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- Tasks: Assist in managing geographic datasets and support data-driven projects.
- Company: Join the UK's largest port, pivotal to the economy and growth.
- Benefits: 28 days leave, training opportunities, health plans, and pension.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on maritime technology and decision-making.
- Qualifications: Degree in GIS or related field; experience with ESRI ArcGIS Pro preferred.
- Other info: Flexible working options and excellent career development prospects.
The predicted salary is between 41540 - 41540 £ per year.
Department: Hydrographic Services, Department of Marine Operations
Reporting to: Geospatial Product Manager
Grade: 8
Salary: £41,540 per annum
Working pattern: Monday to Friday, 35 hours per week
Base: Gravesend, Kent (home working up to 2 days a week also supported as well as working at the PLA central London base)
Closing date: 30th April 2026
Interview date: 13th May 2026
Who We Are
We are the UK’s largest port, central to the country’s economy and ambitions for growth. We connect the UK to the world, but we are much more than a conventional port. We are driven by our purpose to protect and improve the 95‑mile stretch of the River Thames which is tidal – from Teddington Lock, through the heart of London, Kent, Essex and out to the North Sea.
The Role
The Hydrographic Services team maintain a large portfolio of navigational products as well as the PLA’s wider corporate GIS system. We are seeking a candidate, educated to degree level in GIS or equivalent subject, ideally with experience in using ESRI ArcGIS Pro. The post would suit candidates with some industry experience and should have a keen interest in technology and the marine sector. You will be customer focused and a team player with strong attention to detail, using data to inform decision making. The successful candidate will be involved in a broad and varied range of activities supporting technical experts to maintain London as a world class port.
Key Responsibilities
- Assist with management of PLA-wide geographic maritime and terrestrial datasets, including digital and paper charts within our hydrographic portfolio.
- Supporting projects across the organisation and enabling data-driven decision-making.
- Support over 100 users of the corporate GIS system through the delivery of bespoke applications, data, and analysis.
Essential Skills and Qualifications
- Degree in GIS, Geography, Cartography, Marine/Earth Sciences or similar (Masters desirable).
- Practical experience with ESRI ArcGIS Pro and other GIS packages.
- Sound theoretical knowledge of mapping techniques including application of coordinate systems, projections and scale.
- Through knowledge of MS Office applications.
- The ability to communicate technical detail to users in non-technical language.
- Use your initiative to solve problems, propose solutions and come up with new ideas.
Desirable
- Some experience with database structures and queries specifically MS SQL and Postgres SQL.
- Knowledge / awareness of marine cartography, including associated international standards.
- Awareness of applied applications for the maritime sector.
- Relevant industry experience.
Benefits
- 28 days annual leave (plus Bank Holidays)
- Access to training & development
- Medical Cash Plan (Westfield Health)
- Generous pension
- Onsite parking with electric charging
- Access to Occupational Health, Mindfulness, Counselling and Physiotherapy
- Salary Sacrifice Cycle to Work Scheme
- Salary Sacrifice Car-leasing scheme (Tusker Cars)
- Access to MyGym Discounts
Contact
For further information or if you would like to have an informal discussion about the position, please contact Amber Hurn, GIS Analyst & Cartographer at Amber.Hurn@pla.co.uk.
Legal Notice
The PLA are not registered with the UK Home Office and do not sponsor candidates who require a visa or work permit to work in the UK, therefore an offer of employment cannot be made unless you currently hold the rights to live and work in the UK.
GIS & Cartographic Assistant employer: Port of London Authority
Contact Detail:
Port of London Authority Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land GIS & Cartographic Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the GIS and marine sectors on LinkedIn or at industry events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interview by brushing up on your technical skills and knowledge about ESRI ArcGIS Pro. We want to show them you’re not just a candidate, but the candidate they’ve been looking for!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to showcase your problem-solving skills! Think of examples where you’ve used data to make decisions or improve processes. We need to demonstrate that we can think on our feet and bring fresh ideas to the table.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and eager to join our team.
We think you need these skills to ace GIS & Cartographic Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the GIS & Cartographic Assistant role. Highlight your experience with ESRI ArcGIS Pro and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills match 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 the marine sector and how your background in GIS makes you a great fit for our team. Keep it engaging and personal – we love to see your personality!
Showcase Your Attention to Detail: Since attention to detail is key for this role, make sure your application is free from typos and errors. Double-check everything before you hit send. We appreciate candidates who take pride in their work!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you get all the updates directly from us. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Port of London Authority
✨Know Your GIS Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of GIS, especially ESRI ArcGIS Pro. Be ready to discuss your practical experience and how you've used these tools in past projects. Showing that you can apply your skills in real-world scenarios will impress the interviewers.
✨Understand the Marine Sector
Familiarise yourself with the marine sector and the specific challenges it faces. Research the PLA's role in maintaining the River Thames and think about how your skills can contribute to their mission. This shows your genuine interest in the position and the organisation.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice explaining technical concepts in simple terms. You’ll need to communicate with users who may not have a technical background, so being able to break down complex ideas is crucial. Consider preparing examples of how you've done this in previous roles.
✨Show Initiative and Problem-Solving Skills
Be prepared to discuss times when you've used your initiative to solve problems or come up with new ideas. The interviewers will be looking for candidates who can think critically and contribute to the team’s success, so have some examples ready to share.