New for 2023: summer placements scheme at BGS

BGS is excited to be trialling a placement scheme during the summer of 2023 for students^* who are about to enter university, or who are currently studying as an undergraduate student in years 1 or 2 of their geography, earth science or environmental sciences degree. We can take up to four students who will have the opportunity to:

• learn about BGS
• learn and experience the diversity of job roles within the geosciences
• work on a number of collaborative geoscience projects with an equality, diversity and inclusion and public engagement component

BGS welcome applications from students who meet the criteria outlined. We particularly welcome applications from under-represented groups in the geographical, earth and environmental sciences (GEES), for example individuals from ethnic minority backgrounds, women and people with disabilities (visible and hidden).

^*Students applying for this scheme must be 18 or over by 24 July 2023.

Criteria

• Completed sixth form or in years 1 or 2 of an undergraduate GEES degree
• Available for six weeks between 24 July and 8 September 2023
• Over 18 by 24 July 2023
• Applied by the deadline 16:00 on Friday 23 June 2023
• Submit a CV and a covering letter that addresses the three main questions (how to apply)

If your experience looks a little different from these criteria and you think you can bring value to the role, we would love to learn more about you.

What does the scheme involve?

This scheme will be delivered by BGS in partnership with the School of Geography, University of Nottingham. The placement is designed to run for six weeks. During this time, you will:

• be introduced to the diverse range of job roles that are related to geoscience and the work of BGS
• work independently and collaboratively on a small number of projects that crossover with equality, diversity and inclusion and public engagement
• gain work experience in the geosciences
• gain practical experience in geoscience techniques, including a small amount of local field work and laboratory experience
• gain skills in CV writing and interview techniques
• meet many different people from BGS and the School of Geography

What would a typical day look like?

Your working day will be six hours. You will be based at the BGS headquarters in Keyworth (Nottingham) for four out of the five days in any week. When at BGS, a typical day could involve a two-hour (or more) interactive session with a member of BGS staff to learn about their work and, where possible, to experience and try it out for yourself! You will then spend four hours of the day working on collaborative or independent projects. We have some projects in mind, but we are also open to your ideas and can support you in developing a project during this time.

Where are the placements located?

The placements will be hosted at the BGS headquarters in Keyworth, Nottingham (NG12 5GG). You will spend one day a week based at the School of Geography, University of Nottingham (NG7 2RD).

BGS values the ability to work flexibly and hybrid working may be an option for small components of this role. Given the nature of the placement, there are several components that will need to be undertaken in person and cannot be completed remotely.

Is this a paid placement?

Yes. The four places available for the summer placements are paid. You will be contracted to work 30 hours per week (09:00 to 15:30)^**. The salary for these positions will be £20 049 pro rata. For this placement scheme, this roughly equates to an hourly rate of £10.42.

^**The hours are inclusive of a lunch break (total 32.5 hours per week).

How to apply

If you would like to apply for this scheme you will need to send a CV and covering letter (maximum one page) to the EID team (EDITeam@bgs.ac.uk). Please ensure all files names include your surname (for example, Mills_CV, Mills_Letter).

Your covering letter should include:

• information about you and your experience so far
• where you see your degree taking you
• why you are interested in a summer placement at BGS

The closing date for applications is no later than 16:00 on Friday 23 June 2023. Applicants will be notified of the outcome no later than Friday 30 June 2023.

We will not be interviewing for these positions. If the scheme is over-subscribed, all eligible applications (those that meet the criteria outlined above) will be pooled and places allocated using a randomised approach.

Further information

Find out more about BGS.

If you have any questions about this scheme, please contact Dr Keely Mills, the scheme coordinator.