Senior Coastal Scientist

Senior Coastal Scientist

Southampton Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead coastal projects, mentor junior team members, and influence maritime outcomes.
  • Company: Join Mott MacDonald, a leader in maritime and coastal science.
  • Benefits: Permanent full-time role with flexible working options and a focus on inclusion.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on coastal ecosystems and climate adaptation efforts.
  • Qualifications: Master’s or PhD in relevant fields and experience in coastal research or management.
  • Other info: Dynamic team environment with opportunities for professional growth and development.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

Location

Southampton, United Kingdom / Croydon, United Kingdom / Liverpool, United Kingdom / Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom / Bristol, United Kingdom

Recruiter contact: Ainsley Anstess

Country

United Kingdom

Contract type

Permanent

Work pattern

Full Time

Market

Transport

Structural, Maritime, Consultancy, Civil

Mott MacDonald is a global engineering, management, and development consultancy with over 20,000 employees across more than 50 countries and 140+ offices.

We work across incredible global industries, delivering exciting work that is defining our future and making an important societal impact in the communities we serve. Our people power our performance – we succeed when they do. With countless opportunities to collaborate, learn, and grow, the possibilities for excellence are as varied as every individual.

Whether you want to grow as a subject matter expert or broaden your experience with roles across our international community, you’re surrounded by global specialists who want to combine their expertise and champion you to be your best. As a proudly employee-owned business, we benefit our clients, our communities, and each other, investing in creating the right space for everyone to feel empowered, included, and valued. Whatever your ambition, Mott MacDonald is where people come to be brilliant.

About the business unit

We help conceive, drive, and implement transport solutions for cities, regions, and asset owners/operators around the globe. From preparing the business case and advising on related issues – such as revenue, procurement, and environmental legislation – to delivering the completed infrastructure and helping maintain it. Our planning, engineering, environmental and management skills cover the whole project cycle. We play a major role in developing and delivering the Global Transport Sector Strategy.

Job Description

As a key member of the Ports, Coastal and Offshore (PCO) team, you will influence the success of our projects by contributing to outcomes which exceed our clients’ expectations. We are seeking an experienced and motivated Senior Coastal Engineer to lead and support projects focussed on coastal resilience, climate adaptation and maritime infrastructure. This includes economic and feasibility/ options assessments, coastal process, metocean and hydrodynamic investigations, to asset management and detailed design and construction documentation. Sectors include UK and international coastal zone management, coast protection, maritime infrastructure and offshore/marine renewables (and cables).

The ideal candidate will play a key role in supporting the leadership and future direction of the coastal team, providing mentorship to more junior members of the team and supporting business development and bidding as well as providing technical leadership and project management of deliverables.

Candidate Specification

  • A Master\’s degree in Civil Engineering or related technical equivalent.
  • Experience working in Coastal Engineering in a Consultancy environment
  • Demonstrated project leadership.
  • Strong written communication skills and are comfortable writing reports and delivering presentations.
  • Able to demonstrate your experience delivering coastal engineering projects using innovative and digitally driven techniques.
  • Experience in business development, including client liaison and bid preparation.
  • Chartered with a relevant professional institution such as ICE/ IStructE/ CIWEM (or equivalent working experience)
  • Due to the nature of our work, you may be required to travel overseas for project assignments when required.
  • With your project management skills and experience you are comfortable networking and collaborating with multi-disciplinary teams for project delivery and enjoy building relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

Job Profile

Mott MacDonald is one of the global leaders advising a broad range of clients in the planning, design and construction of coastal and offshore infrastructure across an array of size and type. This extends to all stages in the project cycle, from developing innovative coastal erosion business cases and feasibility studies to structural defences and environmental enhancements, and then onto construction supervision. We work across the world including the Caribbean, North America, Middle East, Asia and Africa, as well as in the UK. We strive to ensure we provide our clients with the most sustainable solutions, with the UN Sustainable Development Goals forming the heart of what we do.

We are actively recruiting a diverse workforce that is reflective of the communities we serve. We recognise that differences in ability, skills and experience are a strength and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds.

UK Immigration

Mott MacDonald Ltd. are not currently offering sponsorship to candidates under the Skilled Worker visa route in the UK. This decision is as a consequence of the changes made to the Skilled Worker route by the UK Government in April 2024. We continue to welcome applications from candidates who are eligible for alternative immigration routes in the UK, that do not require sponsorship as a Skilled Worker now or in future.

Equality, diversity, and inclusion

We put equality, diversity, and inclusion at the heart of our business, seeking to promote fair employment procedures and practices to ensure equal opportunities for all. We encourage individual expression in our workplace and are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels they can contribute.

Accessibility

We want you to perform your best at every stage in the recruitment process. If you are disabled or need any support to enable you to apply or attend an interview, please contact us at reasonable.adjustments@mottmac.com and we will talk to you about how we can support you.

