The Environment Agency seeks a 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. The work supports statutory reporting obligations under the Water Environment Regulations and helps monitor intertidal habitats.
You will be part of a small, collaborative team producing high-quality spatial data to support environmental monitoring and reporting. Responsibilities include processing and analysing aerial photography and other airborne optical datasets, with additional use of satellite and drone data where appropriate. Ground truth data may be collected 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 suited to someone with a strong interest in coastal habitat mapping and applying remote sensing techniques to support environmental outcomes.
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. Demonstrable GIS skills are required, ideally using ESRI products such as ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online or ArcMap, and experience working with large spatial datasets for analysis and reporting. Practical experience with remote sensing data, particularly airborne optical imagery, and an understanding of image classification techniques for habitat mapping are essential. Experience with satellite and drone data is 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 important, along with effective communication and teamwork.
Contact and additional information
The National Monitoring Survey team is national, with team members located at various sites around the country; 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, though requests for other working patterns will be considered.
For questions relating to this role, please contact David White at David.white@environment-agency.gov.uk or Tel 07552 271881. Interviews will be via MS Teams. Interview dates are likely to be week commencing 13 October. Length of contract: Up to November 2026.
Competences
Competence 1 — Data and Information Management
Capability Definition: Collects, analyses, interprets, records, manages, develops and shares data, material or information 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, reporting, and long-term usability. Please discuss the use of STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to illustrate managing large datasets with accuracy and integrity. Data formats include geodatabases, shapefiles, and Excel; data should be well-structured, traceable and fit for purpose.
* Ensures activities and documentation comply with relevant data laws, policies, processes and standards.
* Accurately and safely collects, enters and maintains data in line with Environment Agency procedures and stores data for subsequent analysis.
* Anticipates data or information requirements and future reporting needs.
* Produces factually accurate reports using data and statistics supported by tools and software.
* Prepares findings in a logical, accessible manner.
Competence 2 — Achieves Results
Capability Definition: Sets and delivers high work standards and targets. Prioritises and organises tasks and resources to ensure timely results. Please provide an example using STAR showing you have set and delivered high standards, prioritised tasks, and met deadlines.
* Maximises output by setting goals and tracking outcomes; takes remedial action when needed.
* Regularly exceeds goals and maintains resilience under pressure.
* Anticipates issues and adjusts actions; willing to put in extra effort to meet urgent deadlines.
Competence 3 — Scientific Knowledge
Capability Definition: Applies scientific knowledge to provide sound, science-based evidence to internal and external customers. You should understand how to interpret airborne imagery and apply classification systems to identify vegetation types and map habitats. Please show how you apply scientific knowledge to derive products from remote sensing and spatial data, including GIS and remote sensing techniques for habitat maps and land cover classifications.
* Applies scientific knowledge to enhance EA effectiveness.
* Keeps documentation and maintains records; stays current with scientific trends.
* Develops science networks and protects EA’s Intellectual Property Rights.
Notes
We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce, welcome flexible working patterns including job share, and encourage applicants to indicate preferred working arrangements. We have a Guaranteed Interview Policy for applicants with disabilities. The EA is a Non-Departmental Public Body sponsored by Defra and uses Central Government frameworks for recruitment. For suppliers interested in Crown frameworks, see the Crown Commercial Service information.
Artificial intelligence guidance: Use of AI tools is allowed to support applications, but all content must be truthful and from your own experience. Plagiarism may result in withdrawal or disciplinary action. See Civil Service Careers guidance for AI use.
Seniority level
* Associate
Employment type
* Full-time
Job function
* Business Development and Sales
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