Job description
The Channel Coastal Observatory (CCO) is seeking a Coastal Process Scientist to play a central role in the observatory’s coastal monitoring efforts. As part of our team, you’ll engage with stakeholders, manage large datasets, and conduct on-the-ground surveys to help support Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management (FCERM) in England.
Your responsibilities
* Coastal Asset Data Management (PostgreSQL)
Maintain, update, and improve the coastal defence asset register for the Southeast Regional Coastal Monitoring Programme (SE RCMP). This involves working with large datasets in PostgreSQL, developing consistent workflows, and ensuring robust documentation.
* Engage with Stakeholders
Collaborate with local authorities, the Environment Agency (EA) teams, and other partners to coordinate inspections, share findings, and align goals.
* Support Project & Contract Delivery
Contribute to the management of annual asset inspection contracts, supporting timely and high-quality project delivery. Assist with budget tracking and liaise with external partners under the guidance of senior colleagues.
* Conduct Field Surveys & Inspections
Perform topographic beach surveys using RTK GNSS and laser scanning equipment, and carry out T98 inspections (full training provided).
What you can expect
* Salary & Benefits
* Salary range: £30,195 - £38,245
* 24-27 days annual leave, plus bank holidays
* Local government pension scheme
* Flexible working hours, with hybrid options (office-based on Mondays)
* Professional Development
* Full training in coastal surveying (GNSS, laser scanning) and T98 inspections
* Opportunities to learn and refine coding, GIS, and data management skills.
* Impactful Work
* Contribute directly to tools and strategies that inform England’s coastal defence efforts.
Your qualities and experience
* Qualifications & Experience
* Bachelor’s (essential) or Master’s (desirable) in Civil Engineering, Oceanography, Environmental Science, Geography, or a related field.
* Suited to a strong recent graduate or early-career professional (Substantial experience) who is confident handling data, keen to work collaboratively, and eager to develop project and contract delivery experience.
* Technical Skills
* Familiarity with, or enthusiasm to learn, PostgreSQL, QGIS, MATLAB, and Python for data manipulation and database management.
* Any exposure to SQL database development is a plus.
* Soft skills
* Clear and confident communicator, both written and verbal, able to work with a range of technical and non-technical stakeholders.
* Organised and detail-focused, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities effectively.
* Comfortable working outdoors in variable weather conditions and occasionally at early hours, depending on tidal schedules.
About the Channel Coastal Observatory
Based at the National Oceanography Centre in Southampton, the Channel Coastal Observatory is managed by New Forest District Council (NFDC). We collect and disseminate comprehensive data on coastal change drivers – such as waves, tides, and weather – and map how our coastlines respond using topographic, hydrographic, LiDAR, and aerial photography data. This information is freely accessible at, supporting the Environment Agency’s Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management (FCERM) Policy and helping safeguard our coastlines for future generations.
If you are ready to dive into a hands-on coastal science role that blends data management, fieldwork, and collaboration with key partners, apply now and help us shape the future of UK coastal monitoring.
At NFDC we believe that all our employees make a valuable contribution to the work of the Council and that's why we encourage a trusting and open culture where each employee is supported and respected equally, where ideas are actively sought and self-development promoted.
We are proud of our new values for 2024/25, please watch this short video to find out more. LEAF Learning Empathy Ambition Fairness (youtube.com)
If you're ambitious and passionate, are driven to deliver, and want to be part of our team, we welcome your application.
Click here to see why employees think that New Forest District Council is a great place to work: Working for NFDC
For further details or to have an information discussion, please contact Thomas Dhoop on 02382 354162.
Closing date: 23rd May 2025
Anticipated interview date: 10/11th June 2025