DE&S Geospatial Analyst

Ministry of Defence

Stoke Gifford, Bristol BS34 8JH, UK

Hybrid

Expires: Expiring in less than 3 weeks

Engineering

Flexible

£53,400 per year

Job summary

At Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S), we supply and maintain vital equipment and services for the Royal Navy, British Army, and Royal Air Force. Together, we deliver a vast range of essential defence programmes and strive for what's next. Because it helps keep our military at the top of their game and our nation safe – for today, and tomorrow.

We offer 26.5+ days’ holiday, flexible and hybrid working, enhanced parental leave schemes, shopping discounts, and an exceptional employer pension contribution of around 28.97%, to help work work for you.

Nationality, visas, and vetting: For security reasons this role is open to sole UK nationals only. A ‘sole UK national’ refers to an individual who holds citizenship solely in the UK, without dual citizenship or nationality from another country. We’re unable to offer visa sponsorship.

Start the role with SC clearance and obtain DV once in post: This role requires you to have lived in the UK for the last 10 years and obtain Developed Vetting (DV) security clearance. Clearance must be obtained without any caveats that prevent you from carrying out the role you have been recruited for. If it isn’t obtained or is obtained but with caveats that prevent you from carrying out the role, any conditional offer made to you will be withdrawn. Obtaining DV security clearance can be a lengthy process. You’ll join us once Security Check (SC) clearance is obtained, and then the more enhanced DV checks will continue after you’ve started your employment. If SC clearance isn’t obtained within 12 months, we reserve the right to withdraw any conditional offer made.

Job description

Our SALMO team is the lead across the Ministry of Defence (MOD) for the provision of marine salvage and emergency response. Our specialists include AUV and ROV Operators and Surveyors, Master Mariners, Marine Engineers, Naval Architects, Environmental Scientists, and Divers provide a centre of expertise for subsea activities and marine operations.

Our operations are varied and include salvage assistance to damaged surface vessels, location of aircraft on the sea-bottom, survey of wrecks, towage of warships and submarines, emergency response preparedness exercises and underwater engineering support to resolve defects on MOD platforms, and gaining the operational advantage of the seabed, at home and overseas.

If you’re excited by the prospect of working with industry leading subsea technology in a challenging environment, then this could be the ideal opportunity for you. The Salvage and Marine Operations (SALMO) team are establishing a Team of deployable Geospatial Analysts to join them as part of their wider Seabed Operations department.

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Geospatial Analyst to join our team. You will analyse and visualise spatial data, with a particular focus on marine geospatial datasets captured by Maritime Autonomous Survey (MAS) sensors. The role involves exploiting Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Remote Sensing tools, and a range of geospatial datasets to produce actionable insights for decision‑makers. You will have strong expertise in data interpretation, governance, analysis, and digital transformation techniques. Additional training on mission‑specific hardware and software will be provided to ensure you become fully effective in the role.

This position will require travel to other MOD sites as part of your duties, and you should also be prepared for periods of deployment at sea. When not deployed or visiting other locations, regular in‑person attendance at MOD Abbey Wood, Bristol for at least three days per week is expected to support effective face‑to‑face collaboration. You may be asked to attend more frequently during the initial period as you become familiar with the site, the team, and your role.

What you’ll be doing

Building, managing, and maintaining geospatial datasets, including integrating environmental and hydrographic data from a variety of sources and sensors, with a focus on maritime applications.
Utilising geospatial workflows and scripting languages to manipulate and process data and the configuration and exploitation of geospatial web services to improve data availability and insights and to enhance situational awareness.
Exploiting geospatial data, particularly hydrographic datasets collected from MAS operations, generating high-end spatial and temporal analytical products.
Preparing and presenting geospatial insights and advanced analysis in the form of high-quality charts, visualizations, web-mapping applications, and reports for use by internal and external stakeholders.
Operating as a vital part of a high-performing, close-knit team, collaborating with stakeholders and cross-functional teams to satisfy Defence requirements and achieve mission success.
Deputising for the team lead occasionally and prepared to deploy alongside colleagues enabling the conduct of time-sensitive geospatial analysis to inform decision-makers.

Person specification

To be successful with your application, you'll need to show that you meet the following essential criteria:

(Lead Criterion) Deep experience of providing technical advice and presenting data products to customers and delivering successful geospatial engineering outcomes in multidisciplinary projects. This will ideally include experience of exploiting geospatial data collected from marine operations.
Sound evidence of technical problem-solving and risk management. A wide-ranging depth and breadth of technical experience in geospatial engineering/science with knowledge and application of Systems Engineering approaches.

AND, as a minimum hold either:

An appropriate Science, Technology, Engineering, and/or Mathematics based qualification at RQF Level 4 (1), plus registration with a Professional body/institution related to your discipline at the level listed below:
- Incorporated Engineer (IEng) or
- Registered Scientist (RSci) or
- Registered Marine Scientist (RMarSci) or
- Registered Marine Technologist (RMarTech) or
- Incorporated Marine Engineer (IMarEng) or
- Advanced Registered IT Technician (Adv RITTech) or
- Chartered Master Mariner (CMMar) or
- Chartered Geographer (CGeog).

