Coastal Process Scientist - Fixed Term Contract
£31161 to £39469 Per annum
Southampton
The Channel Coastal Observatory are looking for a Coastal Process Scientist (Fixed Term contract - Fixed term, until 31 March 2027) who will perform a key role in delivering the observatory’s coastal monitoring efforts.
Your main functions will be to conduct topographic surveys of beaches, dunes, cliffs, and coastal defence structures using RTK GNSS and laser scanner equipment. You will also process the data you collect, perform a variety of synthesising analyses and produce reports in support of the Environment Agency’s Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management (FCERM) Strategy.
For this role we offer a competitive salary, benefits including 24-27 days annual leave (plus bank holidays), local government pension scheme, and an employee assistance programme (free 24 hour legal, financial and personal advice for employees). We offer flexible working conditions including flexible working hours.
In addition, you will receive full training in coastal surveying using GNSS and laser scanning equipment, and the analysis of topographic survey data.
About you
For this role, we are looking for the following qualifications and skills:
You will require work outside in adverse weather conditions at sometimes unsocial hours when tidal working is required.
What’s in it for you?
This post requires a Basic DBS check to be completed. (delete as applicable)
About the Channel Coastal Observatory
Based at the National Oceanography Centre in Southampton, the Channel Coastal Observatory (CCO) is an exciting project managed by New Forest District Council (NFDC).
The CCO collects data on the drivers of coastal change through the measurement of real-time wave, tide and meteorological data and captures the response of the coastline to those drivers by collecting topographic, hydrographic, LIDAR and aerial photography data.
The data we collect is made publicly available on www.coastalmonitoring.org and directly supports the Environment Agency's Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management (FCERM) policy.
About us
As one of the largest districts in the country, with 6 towns and a close relationship with neighbouring conurbations, the New Forest provides a supportive environment in which everyone who works for us can help drive our aims.
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 also recognise the value of a highly motivated and engaged workforce and we actively promote a good work/life balance. We’re keen to support career development and help all colleagues to be the best they can be.
We are proud of our values, 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.
To view full details of what you can expect from working for NFDC and to view the full job description, please click on the candidate pack attached.
Click here to see why employees think that New Forest District Council is a great place to work:
After reading the job description of what the role will involve, you feel you would like an informal chat about the role, please contact Dr Thomas Dhoop on thomas.dhoop@soton.ac.uk or 023 8235 4162.
Closing date: 9th January 2026
Interview Date: 21st and 22nd January 2026
As one of the largest districts in the country, with 6 towns and a close relationship with neighbouring conurbations, the New Forest provides a supportive environment in which everyone who works for us can help drive our aims.
All our employees make a valuable contribution to the work we do, and that's why we encourage a trusting and open culture where everyone is supported and respected, where ideas are actively sought, and self-development is promoted.