Location
Office based in Aldermaston, near Reading, Berkshire.

Hours
Full Time

Salary
Starting salary £31,000 plus benefits and welcome bonus

About the Role
Join AWE's two-year Evolve graduate development scheme on the SHEQ pathway in Environment, where you will develop your skills and work alongside remarkable people in unique facilities on extraordinary products. AWE plays a critical role in national security by delivering the next generation of the UK's nuclear deterrent and supporting government efforts in counter-terrorism, nuclear test monitoring, and nuclear science expertise.

As a graduate environmental specialist, you will be part of a team implementing AWE's Environmental Management System (ISO 14001 certified). Your responsibilities will include undertaking environmental risk assessments, ensuring compliance with Environmental Permits, and driving environmental improvements aligned with AWE's Environmental Sustainability Strategy, including climate change resilience and net zero transition plans.

The role offers exposure across the entire project lifecycle, including design, modifications, production, research & development, and decommissioning of facilities. You will also gain experience working with regulators and collaborating with management, facility operators, infrastructure delivery, and technical support teams.

Key development areas include:
- Practical implementation of AWE's Environmental Management System
- Environmental Risk Assessment and risk-based inspections
- Knowledge of radioactive waste management and Best Available Technique application
- Understanding sustainability initiatives such as carbon reduction, biodiversity enhancement, and circular economy principles
- Use of sustainability assessment tools including Sustainability Appraisals and Defence Related Environmental Assessment Methodology
- Continuous development of environmental legislation knowledge

AWE supports professional development through corporate membership of the Institute of Environmental Assessment and Management (IEMA) and progression to Chartered Status or other relevant professional bodies.

Experience
No prior experience required; enthusiasm and a willingness to learn are essential.

About you
You are naturally curious, enjoy solving complex problems, and are not afraid to ask questions. You bring a dependable, team-focused mindset and a strong willingness to learn. Resilience, eagerness to grow, and excitement to apply your skills to real-world challenges will help you thrive. You embrace behaviours such as connecting with respect, keeping promises, maintaining safety and security, and embracing simplicity.

Qualifications
You will graduate with a minimum 2:2 degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Management, Geography, Geology, or related science or engineering subjects. You must be able to join AWE in September 2026 and provide evidence of your degree classification before starting.

Additional requirements:
- Must be a British National able to obtain and maintain the necessary security clearance (SC or DV), requiring UK residency for the past 5 to 10 years.
- Willingness and ability to obtain and maintain security clearance for the role.

AWE values diversity and inclusion and encourages applicants from all backgrounds. Reasonable adjustments are available throughout the recruitment process to support your success.