Summer Internship Programme – Water Sampling

Ready to own your future? At Scottish Water, our Summer Internship Programme empowers you to gain hands-on experience, tackle real challenges, and contribute to shaping Scotland’s future. This is more than just a summer job – it’s an opportunity to make a meaningful impact. As part of our team, you’ll play a key role in delivering essential services and infrastructure that help Scotland flourish every day.

You’ll be joining us at a fascinating time, as we transform into a more agile, innovative organisation that delivers outstanding service, provides great value for money, and works in an environmentally sustainable way that goes beyond Net Zero.

Graduating in 2027? Kickstart your career with a 12-week summer placement and start building your future today.

What you’ll do

The removal of wastewater doesn’t just happen. Our team of 400 samplers, scientists and support staff analyse their way through an average of one test every minute to ensure we protect public health and the environment. As such there is an ever-growing need for accurate real time data benefited by advancements in field monitoring technology.

As a Scientific Analysis & Logistics intern, you’ll be based within our Scientific Services, Business Improvement and Assurance function. You’ll have the opportunity to visit wastewater treatment works, learn what sampling is conducted onsite and how we ensure this data is reliable and accurate. You’ll gain an understanding of regulatory responsibilities and the quality standards that we work to. You’ll also support the development of our field monitoring activity, providing real-time information where it’s needed.

Although part of a team you will spend much of your time lone working and be responsible for complying with all health and safety standards and protocols both on and off site in line with business requirements. A driving licence is essential for this role and full training, sampling kit, PPE and access to a vehicle will be supplied to allow you to carry out your role confidently and safely.

This is a paid summer internship, with an hourly rate of £13.45, aligned with the Real Living Wage. The role is typically full-time (35 hours per week), though we’re open to discussing flexible working patterns where possible. For a 35-hour week, the equivalent annual salary would be approximately £24,574, pro-rated for the length of the internship.

What you’ll need

You’ll be in the penultimate year of your degree (or about to start a Masters), and on course for at least a 2:2 in a relevant discipline such as Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Sciences, or a similar degree. You’ll also need to be available for the full 12-week placement, starting in June.

Most of all, you’ll bring curiosity, enthusiasm, and a real desire to learn – along with the motivation to apply what you’re studying in a practical, real-world environment.

You’ll need to live within the central belt of Scotland as this role will be aligned to one of our key office locations in Juniper House (Edinburgh) or The Bridge (Stepps) and requires travel to multiple Scottish Water sites. Candidates need to hold a UK driving license for this position.

In terms of essential requirements? That’s it.

But here’s the thing…

We receive thousands of applications for our internship roles each year. So what helps candidates stand out?

Here are a few things we love to see:

• CVs that tell us more than just your grades. Show us what you’ve learned, what interests you, and what motivates you.
• Cover letters that explain why Scottish Water – and why this particular internship appeals to you.
• Applications that demonstrate our values:
  Bold, Responsible, Inspiring and Caring.

Looking out for you

While the work we do is important, it’s not the only thing that matters. That’s why we support a healthy work-life balance and flexible ways of working where possible.

You’ll gain meaningful experience, build your professional network, and get a real feel for what a future career at Scottish Water could look like – all while being supported by experienced colleagues who want you to succeed.

What happens next?

The closing date for applications is Sunday 8th February. Please submit your CV and a cover letter (maximum 500 words) as part of your application.

If shortlisted, final interviews will take place during February 23rd to March 13th and yes, you’ll get the chance to ask us plenty of questions too.

If you accept a place on the programme, you’ll complete pre-employment screening during the Spring, including a criminal record check.

All interns will start together in June for a 12-week Summer Internship, finishing at the end of August. You’ll take part in an induction, meet fellow interns and colleagues, learn about the organisation, visit operational sites, and hopefully have a lot of fun along the way.