We offer some fantastic benefits including

Health and wellbeing

  • Private medical insurance for all UK colleagues.
  • Health cash plan to support you with every day health costs and treatments.
  • Access to Peppy, providing free support from menopause experts for all UK colleagues.
  • A variety of wellbeing support is available through our comprehensive wellbeing program, including access for you and your family.
  • Ability to flex your salary to opt into a wide range of health benefits, many of which can be extended to your family too.

Financial wellbeing

  • We match employee pension contributions between 4.5% and 7%.
  • Life assurance equal up to 4 x your basic salary, with an option to increase the level of cover to 6 x your salary.
  • Our income protection scheme provides a financial benefit, as well as absence and return to work support due to long-term illness or injury.
  • Flexible benefits, including increased life assurance cover, critical illness insurance, payroll saving and will writing.
  • As an independently owned business we share the financial success of the business with all our colleagues in various ways including annual bonus schemes.

Lifestyle

  • A minimum of 33-35 days holiday each year, inclusive of public holidays and dependent on level, with the ability to buy or sell leave through our flexible benefits programme.
  • Holiday entitlement increased to a minimum of 35 days after 5 years’ service.
  • Variety of employee saving schemes and discounts from high-street retailers.

Enhanced family and carers leave

  • Enhanced family leave policies, including 26 weeks paid maternity and adoption leave, and two weeks paid paternity/partner leave.
  • Our shared parental leave matches maternity leave meaning we pay up to 24 weeks at full pay.
  • Up to five additional days leave are provided for those with significant caring responsibilities, two of which are paid.

Learning and development

  • Primary annual professional institution subscription.
  • A broad range of opportunities to enhance both technical and soft skills through mentoring, formal training, and self-development options.

Networks, communities, and social outcomes

  • Join a wide range of groups including our Advanced Employee Networks which support our LGBTQ+, gender, race and ethnicity, disability, and parents/carers communities.

Apply now, or for more information about our application process, click here.

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Senior Coastal Scientist employer: Mott MacDonald

Mott MacDonald is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee growth and development, particularly for those in the Senior Coastal Scientist role. Located in Southampton, the company fosters a collaborative work culture that values diversity and inclusion, offering flexible working arrangements and opportunities for mentorship and leadership within a dynamic team focused on impactful maritime projects.
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Contact Detail:

Mott MacDonald Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Coastal Scientist

✨Network Like a Pro

Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend conferences, workshops, or local meet-ups related to coastal science. You never know who might have a lead on your dream job or can introduce you to someone at Mott MacDonald.

✨Show Off Your Skills

When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your expertise in coastal processes and project management. Share specific examples of how you've led projects or mentored others – it’ll show them you’re the right fit for their team!

✨Be Ready for Interviews

Prepare for interviews by brushing up on common questions related to coastal ecosystem management and climate adaptation. Think about how your experience aligns with Mott MacDonald's goals and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their projects.

✨Apply Through Our Website

Don’t forget to apply directly through the Mott MacDonald website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of their team.

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Coastal Scientist

Coastal Processes Expertise
Ecological Restoration
Data-Driven Decision-Making
Project Management
Mentorship
Business Development
GIS Proficiency
Remote Sensing Knowledge
Coastal Modelling Tools (e.g., Delft3D, SWAN, ADCIRC)
Interdisciplinary Project Leadership
Climate Adaptation Planning
Policy Development

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Coastal Scientist role. Highlight your expertise in coastal processes and any relevant projects you've led. We want to see how your experience aligns with what we're looking for!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about coastal science and how you can contribute to our team. Be sure to mention any specific skills or experiences that relate to the job description.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this role involves mentoring and leading projects, make sure to highlight your leadership experience. Share examples of how you've guided teams or influenced project outcomes in your previous roles.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Mott MacDonald

✨Know Your Coastal Science

Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of coastal processes and ecological restoration. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've worked on that demonstrate your expertise in these areas, as well as how you've used data-driven decision-making in your past roles.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

Since this role involves mentoring junior team members and leading multidisciplinary teams, prepare examples of how you've successfully led projects in the past. Highlight your ability to guide teams and influence outcomes, especially in complex, interdisciplinary settings.

✨Familiarise Yourself with Tools

If you have experience with GIS or coastal modelling tools like Delft3D or SWAN, be sure to mention it. If not, take some time to learn the basics of these tools so you can speak confidently about them during the interview.

✨Understand Climate Adaptation Policies

Given the focus on climate adaptation planning, it's crucial to be knowledgeable about current policies and practices in this area. Prepare to discuss how your work aligns with these efforts and how you can contribute to the future direction of the coastal team.

Senior Coastal Scientist
Mott MacDonald
Location: Southampton

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