National Network of Regional Coastal Monitoring Programmes
Current Vacancies
Coastal Process Scientist- Fixed Term contract
Salary: £31,161 - £39,469 per annum
Contractual hours: 37
Basis: Full time
Region: South
Job category/type: Coastal
Date posted: 10/12/2025
Closing date: 9th January 2026
Interview Date: 21st and 22nd January 2026
Job description
The Channel Coastal Observatory are looking for a Coastal Process Scientist (Fixed Term contract - Fixed term, until 31 March 2027) who will perform a key role in delivering the observatory’s coastal monitoring efforts.
Your main functions will be to conduct topographic surveys of beaches, dunes, cliffs, and coastal defence structures using RTK GNSS and laser scanner equipment. You will also process the data you collect, perform a variety of synthesising analyses and produce reports in support of the Environment Agency’s Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management (FCERM) Strategy.
For this role we offer a competitive salary, benefits including 24-27 days annual leave (plus bank holidays), local government pension scheme, and an employee assistance programme (free 24 hour legal, financial and personal advice for employees). We offer flexible working conditions including flexible working hours.
In addition, you will receive full training in coastal surveying using GNSS and laser scanning equipment, and the analysis of topographic survey data.
About you
For this role, we are looking for the following qualifications and skills:
- Minimum of a Bachelors in civil engineering, oceanography, environmental science, or a related subject.
- A masters in coastal processes or a similar subject is desirable.
- Experience in coastal processes, GIS or marine topographic survey is desirable but not a requirement, as full training is provided.
- Strong working knowledge of common software (e.g. Microsoft Suite) and experience with or the ability to learn new specialist software (e.g. Trimble Business Centre, Cyclone, SANDS, ArcGIS or QGIS).
- Additional experience with coding languages (MATLAB, R or Python) would be an advantage.
- Good English language skills and an ability to communicate effectively, verbal and written.
- You will require work outside in adverse weather conditions at sometimes unsocial hours when tidal working is required.
What’s in it for you?
- £31,161 - £39,469 per annum
- 24 - 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays plus an additional 5 days for 5 years local authority continuous service.
- Local Government Pension Scheme and AVC provision
- Hybrid Working
- Wide range of employee discounts at high street retailers, including supermarkets, stores and restaurants
- A Cycle to Work scheme which could save you around 40 percent on cycles and accessories
- Employee Assistance Programme (free 24 hour legal, financial and personal advice for employees).
This post requires a Basic DBS check to be completed.
About the Channel Coastal Observatory
Based at the National Oceanography Centre in Southampton, the Channel Coastal Observatory (CCO) is an exciting project managed by New Forest District Council (NFDC).
The CCO collects data on the drivers of coastal change through the measurement of real-time wave, tide and meteorological data and captures the response of the coastline to those drivers by collecting topographic, hydrographic, LIDAR and aerial photography data.
The data we collect is made publicly available on www.coastalmonitoring.org and directly supports the Environment Agency's Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management (FCERM) policy.
After reading the job description of what the role will involve, you feel you would like an informal chat about the role, please contact Dr Thomas Dhoop on thomas.dhoop@soton.ac.uk or 023 8235 4162.
