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 individual to join our team of Geomatics Analysts within the National Monitoring Survey team. This role focuses on the delivery of remote sensing products, with a strong emphasis on the use of airborne optical data to support intertidal vegetation mapping, particularly saltmarsh extent and zonation. A key part of 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
This role is ideally suited to 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. The team provides a range of specialist services to enable effective evidence to be used across the business, including the collection and analysis of Lidar, Aerial Photography & Satellite data. We focus on delivering the highest quality data, providing a fully integrated approach to the delivery of 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 a national team, located at various sites around the country and as such 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 & you will also be expected to come into an EA office to meet the needs of our team charter, ensuring teams & colleagues are connected and continue to work well together. 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 David.white@environment-agency.gov.uk. Interviews will be via MS Teams. Please note interview dates are likely to be week commencing 13 October. Length of contract: Up to November 2026.
Competences
Competence 1
Data and Information Management
Description
Capability Definition - Collects, analyses, interprets, records, manages, develops and shares data, material or information appropriately for a variety of purposes. This role requires that you are confident in handling, storing, and organising spatial data, editing spatial features, digitising new extents, and applying robust data management practices to support reliable analysis, reporting, and long-term usability.
Using the STAR (Situation, Task, Action taken, Result) model, please talk us through an example of when you have demonstrated the ability to manage and maintain large datasets with accuracy and integrity. This includes working with geospatial and tabular data in formats such as geodatabases, shapefiles, and Excel, ensuring data is well-structured, traceable, and fit for purpose.
Indicators
* Ensures that activities are carried out and documentation completed according to the relevant data laws, policies, processes and standards.
* Accurately and safely collects, enters and maintains data in line with Environment Agency procedures and stores data, or material, for subsequent analysis safely.
* Anticipates requirements for data or information and/or identifies future reporting requirements and puts in place the means to meet these.
* Produces factually accurate reports, both verbal and written using data and statistics supported by tools, databases and specialised software.
* Prepares and presents findings in a logical and well-structured manner that can be readily accessed and understood by a wide audience.
* Is fully aware of all documentation applicable to roles & responsibilities. Knows how to find out if unsure.
Competence 2
Achieves Results
Description
Capability definition - Sets and delivers high work standards, demonstrates the drive to meet targets. Prioritises and organises tasks and resources to ensure timely achievement of results.
Using the STAR (Situation, Task, Action taken, Result) model to frame your answer, please give an example of where you have set and delivered high work standards, demonstrating the drive to meet targets. Prioritises and organises tasks and resources to ensure timely achievement of results.
Indicators
* Maximises work output by setting goals and priorities tracking and measuring outcomes and taking swift remedial action when necessary.
* Can be relied upon to regularly exceed goals agreed
* Is tenacious and perseveres when others might give up and by doing so achieves the desired results
* Anticipates forth-coming issues and adjusts actions as necessary.
* Willing to put in extra effort to meet urgent deadlines when required; shows dedication and commitment; “goes the extra mile”
* Is resilient and performs well under pressure; responds positively to setbacks and develops alternative action
Competence 3
Scientific Knowledge
Description
Capability definition - Applies scientific knowledge (various disciplines, depending on team role) to provide sound, science-based evidence to our internal and external customers. This role requires you to understand how to interpret airborne imagery and apply classification systems to identify vegetation types and map habitats with confidence and accuracy. Please provide evidence of how you apply your scientific knowledge to derive meaningful products from remote sensing and spatial data. This includes using GIS and remote sensing techniques to produce habitat maps, land cover classifications, and other analytical outputs that support environmental monitoring and decision-making.
Indicators
* Applies scientific knowledge in appropriate areas, to enhance the effectiveness of the Environment Agency.
* Develops Environment Agency science in line with business needs, keeps sufficient documentation and maintains accurate records of this.
* Keeps up to date with scientific trends and techniques.
* Develops and maintains science networks
* Protects the Environment Agency’s Intellectual Property Rights
Additional information
We are fully committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve. We welcome flexible working patterns for all our vacancies, including job share, so please include clearly any information regarding your preferred working arrangements on your application. We also have a Guaranteed Interview Policy to support those with a disability who are seeking employment. We have committed to guaranteeing an interview to anyone with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post. The Environment Agency, as a Non-Departmental Public Body, is committed to providing value for money and utilises Central Government frameworks and contracts for all external recruitment needs. For this reason, we are unable to engage with the market directly through post, email or phone calls. Should you wish to become a support supplier on one of these frameworks or contracts please visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/become-a-crown-commercial-service-supplier/becoming-a-supplier-through-the-crown-commercial-service-what-you-need-to-know for more information.
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. Although the Environment Agency is a non-departmental public body sponsored by Defra, we subscribe to and align with the candidate guidance on the use of artificial intelligence found on the Civil Service Careers website. Please review for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.
Seniority level
* Associate
Employment type
* Full-time
Job function
* Business Development and Sales
Location examples and dates are listing details and not essential to job description.
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