At a Glance
- Tasks: Help create and maintain maps that millions rely on every day.
- Company: Join the innovative Ordnance Survey Cartography team in Southampton.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and generous leave policies.
- Other info: Great opportunities for career progression and skill development.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in cartography and make a real-world impact.
- Qualifications: No experience needed, just a passion for learning and attention to detail.
The predicted salary is between 26451 - 26451 £ per year.
Start your career building the maps millions rely on every day. We are excited to share that we have an amazing career opportunity for people to join Ordnance Survey and our brilliant Cartography team.
Cartography is the art and science of creating maps—transforming real‑world information into clear, accurate visuals that help people understand and navigate the world around them. Every day, people rely on our maps to:
- Explore the outdoors
- Deliver goods
- Plan cities
- Respond to emergencies
As an Assistant Cartographer, you’ll help create and maintain the data behind those maps—supporting how the UK navigates, plans, and functions. This role is ideal for people at an early stage in their career who are looking to build skills in a professional environment. No previous cartography experience? That is absolutely fine. We’re interested in your potential, curiosity, and willingness to learn.
Our Cartography team is behind the updates that keep OS maps accurate and reliable. We work to bring real‑world changes into our many products, supporting the world‑renowned mapping millions rely on.
From day one you’ll work with real mapping data and contribute to products used across the UK. You’ll:
- Edit and maintain geospatial datasets using agreed specifications
- Update maps with real‑world changes (roads, buildings, landscapes)
- Apply cartographic techniques and generalisation methods
- Identify and resolve data quality issues
- Ensure mapping data is accurate, consistent, and usable
- Collaborate with colleagues to deliver updates
- Work to defined quality standards and timescales
- Maintain accurate records of your work
- Support the use of new tools and technologies
Essential Skills & Behaviours
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy
- Ability to spot and communicate data issues
- Problem‑solving and logical thinking
- Comfortable with technology (or keen to learn)
- Ability to work as part of multiple teams
- Good organisation and time management
- willingness to learn and improve
Desirable
- Interest in geography, maps, or how places connect
- Awareness of Great Britain geography
- Experience with data, systems, or visual tools
Tools You’ll Learn
You’ll receive full training in:
- ArcGIS (ArcMap & Pro) - You’ll use this to edit and update digital maps, adding real‑world changes like new roads or buildings and ensuring mapping data is accurate and up to date.
- Unique OS Technologies—custom‑built tools that streamline our data management and map making processes.
- Adobe, FME, SharePoint and more—tools commonly used to design and refine map visuals, transform and organise data, and much more.
Learning & Career Progression
You’ll receive structured, on‑the‑job training and develop skills in:
- Cartography and map design
- Geospatial data handling
- Data quality and consistency
- Industry tools and workflows
- Teamwork, office skills and personal development
There’s a clear opportunity to progress into a Cartographer role within an estimated 2 years, giving you greater responsibilities, more autonomy and a wider skillset, fully supported by OS’s focus on getting the best from their people.
Benefits
- Competitive salary and pension (OS contributed up to 12.07%)
- Performance‑related bonus where applicable
- 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays (increasing with service)
- Free subscription to OS Maps and access to wellbeing support
- Volunteering leave and matched fundraising
- Hybrid and flexible working options
- Learning and development support, coaching and mentoring
- Enhanced family leave, including paid partner leave
We have a fantastic HQ in Southampton, Hampshire. For initial onboarding and early training you will be required to attend in person for the full 5 days. Following that OS can accommodate Hybrid Working where you will be required to spend a minimum of 50% of your working hours in person.
Assistant Cartographer-2 in Southampton employer: 慨正橡扯
Ordnance Survey is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture in Southampton where creativity and collaboration thrive. As an Assistant Cartographer, you'll benefit from comprehensive training, career progression opportunities, and a supportive environment that values your potential and curiosity. With competitive salaries, flexible working options, and a commitment to employee development, Ordnance Survey is dedicated to helping you build a meaningful and rewarding career in cartography.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Cartographer-2 in Southampton
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Ordnance Survey and their Cartography team. Understanding their mission and values will help you connect your skills and interests to what they do.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your curiosity! Since they’re looking for potential and a willingness to learn, be ready to discuss how you’ve tackled challenges in the past and what new skills you’re eager to pick up in this role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! If you can, try to get familiar with tools like ArcGIS or Adobe before your interview. Even if you haven’t used them yet, showing that you’re proactive about learning will impress the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Ordnance Survey.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Cartographer-2 in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Curiosity:We want to see your enthusiasm for learning! In your application, highlight any experiences or interests that showcase your curiosity about geography and maps. It’s all about potential, so let us know what excites you about cartography!
Be Detail-Oriented:Attention to detail is key in cartography. When writing your application, make sure to proofread for any errors and present your information clearly. This will show us that you can maintain the accuracy we rely on in our maps.
Highlight Teamwork Skills:As part of our Cartography team, collaboration is essential. Share examples in your application where you've worked well with others, whether in school projects or previous jobs. We love to see how you can contribute to a team environment!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our amazing team there!
How to prepare for a job interview at 慨正橡扯
✨Know Your Maps
Familiarise yourself with the basics of cartography and the tools mentioned in the job description, like ArcGIS. Even if you don’t have prior experience, showing that you’ve done your homework will impress the interviewers.
✨Show Your Curiosity
Express your eagerness to learn and grow in the role. Share examples of how you've tackled new challenges in the past, especially if they relate to data handling or technology. This will highlight your potential and willingness to adapt.
✨Attention to Detail is Key
Prepare to discuss how you ensure accuracy in your work. Bring up any experiences where attention to detail made a difference, whether in school projects or previous jobs. This aligns perfectly with the essential skills they're looking for.
✨Team Player Mindset
Since collaboration is crucial in this role, think of examples where you successfully worked as part of a team. Highlight your communication skills and how you contribute to group efforts, which will resonate well with the Cartography team’s dynamics.
