Job Description

Details

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Reference number

403847

Salary

47,243
Possible Recruitment and Retention Allowance of up to 7,000 depending on qualifications.
GBP

Job grade

Senior Executive Officer
B1

Contract type

Permanent

Business area

UKHO - Operations Content

Type of role

Analytical


Digital

Science

Surveying

Working pattern

Full-time

Number of jobs available

1

Contents

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Location About the job Benefits Things you need to know Apply and further information

Location

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Taunton

About the job

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Job summary

This is an exciting time to join the UK Hydrographic Office as we shape or digital future and develop new and innovative ways to support all of our customers in our Navigation market.


UKHO is developing the next generation of bathymetric data handling capability moving from manual processing to utilising the latest tools and technologies to benefit the customer by improving timeliness, quality, and data interoperability.


As an Operations Subject Matter Expert (SME) for bathymetric data acquisition, processing, and data-basing, the purpose of this role is:

To provide advice and make key decisions on the collection and handling of bathymetric data, both internally and externally. To initiate and deliver the development of hydrographic survey and bathymetry expertise within the Scientific Analysis Group and wider UKHO. To support research and innovation, including writing UKHO hydrographic policy and procedures. To act as the Bathymetry Data Steward in accordance with the Scientific Analysis Group data governance responsibilities To support survey activities both internally and in the field as required e.g., supporting HP survey work.

Due to the nature of the work of the team, and the level of customer engagement and support provided to colleagues, on average 2 to 3 days a week working in the Taunton office would be the norm, although this can fluctuate depending on work in hand.


This role is deployable internationally in support of our Hydrographic Survey Programme, which may include time on operational survey vessels.

Job description

As Operations Subject Matter Expert (SME) for bathymetric data acquisition, processing and data-basing, the postholder will seek continuous improvement of UKHO's bathymetry deliverables and processing procedures. Liaise with equipment/software manufacturers and survey contractors on the best formats, systems, and practices. Ensure use of bathymetric data and technology aligns with current best available practice throughout UKHO systems and processes Develop, coach and mentor Bathymetry staff in development posts and those with survey experience/qualifications. Facilitate field visits to survey vessels, internal training and external education as required. Lead the design and oversee the processes which provide the analysis and processing of incoming complex bathymetric datasets, the writing of verification reports and the promulgation of verified data to the other systems that require it. Support and lead technical projects relating to Bathymetry. Provide processes for developing technologies to be embedded in UKHO, E.g., Ping 2 ECDIS, Satellite Derived Bathymetry, Lidar, Crowdsource bathymetry. Support and train UKHO staff, at all levels, on bathymetric and hydrographic survey matters. Provide hydrographic survey training to overseas organisations to support External Engagement objectives, when required. Represent UKHO externally at conferences and meetings. Promote the work of the Scientific Analysis Group and the UKHO as a leading supplier of maritime scientific data and expertise. Provide expert advice to UKHO initiatives and projects to ensure that bathymetry is handled adequately within them e.g., VORF, HDB Support the provision of technical advice & training to Defence customers on matters of bathymetric data acquisition & processing in accordance with the Service Definition Annex (SDA). In collaboration with the Survey Delivery Team, support the delivery of UKHO survey activities when required. Examples of this work may include acting as charge surveyor, inputting to UKHO survey specifications, assessing tenders for contracts and acting as client representative on surveys. Fulfil Data Steward responsibilities for Bathymetry and assist the Principal Technical Specialist - Bathymetry with developing the bathymetry data strategy, supporting data management, and adapting to future industry needs. The post holder adapts their terminology to support knowledge sharing to both technical and non-technical staff. They may be required to present to colleagues outside of the scientific remit, or with non-technical knowledge, and it is their responsibility to ensure all parties understand the content, as appropriate.

Person specification

This specialist technical leadership role demands a high level of technical expertise, currency and credibility. The post holder will have demonstrable experience in communicating with and influencing a wide variety of audiences, both nationally and internationally, whilst also able to coach, mentor and develop colleagues internally, to enable them to broaden their knowledge and skills.

