Overview
Are you ready to take your career to new heights? The Environment Agency has an exciting opportunity to join our team as an Aerial Surveyor. This is a hands-on, field-based role operating cutting-edge aerial survey equipment aboard a light aircraft to collect high-resolution data that supports environmental policy and decision-making across England. You’ll capture LiDAR, aerial photography, and hyperspectral data to support our national work programmes. You’ll be a vital member of a small, skilled, and friendly team of Aerial Surveyors within our Geomatics Team, helping deliver accurate spatial data for the Environment Agency and DEFRA. Your work will directly contribute to making England a better place for people and wildlife.
This is a hands-on, field-based role with varied environments and flexible working hours. Our aircraft operate on a 24/7/365 basis, dependent on weather conditions. You’ll be expected to work a flexible shift pattern, including day and night shifts, weekends, and bank holidays — with a 20% shift allowance in addition to your base pay.
Responsibilities
* Operating and managing a range of aerial survey instruments on board aircraft
* Supporting data acquisition and equipment mobilisation across England
* Assisting with survey planning and flight operations
* Contributing to post-flight data checks and data management
* Participating in incident response operations, including flood events, providing critical aerial intelligence
* The role is based at East Midlands Airport operations office
This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who enjoys working in a technical, fast-paced environment where attention to detail, teamwork, and autonomy are key.
Team and focus
The Aerial Survey Team is part of the Survey Team within National Monitoring. We provide specialised geomatics services to the Environment Agency and the wider environmental community, delivering high-quality, accurate geo-information through an integrated approach. We combine cutting-edge technology with skilled expertise to produce reliable, GIS-ready data products that support scientific research and environmental decision-making. We are committed to maintaining the highest scientific and ethical standards in all our work.
Qualifications and Skills
* You will need a degree in Geography, Surveying, Environmental Science, or another relevant scientific or technical discipline.
* Full bespoke training will be provided; you will progressively develop the ability to make operational decisions and troubleshoot independently.
Essential Skills And Experience
* Strong knowledge of Health, Safety, and Wellbeing practices in field-based environments
* Proven and adaptable ICT skills relevant to technical survey work
* Ability to work effectively in teams
* Sound decision-making and troubleshooting skills, consistently delivering positive outcomes
Additional Requirements
* A full UK driving license is required for this role
Additional Information
This role is based at East Midlands Airport. A valid UK driving license and access to your own transport are essential. Candidates must reside within a 30-minute commute of the airport.
We are committed to fostering an inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. Everyone joining the team will receive a warm welcome and comprehensive training. During your induction, you will be provided with all the necessary equipment to perform your role effectively.
As a member of the Aerial Survey Team, you will have an incident response role and be expected to make yourself available to respond to incidents as needed. Full training and support will be provided to prepare you for this responsibility.
Contact Tom Simpson for additional information: thomas.simpson@environment-agency.gov.uk
Competencies
* Technical Skills
* Works in Teams
* Health Safety & Wellbeing
For applicants applying from the Civil Service: Environment Agency is not part of HM Civil Service and you would not be a Crown Servant if appointed. You may have eligibility for continuity of service in local government when calculating future redundancy payments. If unsure, contact your HR Team. We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce and welcome flexible working patterns, including job sharing. We also guarantee an interview to any applicant with a disability meeting the minimum criteria for the post. The Environment Agency uses Central Government frameworks for recruitment and cannot engage with the market directly via post, email, or phone calls. For information on becoming a Crown Commercial Service supplier, visit the government site provided below.
Environment Agency is a Non-Departmental Public Body that aims to provide value for money through government frameworks.
Seniority level: Associate
Employment type: Full-time
Job function: Management and Manufacturing
Location: East Midlands Airport, England
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