Hold an RQF Level 6 (1)(or higher) qualification in a relevant technical subject, such as Geospatial Information Systems (GIS), Geospatial Analysis, Geospatial Intelligence, Geography or Hydrography.

This role is subject to Retained Grade Terms and Conditions and differ from the DE&S standard Terms and Conditions.

For SALMO Retained Grade seeking promotion, please refer to Part 2, Section 10.2 of the SALMO Retained Grade Handbook.

Due to the nature of this role, you are:

A sole UK National
Required to be fit to pass and maintain a two-yearly ENG1 seafarers medical (no geographical limitations) (2)
Required to enlist as a Royal Navy Sponsored Reserve (2)
Expected to work extended hours as and when required in support of operational commitments
Required to hold an in-date UK driving licence

Notes:

(1) Alternatives to RQF listed above (which cover England, Wales, and Northern Ireland only), is the Scottish SCQF or international equivalent qualification backed up by a statement of comparability from UK ENIC.

(2) For recruitment purposes, external candidates do not need to hold but must have no known reasons not to achieve this within 6 months of employment.

This role is subject to Retained Grade Terms and Conditions and differ from the DE&S standard Terms and Conditions. For SALMO Retained Grade seeking promotion, please refer to Part 2, Section 10.2 of the SALMO Retained Grade Handbook.

In addition to the responsibilities above, the following technical competences and behaviours will be assessed at interview:

Core Behaviour 1: Managing a quality service - CSBC3
Core Behaviour 2: Developing self and others - CSBC3
Technical Competence 1: ECF 1 – Suitable Systems and Systems Thinking – Supervised Practitioner
Technical Competence 2: ECF 3 – Supportable Technical Solutions - Practitioner

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £53,400, Ministry of Defence contributes £15,469 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

Full time staff employed for less than 5 years are entitled to 26.5 days’ annual leave per year, rising to 31.5 days per year after 5 years of service
Flexible and hybrid working options
Market-leading employer pension contribution of around 28.97%
Annual performance-based bonus and recognition awards
Access to specialist training and funded professional qualifications
Support for progression
Huge range of discounts
Volunteering days
Enhanced parental leave schemes

Improving innovation and enriching our culture, diversity of thought is vital to our success. So, whether you’re looking for a new opportunity, a next step, or a helping hand as you return from a career break, bring your experiences and help deliver for the defence of tomorrow. Here you’ll find a supportive, family-friendly organisation to be a part of - and if you need any assistance with your application, just let us know.

Further Information

Candidate Information Pack: https://bit.ly/DES-candidate-information-pack
SALMO Terms and Conditions: https://bit.ly/SALMO_Terms_and_Conditions

Any personal data that you provide during the Recruitment process will be treated in accordance with the MOD Privacy Notice which can be accessed here.

Disability Confident:

Please note as a Disability Confident Leader we want to ensure you receive any reasonable adjustments that you need throughout the recruitment process. If you do require any reasonable adjustments, you can let us know on your online application under the section ‘Please indicate and give details of any reasonable adjustments you may require during the recruitment process.’

Conflicts of Interest:

The Ministry of Defence requires all candidates who are successful at interview to declare any outside interests. These declarations will be discussed with successful candidates following the interview process and before a formal offer of employment is made, as some outside interests may not be compatible with MOD civilian roles. This will not, in the majority of cases, prevent employment in MOD, but it is a measure that must be taken to ensure that appropriate mitigations can be put in place to manage any potential, perceived or actual conflicts of interest from the first day of employment.

Please Note: In the event of a tied score at interview, the Order of Merit will be distinguished based on the ranking of the assessed behaviours and competencies below:

1st: Core Behaviour 1
2nd: Core Behaviour 2
3rd: Technical Competencies
4th: CV Review

In the event of a further tie using the method above, we reserve the right to utilise the Lead criterion, and/or and additional assessment.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview.

Things you need to know

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection process details

Your application will go through the following stages of assessment:

Pre-sift - We will check your application to ensure that you meet any essential or eligibility criteria that are listed in the Person Specification section of this advert. On your CV, please clearly show how you meet the essential criteria.
Sift - Your CV will be assessed against the following categories, using a simple numerical scoring system: Key Achievements; Relevant Experience; Applied Knowledge and Skills. Please follow our guidance on CV writingfor best chance of success.
Interview - If you're invited to interview, you will be assessed against the following:

CV Review
Core Behaviour 1
Core Behaviour 2
Technical Competencies

If you feel that your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles and you wish to make a complaint, in the first instance you should contact department via email:DESHR-WSC-PMOCOMPLAINTS@mod.gov.uk

If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission:Recruitment Complaints - Civil Service Commission

Reserve Lists

Where a competition identifies more appointable candidates than there are available vacancies, a Reserve List may be created for other similar roles in the Civil Service. This may be used for up to 12 months to fill the same role or other similar roles with closely matching essential criteria without further testing of merit.

Offering at a lower level

If you’re not successful at interview, we may offer you a role at a lower level if this is a match for your skills and experience. If this applies to your application, you’ll be scored against criteria for the lower-level role and offers will be made in merit order. If you accept this position, you’ll be able to take advantage of opportunities to develop your career as part of our team.

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

Open to UK nationals only.

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.

Diversity and Inclusion

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

Apply and further information

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Contact point for applicants

Salary range

£53,400 per year