Career opportunities for grantors at National Grid

Discover how one of our surveyors used his love and knowledge of the land to secure a new career. Could you?

Steve still gets back home to help his father out on the family farm

Steve Hesketh grew up with his two brothers on their parents’ dairy farm near Preston, and was a big part of the working farm. But although he wanted to work on the land, he wanted something a little more stable.

He still returns every other weekend to help out, but life as a Senior Project Surveyor at National Grid gives him the scope to be part of a team changing the future of both the rural and energy landscapes.

We caught up with the Lancashire-based Land Officer as a major National Grid recruitment campaign for new land-based officers got under way, to find out why he made the change and to maybe inspire you to do the same…

WATCH a video explaining just a few of the career opportunities available at National Grid.

Why did you change direction to join National Grid?

I was interested in doing something land-based, but couldn’t see myself working directly in agriculture. So just over 10 years ago I did a degree at Harper Adams which set me on a course to becoming a rural chartered surveyor.

What were the immediate and longer term benefits that attracted you?

The work life balance, not getting up at 5am and working until 7pm, and getting opportunities to develop my skills and experience. I was also interested in the opportunity to be involved in the energy industry at a time of significant change. I still go back to help my parents now and again so I have the best of both worlds.

What area do you cover?

I’m based in Penwortham near Preston but don’t have a specific area. I work on projects such as new infrastructure for new connections or network reinforcement works, so I can be all over the country. I’m currently working on projects in North Wales, Carlisle and around the Humber.

Describe your average day

It’s a mix of project management and land agency work, so I manage my parts of the programme, budgets and key activities for the projects I’m involved in. I also consider how best to communicate and engage with grantors, landowners, occupiers, wider communities and other stakeholders. This involves working as part of large multidisciplinary project teams, so yes there are calls, emails and meetings but also work out on site so we can understand in practical terms what’s required.

Is it rewarding?

It’s given me opportunities to be involved in maintaining the vital national infrastructure we all rely upon and to contribute to projects helping to deliver the UK’s carbon reduction commitments. The work I’m involved in can take years to complete, but it’s satisfying to see construction works completed and to know I played my part.

Does it help if you can understand grantors?

Being able to understand what’s important for grantors has really helped throughout my time at National Grid.

It’s a vital part of my role to be the point of contact between grantors and the wider project team, to clearly explain what works the project needs to carry out and why, understand any issues raised by those directly affected by our works and to help the project team mitigate the potential impacts of our works on grantors’ land and businesses.

Would you recommend it?

Mine is one of those jobs that allows you to stay connected with the rural economy, and that’s the same for all Land Officer roles. We are effectively the bridge between National Grid and landowners – if you’ve been on the other side, that has to be a big advantage.

Age is immaterial too. I work with people in their 20s and some nearing retirement age from lots of different backgrounds with lots of experience. We all learn from each other.

Steve Hesketh

Six good reasons why joining National Grid could be the best move you ever make

Be part of fuelling the green revolution
Our energy increasingly comes from cleaner greener sources and in 2019 most of our electricity came from low carbon sources for the first time since the industrial revolution.

National Grid is at the heart of that energy transformation – investing £1.3bn each year to connect our transmission network to new sources of low carbon and green energy.

This is the best time to change
There’s never been a better time to work in energy. It’s a time of opportunity and transformation as we strive to provide a greener, cleaner energy system for the UK.

National Grid is looking for people with the skills and enthusiasm to help deliver for customers and build an energy network fit for the future.

Join a growing business
As a result of the transformation, we are seeing unprecedented growth in our land rights workbook and need to grow our UK Land & Property Team.

We need surveyors and wayleave officers who understand land and development, project and contract management, stakeholder engagement and comms.

Experience needed
Knowledge of utilities is desirable but not essential. Continuous professional development is supported with National Grid internal and external training.

The business operates a mix of home and office working to suit the needs of the business and employees along with a raft of other benefits.

Greater employment stability
Everyone who works on projects at National Grid knows the hard work and dedication grantors put in every day to make an honest living.

Some grantors wouldn’t change a thing, but for others – and National Grid employs many former grantors – this is a positive career move that reaps many rewards.

Reward and recognition
Helping a grantor with a problem you know all about because you were one once is a huge motivating factor for making the switch. Your knowledge and understanding will be a great advantage when it comes to some difficult conversations.

Take a look at the National Grid website for active vacancies or get in touch directly.