address your suitability for the opportunity based how you meet each essential criteria stated in this advert.

Please note that we hold the right to close this vacancy early if a sufficient number of applications have been received.

If you have any questions regarding this placement please feel free to contact the early careers resourcing team via