Overview
At the Environment Agency we aspire for inclusiveness to thrive in our workforce. We embrace equal opportunities and flexible work arrangements, ensuring everyone can contribute and succeed.
We are looking for a confident and enthusiastic Geomatics Analyst to join the National Monitoring Survey team. This role focuses on delivering remote sensing products, with emphasis on airborne optical data to support intertidal vegetation mapping, particularly saltmarsh extent and zonation. This work contributes to the Environment Agency’s statutory reporting obligations under the Water Environment (Water Framework Directive) Regulations, helping to assess and monitor the condition of intertidal habitats.
You will work as part of a small, collaborative team to produce high-quality spatial data that supports environmental monitoring and reporting. The role involves processing and analysing aerial photography and other airborne optical datasets, with additional use of satellite and drone data where appropriate. There may also be a requirement to collect and integrate ground truth data to support and validate remote sensing outputs.
Your knowledge of remote sensing data may include:
* Airborne data (Optical, Hyperspectral, or LIDAR)
* Satellite imagery (Optical/SAR)
* Drone-acquired imagery
You will contribute to a range of remote sensing projects, including:
* Saltmarsh extent and zonation mapping from high-resolution aerial imagery
* Opportunistic Macro Algae monitoring in intertidal zones
* Editing existing spatial features and digitising new extents based on remote sensing interpretation
* Identifying vegetation types in airborne imagery using a broad classification system suitable for intertidal habitats
* Supporting environmental monitoring and incident response through other remote sensing analysis
The role is ideal for someone with a strong interest in coastal habitat mapping and a passion for applying remote sensing techniques to support environmental outcomes.
The team
The National Monitoring Survey team works with National & Area teams to co-deliver all the monitoring requirements of the Environment Agency and the wider environmental community. We provide a range of specialist services to enable effective evidence to be used across the business, including collection and analysis of Lidar, Aerial Photography & Satellite data. We focus on delivering the highest quality data with a fully integrated approach to geo-information.
Experience/skills Required
You will hold a relevant degree in Geography, Remote Sensing, GIS, Environmental Science or a related discipline, or have equivalent practical experience. You should demonstrate strong GIS skills, ideally using ESRI products such as ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online or ArcMap, and experience working with large spatial datasets for analysis and reporting. You will have practical experience with remote sensing data, particularly airborne optical imagery, and an understanding of image classification techniques for habitat mapping. Experience with satellite and drone data is also beneficial. The role involves editing existing spatial features and digitising new extents, so familiarity with feature class management and spatial editing workflows is essential. You should be comfortable identifying vegetation types in imagery using a broad classification system. Strong organisational skills, a professional attitude, and the ability to work independently and meet deadlines are key, along with effective communication and teamwork.
Contact and additional information: The National Monitoring Survey team is national, located at various sites around the country and you can be based anywhere within working proximity to an EA office. You will be expected to travel to the Geomatics team hub base in Bath when required and to come into an EA office to meet team needs. The post is full-time, although requests for other working patterns will be considered. For any questions relating to this role, please contact David White at David.white@environment-agency.gov.uk. Interviews will be via MS Teams. Interview dates are likely to be week commencing 13 October. Length of contract: Up to November 2026.
Competencies
Data and Information Management
Description: Capability Definition - Collects, analyses, interprets, records, manages, develops and shares data appropriately for a variety of purposes. This role requires you to handle, store, and organise spatial data, edit spatial features, digitise new extents, and apply robust data management practices to support reliable analysis and reporting. Please discuss an example using the STAR model to demonstrate managing large datasets with accuracy and integrity.
* Ensures activities and documentation follow relevant data laws, policies, processes and standards.
* Accurately collects, enters and maintains data per EA procedures and stores data for analysis.
* Anticipates data or information requirements and future reporting needs.
* Produces factually accurate reports using data and statistics.
* Prepares findings in a logical, accessible manner.
* Knows how to locate necessary documentation.
Achieves Results
Description: Capability Definition - Sets and delivers high work standards, demonstrates drive to meet targets. Prioritises tasks and resources to ensure timely results. Please provide a STAR example showing high work standards and timely delivery.
* Maximises output by setting goals, tracking outcomes and taking remedial action when needed.
* Regularly exceeds goals; resilient under pressure and able to recover from setbacks.
* Adapts to upcoming issues and adjusts actions; willingness to put in extra effort to meet deadlines.
Scientific Knowledge
Description: Capability Definition - Applies scientific knowledge to provide sound, science-based evidence. This role requires understanding how to interpret airborne imagery and apply classification systems to map habitats with confidence. Please provide evidence of applying scientific knowledge to derive products from remote sensing and spatial data.
* Applies scientific knowledge to enhance EA effectiveness.
* Maintains documentation and keeps up-to-date with scientific trends and techniques.
* Develops science networks and protects EA IP rights.
Other information
We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce and welcome flexible working patterns, including job share. We also have a Guaranteed Interview Policy for applicants with a disability. The EA is a Non-Departmental Public Body sponsored by Defra and uses government frameworks for recruitment.
Artificial intelligence: You may use AI tools, but all examples must be truthful and from your own experience. Plagiarism may lead to action. Review Civil Service guidance on AI use.
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