Summer Student Placement Opportunity: Economic Impact and Business Potential Study – 4c Engineering
Applications are now closed. For further information, please contact the organisers directly.
Are you a current student with an interest in economic development in rural Scotland, who understands the importance of good data, and has an interest in sustainability?
If so, we have a summer placement opportunity that might be just what you are looking for!
4c Engineering is seeking a summer student to work with us on an Economic Impact and Business Potential Study. The project aims to evaluate the potential economic impact and business opportunities associated with peatland restoration and associated industries in the North Highlands.
While it may seem a bit unusual for an engineering company to hire for a non-engineering role, the underlying challenge is to uncover useful data and investigate solutions for problems – not so different from engineering after all!
The placement will be based in Inverness, with the potential for remote/hybrid working, and will include an element of fieldwork in the North Highlands region.
If this sounds like something you would be interested in, please read on for further details…
Position Title: Summer Student for Economic Impact and Business Potential Study (EIBPS)
Project: Economic Impact and Business Potential Study (EIBPS) for the Flow Country Partnership’s Green Finance Initiative Steering Group (FCGFI) and funded by North Highland Initiative (NHI) and Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).
Project Overview: The EIBPS aims to evaluate the potential economic impact and business opportunities associated with peatland restoration and associated industries in the Flow Country and wider North Highlands. The project will involve desk research, online surveys, fieldwork, and consultations with relevant businesses and stakeholders in the region. The study will focus on identifying restoration industry opportunities, scoping potential spin-out industries, evaluating regenerative agriculture opportunities, assessing skills needs and barriers, identifying local supply chain barriers and solutions, and exploring opportunities for enhancing existing land uses and businesses.
Position Overview: The summer student will support the project team in conducting administrative and fieldwork tasks to gather data, information, and insights from relevant stakeholders in the Flow Country. The student will work alongside and under the direction of Peter MacDonald, who will act as their mentor during the project. The student will assist with online surveys, fieldwork, and consultations with relevant businesses and stakeholders in the region, a key part of this will be the appropriate use of technology to gather, process/analyse and present data.
Disciplines: The position would be suitable for students studying economics, agriculture, business, environmental studies, geography, or related fields, however, students from outwith these fields, but with a particular interest in the subject are also encouraged to apply.
Responsibilities:
- Creating and disseminating online surveys to gather data from relevant stakeholders in the North Highland area
- Conduct administrative tasks to support the project team.
- In-person consultations with relevant businesses and stakeholders in the region.
- Participate in team meetings and contribute to discussions on project progress and findings.
- Collation/analysis/presentation of findings.
Skills, experience, and personal qualities required of student:
Essential:
- Currently enrolled in a relevant degree program, and returning to degree after the summer.
- Strong research skills, including the ability to conduct comprehensive literature reviews and synthesise complex information.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to produce clear, concise, and persuasive reports and presentations.
- Ability to work independently and take initiative, while also collaborating effectively with team members and project partners.
- Attention to detail, with the ability to manage complex data sets and ensure accuracy and completeness of information.
- Strong organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritise and meet deadlines in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
Desirable:
- Basic knowledge of peatland restoration, biodiversity restoration, carbon credits, and/or finance would be an advantage.
- Experience in data analysis, statistical modelling, and/or GIS mapping would be an advantage.
- Familiarity with research methods in social sciences, economics, or environmental studies, including experience with fieldwork and conducting interviews.
- Knowledge of sustainability and environmental management practices in business.
- Familiarity with the North Highlands/Flow Country is an asset.
Duration: Late May/early June to September (~12 weeks)
Location: Inverness based, with potential for remote/hybrid working, and an element of fieldwork
Compensation: Paid, £11/hour, 40 hours per week
To apply, please send CV and covering letter explaining why you would be suitable for this position to info@4cengineering.co.uk, closing date for applications is 5pm on Monday 1st May.
This placement is part-funded by the Technology Placement Programme (TPP) which delivers graduate placements on behalf of Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE). The TPP is funded through the Northern Innovation Hub (NIH) and City-Region deal funds from the UK Government.