About the job

Job summary

We are seeking a Senior Geospatial Information Specialist in Geodesy to join our team. We are looking for someone with knowledge of geodetic reference systems, map projections and geodetic theory.

This role will sit in our Geodesy team, alongside Tides and Remote Sensing, among a wider group of Scientific teams. The roles sit within the Scientific Analysis Group, which is a centre of excellence responsible for the provision of advice to UKHO; wider MOD and the maritime community on matters relating to geodesy.

This role offers hybrid working. You would be required to be in the office dependant on business needs, approx. 60% of the time. Onsite work could include handling defence information, researching historical records in the archive, hosting visitors etc. There will also be training that requires office attendance, particularly in the first few weeks.

Please note our Policy on informal hybrid working (arrangements available as agreed with the line manager) applies within the UK, and does not extend to working overseas.

 

Job description

As our Senior Geospatial Information Specialist, you will:

• Be responsible for the analysis and processing of geodetic survey data into a range of databases for onward use in products and services.
• Be responsible for updating the geodetic databases and data management processes to meet the requirements of the UKHO, Royal Navy, and other partners.
• Have the opportunity to carry out development and testing of data/systems and work with the Geodesy subject matter experts.
• Be responsible for maintaining and updating processes and documentation for Geodesy and will take the lead on such work and engage with large groups of stakeholders from across the business.
• Act as the Geodesy data steward in accordance with the Scientific Analysis Group Data Governance responsibilities.

Key areas of responsibility include:

• Provide geodetic technical advice and support to chart production.
• Validation and appraisal of the geodetic content of incoming hydrographic surveys, and provide support to survey teams as and when required.
• Provide geodetical advice and training to the UKHO, Defence customers and the maritime community.
• Take the Lead as Magnetics point of contact for the UKHO; communicating with external stakeholders (e.g. BGS) and maintaining expertise to support and communicate Magnetic information changes around the office.
• Sharing knowledge and skills across your peers, offering coaching and development.

Person specification

We are looking for candidates who enjoy working as part of a small, specialist team, but who are keen to share their specialist knowledge and experience across the business and with internal and external stakeholders and customers.  The ability and confidence to build effective working relationships and communicate with a broad range of audiences will be important in the role.

At the Senior Geospatial Information Specialist level, you will be able to demonstrate and utilise your technical expertise within the geodesy science domain, applying this to the development of processes, continual improvement of existing processes, technologies and tools, and the stewardship of geodetic data. 

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £35,744, UK Hydrographic Office contributes £9,650 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

Things you need to know

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills.

How to Apply:

Please upload a copy of your anonymised CV demonstrating your relevant experience to the role (see below) by clicking "Apply Now" at the bottom of this page. You will also have 250 words to demonstrate how you meet the technical criteria outlined below. 

Timeline:

• Advert Closes for applications: Tuesday 26th March 2024
• Shortlisting: week commencing 25th March 2024
• Interviews: week commencing 8th April 2024

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:

• Knowledge of geodetic data and databases and practice using this skill set. (Assessed using your CV - please include dates)

Technical Skills:

• Your technical expertise within the geodesy science domain, how you apply this to the development and continual improvement of processes, technologies and tools, and the stewardship of geodetic data. (Assessed via a 250 word statement)

Interview Criteria: 

The interview will include a presentation, details of which will be supplied to those invited to interview. This will be assessed against the criteria below:

• Demonstration of applying geodetic knowledge to assess data and recommend actions.
• A knowledge of geodesy. The principles of which are geodetic reference systems, map projections and geodetic theory
• Communicating and Influencing (Level 3)

You will be interviewed against the following criteria: 

Civil Service Behaviours (Level 3):

• Making Effective Decisions
• Working Together 

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

 Process:  

• Single Stage Interview via TEAMS. 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 approx. 45 mins

 Onboarding Checks:

In the event you are offered a role with us, you will be required to go through Basic Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) checks which will include Employment and Right to Work Checks. You will also need to apply for SC (Security Clearance), but you may be able to start your role before gaining this. Please see our attached Candidate Pack for further details and Terms.

Please note, we are unable to offer visa sponsorship.

SC – non reserved
This is a Ministry of Defence non-reserved post and although open to UK, British Commonwealth and European Economic Area nationals, 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

Eligibility

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 (opens in a new window).

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

Nationality requirements

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) 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 (opens in a new window). 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.