Lead Geospatial Specialist - Geodesy and PNT

Job summary

As part of the Scientific Analysis Group within the UKHO, the Geodesy team ensure that the UKHO’s navigational products are accurately positioned. The team provide geodetic expertise and support across the production flowline, from receipt of data to providing final checks before delivery. The team provides technical advice and support across MoD, other Government departments and the maritime community.

The purpose of this role, in conjunction with the Geodesy, Remote Sensing and Tides Team Manager, Principal Technical Specialists and other aligned Technical Leads, is to deliver innovation, change and technical solutions to the team’s problems and emerging business requirements.

Lead Geospatial Specialists are responsible for providing high level technical input and leadership; leading the team through change initiatives, finding and implementing technical solutions to problems experienced within the Team/Group, and ensuring the direction of the team is aligned to wider business direction and priorities.

Hybrid working

There will be opportunities to work in a hybrid way, depending on individual needs and the needs of the team – this will be agreed in discussion with the Team Manager. In order to undertake the role effectively, this is likely to mean being able to attend the office in Taunton 1 to 2 days a week as a minimum – or more often as required to support the team or project activity.

Job description

Geospatial data capture and modelling/ Geospatial data manipulation

• As the Subject Matter Expert (SME) for Geodetic and PNT (Position, Navigation & Timing) data processing, databasing, and archiving, drive the continuous improvement of UKHO's geodetic procedures, with reference to relevant IHO standards.
• Manage and coordinate the technical component of GNSS risk and impact on geodetic and PNT data collection.

Geospatial data management

• Provide technical advice to Data Stewards with regards to geodetic data – including guidance on developing data strategy, supporting data management, and adapting to future industry needs.

Geospatial data standards and quality

• Lead the design and oversee the processes which provide the analysis and processing of incoming complex geodetic datasets within agreed timeframes and schedules. The writing of verification reports and the promulgation of verified data to the other systems that require it.

Geospatial software and systems

• Build/maintain relationships with equipment/software manufacturers and survey contractors in order to consult on the best formats, systems, and practices. Ensure use of geodetic data and technology aligns with current best available practice throughout UKHO systems and processes.
• As PNT SME, keep up to date with emerging risks around weaknesses in GNSS and the impact on UKHO products and services, engaging with UKHO internal stakeholders.

Capability Building

• Role model the behaviours and sharing of expertise expected of a Lead Specialist and provide ongoing technical mentoring for those developing along the technical pathway.
• Advise on best practise for survey collection for Hydrographic Programmes, Defence Hydrographic Programmes and Royal Navy survey teams.
• Deliver or advise on the delivery of specialist geodetic training for UKHO staff, at all levels and provide training to overseas organisations to support External Engagement objectives, when required.
• Act as the UKHO representative as an influential member of multiple working groups, including those with influence on Government policy, for Geodesy & Position, Navigation and Timing such as the Maritime Interference Group, Royal Institute of Navigation PNT Working Group and the UK PNT Office Community of Practice.
• Build / maintain close working relationships with relevant external stakeholders and Government bodies such as DSIT, Ordnance Survey, Royal Institute of Navigation and the UK National PNT Office. Ensure the UKHO and the mariner is considered in future best practice.

Geospatial Strategy and Architecture

• Lead or provide consultancy for technical projects/change initiatives relating to Geodesy and Position, Navigation & Timing and adjacent activity. Advise on appropriate developing technologies to be embedded in UKHO. The postholder will be expected to bring new/novel perspectives based on their own research and engagement with Industry.
• Provide expert advice to UKHO initiatives and projects to ensure that geodetic and PNT is handled adequately within them.

Person specification

• This specialist technical leadership role demands a high level of technical expertise, currency and credibility. For the Geodesy and PNT domain, we are seeking candidates who can demonstrate expertise with geodetic and PNT processing systems, and application of these systems to processing hydrographic data, along with sound technical knowledge of the team’s processes, the end products produced, including the ability to identify inaccuracies in GNSS data and more broadly identify risk in PNT systems.
• You will be committed to identifying and delivering change activities which lead to team efficiency, accuracy, and high-quality products and services to the customer.
• You will have demonstrable experience in communicating and influencing with a wide variety of audiences and they will need to help lead through change.
• As a technical coach and mentor, you will need to be capable of developing colleagues, enabling them to broaden their technical knowledge, skills and behaviours.

Behaviours

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

• Seeing the Big Picture
• Changing and Improving
• Leadership
• Communicating and Influencing

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £48,746, UK Hydrographic Office contributes £14,121 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

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

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

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

How to Apply:

When you click "Apply Now" at the bottom of this page, you will be required to attach your anonymised CV and give a supporting statement of 1000 words on the Experience criteria below.

Timeline:

• Advert Closes for applications: 02/02/2026
• Shortlisting: Week commencing: 09/02/2026
• Interviews: Week commencing: 23/02/2026

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 - assessed by both your anonymised CV and personal statement.

Experience:

• This specialist technical leadership role demands a high level of technical expertise, currency and credibility. For the Geodesy and PNT domain, we are seeking candidates who can demonstrate expertise with geodetic and PNT processing systems, and application of these systems to processing hydrographic data, along with sound technical knowledge of the team’s processes, the end products produced, including the ability to identify inaccuracies in GNSS data and more broadly identify risk in PNT systems.
• You will be committed to identifying and delivering change activities which lead to team efficiency, accuracy, and high-quality products and services to the customer.
• You will have demonstrable experience in communicating and influencing with a wide variety of audiences and they will need to help lead through change.
• As a technical coach and mentor, you will need to be capable of developing colleagues, enabling them to broaden their technical knowledge, skills and behaviours.

Interview Criteria:

You will be interviewed against the following criteria:

Experience:-

• Technical knowledge and experience in relation to the role (partly assessed by a presentation)

Civil Service Behaviours (SEO Level)

• Seeing the Big Picture
• Changing and Improving
• Leadership
• Communicating and Influencing (partly assessed by a presentation)

See here for further information: Success Profiles: Civil Service Behaviours

Process:

• Single Stage Interview via MS 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 approximately 45 minutes. If selected for interview, you will be required to give a 10 minute presentation as noted above. The title of the presentation will be provided in your 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 (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

This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Contact point for applicants

Job contact :

• Name : recruitment.queries@ukho.gov.uk
• Email : recruitment.queries@ukho.gov.uk

Recruitment team

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

Further information

The Department’s recruitment processes are underpinned by the requirement of selection for appointment based on merit, open and fair competition as outlined in the Civil Service Commissioners’ Recruitment Principles, details of which can be found at http://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment principles and you wish to make a complaint, you should in the first instance contact recruitment.queries@ukho.gov.uk If you are not satisfied with the response you receive, you can further contact the Civil Service Commission at: civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk or view more details at http://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk