Hydrographic Surveyor

Job title: Hydrographic Surveyor
Department: Hydrographic, Department of Marine Operations
Reporting to: Survey Manager
Grade: 5
Salary: £57,848 per annum
Working pattern: Monday to Friday, 35 hours per week
Base: Gravesend, Kent
Closing date: 8 August 2025
Interview date: 26 August 2025

The Port of London Authority is the statutory harbour authority for the tidal Thames and responsible for 95 miles of the River Thames from the Estuary to Teddington Lock in West London. We work to keep river users safe, protect and enhance the environment and promote the use of the river for trade and travel.

The PLA’s Hydrographic Service is responsible for surveying 400 sq. miles of the River Thames and estuary, from the tidal limit in the west out to the southern North Sea. Surveys are primarily conducted for safety of navigation, but a significant effort goes into conservancy and environmental monitoring surveys, as well as detailed engineering works.

The department undertakes approximately 50% of its work for third parties under contract, and it is accepted as a centre of excellence in the field of port surveying and has recently gained a reputation for innovative use of high resolution multibeam in the support of infrastructure projects and ongoing inspection and maintenance and works closely with the UKHO and MCA on chart production and national interest mapping.

The department is well resourced with a dedicated team of surveyors, marine crews, GIS, conservancy, project management and administration personnel. We operate multiple survey vessels (both crewed and uncrewed) all fitted with hi-res multibeam sonars and ancillary equipment, we are licenced aerial drone operators and have undertaken numerous surveys to support various port users and stakeholders. We use the latest hydrographic software packages and GIS techniques for processing, analysis, product production and data delivery. We promote individuals to develop skills and achieve professional qualifications across this broad range of work.

The role:

This post is based within our Hydrographic Department one of the strongest in the UK. Our primary focus is the provision of Safety of Navigation surveys, dredging support and nautical charting products to port users and stakeholders. In addition, the team provides commercial services across the spectrum of geophysical, geotechnical, and marine infrastructure inspection and construction survey support. We have a diverse and interesting client and project portfolio from major infrastructure to smaller support and development work both on the Thames and further afield.

This interesting and varied post offers considerable potential for someone seeking to join a highly respected, motivated and friendly team that is seeking to develop and expand its capabilities.

The successful candidate will:

• Practice the full range of professional hydrographic surveyor skills from survey planning, acquisition, charting through to reporting and analysis.
• Achieve focussed career development through the in-house personal development program.
• Be involved with supporting the joint Port of London and University College London MSc in Hydrography, as well as receiving support to gain their own professional accreditation.

What we are looking for:

• Higher education degree in hydrographic surveying or related science / engineering-based subject.
• Previous inshore and/or offshore surveying industry experience (5 years+) and a working knowledge of hydrographic systems, charting and associated standards.
• Broader experience in the geophysical and geotechnical survey fields although not a pre-requisite, would be an advantage.
• Ideally the candidate would have relevant qualifications and certifications to work afloat i.e. RYA Powerboat 1 or 2, STCW Sea Survival, First Aid, etc.
• You should be self-motivated and have the ability to work under pressure with little supervision.
• There is also a requirement to work paid overtime to cover operational and emergency requirements; conditions will apply.
• Proficient use in MS office suite to advanced level.
• Proficient organisational and time management abilities.

Benefits package:

• 28 days annual leave (plus Bank Holidays)
• Medical Cash Plan (Westfield Health)
• Onsite parking with electric charging
• Access to Occupational Health, Mindfulness, Counselling and Physiotherapy
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Car-leasing scheme (Tusker Cars)
• Access to MyGymDiscounts

For further information or if you would like to have an informal discussion about the position, please contact Thomas Ford, Survey Manager on 07512 713177 or thomas.ford@pla.co.uk .

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.

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