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WCMC Undergraduate Work Placement 2027-28

Assistant Coastal Process Scientist - Undergraduate Work Placement (12 months)

COASTAL SURVEY ROLE:

•Planning

•Fieldwork

•Processing and Analysis

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LOCATION: Wenvoe, nr. Cardiff. With travel to Welsh beaches

HOURS: Full time (37 hours/week)

CLOSING DATE: 06/11/2026 at 17:00

SALARY: NJC Single Status Spinal Point 2 - £25,949 (* as at April 2026)

* this may change based on any agreement in 2027

*Subject to annual funding approval March 2027

START DATE: 01/09/2027

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Planning 

About the Role

About Us:

Our organisation, established in 2019 and located in Wenvoe, plays a pivotal role in strategically monitoring the coastline of Wales. We work closely with risk management authorities, enabling evidence-based decision-making processes.

 

The Opportunity:

As an undergraduate placement with us, you will gain valuable experience in planning, executing, quality controlling, processing, and analysing coastal surveys. This role offers a unique chance to contribute to strategic planning at the national level while actively engaging with local stakeholders. You will also have the opportunity to compare historical data with your own survey findings, aiding in the interpretation of beach monitoring trends.

 

Key Responsibilities:

Survey Operations: Participate in planning and executing coastal surveys, ensuring high-quality data collection.

Data Analysis: Assist in processing and analysing survey data to derive meaningful insights.

Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with local stakeholders to ensure effective information sharing and alignment with project goals.

Historical Data Comparison: Use historical data for comparative analysis and interpretation of beach monitoring results.

Field and Office Work: Experience a balanced mix of fieldwork and desk-based tasks, fostering a well-rounded understanding of data collection and processing techniques.

 

Qualifications:

Currently pursuing an undergraduate degree in a related field.

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.

Enthusiasm for coastal and environmental studies.

 

Benefits:

Gain hands-on experience in coastal survey operations.

Contribute to evidence-based decision making at both local and national levels.

Collaborate with a dedicated team of professionals.

Opportunity for personal and professional growth through a well-rounded balance of fieldwork and office tasks.

Opportunity to work on additional projects such as our education programme and citizen science e.g. CoastSNAP.

Hybrid Working Environment: Although the role is based at our office we offer the flexibility of a hybrid work setup, with options to work from home if appropriate.

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If you are passionate about coastal monitoring and looking to enhance your skills while making a meaningful impact, we encourage you to apply for this exciting undergraduate placement opportunity.

Hear from one of our previous undergraduate placements

The video below is an excerpt from our invitation only 2025 annual stakeholder event

How to apply ​

The job description and person specification can be downloaded below. Please complete the application webform by 06/11/2026 at 17:00

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We will contact you by the 13/11/2026 if you are successful in getting an interview.​​

Before you begin your application: This form cannot save your progress for you to return later. We recommend preparing your answers in a separate document, then copying them into the form when you are ready to submit. Have your CV ready to upload.

Undergraduate Placement Application Form

ADMINISTRATION
A06. Will you have the right to work in the UK for the full 12-month placement period?
Yes
No
Unsure

(200 characters)

EXPERIENCE

(1200 characters)

For each relevant area, explain what you did personally, which tools or methods you used, and the result or something you learned.


Examples can come from university, employment, volunteering, clubs or personal projects. You do not need experience in every area. If you have no experience in these areas, please say so; previous experience is desirable rather than essential.

KNOWLEDGE

(600 characters)

Include evidence of using both applications. If you have not used one of them, please say so.

(600 characters)

Introductory university exercises are valid examples. If you have not used GIS, please say so.

SKILLS AND APTITUDE

(1200 characters)

How did you plan the task, research possible solutions, put your chosen approach into practice and check whether it worked? Explain what you did personally and what you would improve next time.


Your example can come from university, work, volunteering or an activity outside your studies.

QUALIFICATIONS AND TRAINING
4.1. Are you currently enrolled on an undergraduate honours degree, or an equivalent undergraduate programme?
Yes
No
Unsure
4.5. Are you able to undertake a 12-month undergraduate placement as part of your studies?
Yes
No
Unsure

(600 characters)

You may identify relevant modules or course content. Otherwise, enter 'Not applicable'.

Include your education, qualifications achieved and current degree programme. Do not include a photograph, date of birth, National Insurance number, identity documents or referees' contact details.


Your structured application answers will be used for shortlisting; the CV will support checks of your education and qualification history.

ATTITUDE AND MOTIVATION

(900 characters)

Examples can come from university, employment, volunteering, clubs or other activities.

OTHER
6.1. Do you hold a full, clean driving licence permitting you to drive manual vehicles in the UK?
Yes
No
6.2. The role involves driving or travelling throughout Wales and between work locations, with periods working away from your normal base that may include overnight stays. Are you able and willing to meet this requirement?
Yes
No
6.3. The role includes walking substantial distances across uneven or rocky intertidal terrain and carrying survey equipment. Can you undertake these duties, with reasonable adjustments where required?
Yes
No
6.4. How would you describe your current ability to speak Welsh?
No current ability
Basic
Conversational
Fluent
6.5. Are you willing to learn Welsh or develop your existing Welsh language skills?
Yes
No

(300 characters)

Do not include medical information or other sensitive personal details; any necessary discussion will be arranged separately.

DECLARATION
D01. I confirm that the information provided is accurate to the best of my knowledge and that the examples describe my own experience and contribution.
I confirm
PRIVACY ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
D03. I acknowledge that the recruitment privacy information and links to the Council's privacy notices have been provided to me by weblink a the bottom of this webpage
I acknowledge

As part of the recruitment process, Vale of Glamorgan Council collects and processes personal data relating to job applicants. 

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By submitting your application you consent to your personal data being collected and processed for the purpose of processing your application (click to read full statement). 

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