To this end, we are seeking candidates with:

A degree level hydrographic surveying qualification from an FIG/IHO/ICA Category A accredited course, or IFHS HPAS Level 1 (or higher) accreditation. Significant (at least 3+ years) relevant hydrographic survey experience. Including significant experience of acoustic swathe surveying and associated survey equipment (e.g., positioning and motion sensor equipment). Expert knowledge of bathymetric data processing, data formats and deliverables. High level of IT literacy, including Caris HIPS/SIPS. Experience of dealing with and solving issues in problematic datasets. Experience of planning hydrographic surveys. Willingness to travel abroad and spend time at sea.

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:


Developing Self and Others Communicating and Influencing Making Effective Decisions

We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:

Developing Self and Others Communicating and Influencing

Technical skills

We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:


A high degree of IT literacy, including experience of using Caris HIPS/SIPS. For further Technical Skills required, please see the detailed Interview Criteria.

We only ask for evidence of these technical skills on your application form:

A high degree of IT literacy, including experience of using Caris HIPS/SIPS.

Benefits

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At the UK Hydrographic Office, it's very important to us that our people feel valued.


We offer a huge range of benefits such as training and development, well-being support, flexible/ homeworking, a fantastic state of the art building, high spec equipment, and so much more.


See our attached Candidate Information Pack for more details

Things you need to know

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Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles , and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills.

How to Apply:

When you click "Apply Now" at the bottom of this page you will be asked to attach a copy of your anonymised CV and write a 500 word personal statement on the Experience criteria below. You will also be required to write a 250 word statement on the 2 Civil Service Behaviours (including examples) and the Technical criteria below.

Timeline:

Advert Closes for applications: 21/03/2025 Shortlisting: Week commencing: 26/05/2025 Interviews: Week commencing: 02/06/2025

We will try to meet the dates set out in the advert. There may be occasions when these dates change. You will be provided with sufficient notice of the confirmed dates.

Sift/Shortlist Criteria:

All applications are processed anonymously. You will be short-listed against the following criteria:

Experience

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Degree level hydrographic surveying qualification from an FIG/IHO/ICA Category A accredited course, or IFHS HPAS Level 1 (or higher) accreditation (assessed from CV and personal statement). Significant (at least 3+ years) relevant hydrographic survey experience. Including significant experience of acoustic swathe surveying and associated survey equipment (e.g., positioning and motion sensor equipment) - assessed from CV and personal statement.

Pre-Sift

Please note the above will be used for the Pre-Sift criteria. This information will be taken from your CV and personal statement. If this pre-sift criteria is not met, your application will not be taken through to be shortlisted against the Civil Service Behaviours and Technical Criteria below.

Civil Service Behaviours (SEO Level)

Developing Self and Others Communicating and Influencing

Technical

A high degree of IT literacy, including experience of using Caris HIPS/SIPS.

Interview Criteria:

You will be interviewed against the following criteria:

Civil Service Behaviours (SEO Level)

Communicating and Influencing Making Effective Decisions Developing Self and Others

Technical

Practical experience of planning & conducting surveys, with knowledge ofsurvey equipment and survey methodology used Knowledge and application of relevant hydrographic survey standards. Understanding of errors in bathymetric /hydrographic survey data and how to control/detect/fix them. Knowledge of bathymetric data formats and processing methodology.

See here for further information: Success Profiles - Civil Service Behaviours (publishing.service.gov.uk)


Process:

Single Stage MS TEAMS Interview. You will be contacted to book a suitable slot if you are shortlisted (see our Candidate Pack for further information) Interview will be with a panel of no more than 3 people and will last 45-60 minutes. If selected for interview, you will be required to give a presentation testing elements of technical criteria above (counts as 1 score) and Developing Self and Others (counts as 1 score). The title of the presentation will be provided in the invitation to interview.

Onboarding Checks:

SC - Reserved

This is a Ministry of Defence reserved post and open to sole UK nationals only. Successful applicants will require a security clearance (SC) and therefore need to have resided in the UK for a minimum of 12 consecutive months within the last 5 years.

Please note, we are unable to offer visa sponsorship.

Due to the secure nature of our work, there may be eligibility restrictions if you hold dual nationality or are not a British Citizen. We will consider each application on a case-by-case basis. We will ask you in our application form to confirm your place of birth and details of any dual or previous nationalities.



Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check .



See our vetting charter .
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

Open to UK nationals only.

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.



We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles .
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy .

Apply and further information

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Contact point for applicants

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Job contact :

Name : recruitment.queries@ukho.gov.uk Email : recruitment.queries@ukho.gov.uk
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Recruitment team

* Email : recruitment.queries@ukho.gov.uk