Hydrographic Programmes Officer

Job summary

The United Kingdom Hydrographic Office (UKHO) is a world-leading agency providing the most comprehensive range of marine geospatial information across the globe. This information is used for the primary purpose of safe navigation and global trade efficiency, but also supports other marine activities including economic development, environmental protection, resource exploration and utilisation, scientific research and security and defence.

The Hydrographic Programmes team requires a Hydrographic Programmes Officer to support hydrographic capacity development and survey support initiatives to ensure the successful delivery of the UKHOs Corporate and Business Plan.

The Hydrographic Programmes are part of the wider Data Acquisition Division, and work closely with many other teams across the UKHO to ensure the successful delivery of activity on a worldwide basis.

This is a rewarding role with opportunities for advancement of project delivery and technical skills, for occasional travel and engagement, well suited to people with experience and an interest in seabed mapping.

Hybrid working

This job role can be worked on a hybrid basis, which is an informal, non-contractual and voluntary arrangement, working between the office in Taunton and remotely within the UK.

Office attendance is expected 60% of the time.

Additional Information

Part-time hours may be considered for this role (minimum of 29.6 hours per week).

Job description

• Support Hydrographic Programme Managers with the effective management and delivery of meetings and stakeholder engagement.
• Use Geographical Information Systems (GIS) to maintain an overview of activities and undertake analyses to inform project planning and delivery.
• Conduct research, coordinating input from wider UKHO stakeholders and collate draft technical assessments, visit reports and briefing notes in fulfilment of project requirements.
• Work collaboratively with team members and wider office colleagues to identify, plan and deliver capacity development activities.
• Maintain regular communications with stakeholders to build/maintain high levels of engagement in programme delivery.
• Provide support to the Hydrographic Programmes team in the development of policy papers, business cases and funding bids for complex international programmes.
• Deputise and act as point of contact whilst travelling staff are overseas.

Person specification

We are seeking a highly motivated individual with the following characteristics:

• Experience with hydrographic surveying, marine geospatial data or GIS.
• Experience working in a project management or project delivery environment or similar
• Ability to work with stakeholders at all levels to build strong working relationships. Diplomatic and professional self-confidence.
• Effective communications skills, proven technical report writing skills.
• Excellent numeracy and literacy skills to undertake a range of tasks including the ability to produce concise, clear and coherent data and written reports.
• The ability to adapt to and embrace change.
• Knowledge of navigational products and their practical application is a benefit.
• An interest and sound understanding of international affairs and geopolitical sensitivity.
• Ability to undertake international travel.

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Seeing the Big Picture
• Making Effective Decisions
• Managing a Quality Service
• Communicating and Influencing

Technical skills

We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:

• Experience of working a project management or project delivery environment or similar

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £38,173, UK Hydrographic Office contributes £11,058 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides (opens in a new window).

At the UK Hydrographic Office, it's very important to us that our people feel valued.

We offer a huge range of benefits such as training and development, well-being support, flexible/ homeworking, a fantastic state of the art building, high spec equipment, and so much more.

See our attached Candidate Information Pack for more details.

Things you need to know

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills.

How to Apply:

When you click "Apply Now" at the bottom of this page, you will be required to attach your anonymised CV and give a supporting statement of 500 words on the Experience criteria below.

Timeline:

• Advert Closes for applications: 19th August 2026
• Shortlisting: Week commencing: 24th August 2026
• Interviews: Week commencing: 7th September 2026

We will try to meet the dates set out in the advert. There may be occasions when these dates change. You will be provided with sufficient notice of the confirmed dates.

Sift/Shortlist Criteria:

All applications are processed anonymously. You will be short-listed against the following criteria - assessed by both your anonymised CV and personal statement.

Experience:

• Experience with hydrographic surveying, marine geospatial data or GIS (lead criteria used in the event of a large volume of applications).
• Experience working in a project management or project delivery environment or similar

Interview Criteria:

You will be interviewed against the following criteria:

Experience:-

• Experience with hydrographic surveying, marine geospatial data and GIS (lead criteria used in the event of a tie at interview) - assessed by a presentation

Technical:

• Experience of working a project management or project delivery environment or similar

Civil Service Behaviours (SEO Level)

• Seeing the Big Picture
• Making Effective Decisions
• Managing a Quality Service
• Communicating and Influencing

See here for further information: Success Profiles: Civil Service Behaviours

Process:

• Single Stage Interview via MS TEAMS. You will be contacted to book a suitable slot if you are shortlisted (see our Candidate Pack for further information)
• Interview will be with a panel of no