Coastal Process Scientist (Fixed-term) – Strategy & Partnerships

Kate on Conservation; Plymouth; Hybrid; GBP 32,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexi scheme

Hybrid working

LGPS

Annual leave

Professional development

Outdoor surveying

Discount & EAP

Job summary

University of Plymouth is seeking a Coastal Process Scientist on a fixed-term contract (up to 12 months) to cover maternity leave. Salary £32,046–£34,811 per annum, full-time with options for part-time or job share.

Based in the South West Coastal Monitoring team, you will analyse coastal process data, supervise contractors, and contribute to regional reports. You will work hybrid, assisting with data management, field surveys, and advisory duties while engaging with partners and stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Honours degree or equivalent in Marine Science, Marine Geography, Civil or Maritime Engineering, Oceanography or similar.
• Excellent level of competency in researching and analysing coastal process data.
• IT skills, including GIS, particularly in respect to coastal processes and management.
• Ability to undertake independent research and produce detailed analytical reports with recommendations for coastal management authorities.
• Ability to communicate with a wide variety of audiences and to build effective working relationships.
• Excellent knowledge of coastal processes and how this impacts local communities.
• Knowledge of coastal management practices.
• The fitness level necessary to undertake coastal asset surveys.

Responsibilities

• Data Analysis & Records: Receive, download, and analyse coastal process data; maintain records; assist in annual regional reports.
• Survey Data Evaluation: Check and analyse survey data and report findings for informed decisions, including various data types (topographic, hydrographic, bathymetric, aerial, LIDAR, etc.).
• Contractor Supervision: Supervise and review contractors’ work to meet specifications.
• Data Management: Implement data management structure for region-wide delivery of coastal monitoring data.
• Technical Problem Solving: Investigate data issues and propose technical solutions.
• Policy & Advisory: Provide coastal processes advice for monitoring programme policies.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Liaise with councils, authorities, Environment Agency, and consultants.
• Reporting & Representation: Prepare technical reports and present to partners.
• Communication: Act as main contact for correspondence and field inquiries.
• Fieldwork: Conduct GNSS beach/asset surveys; produce reports.
• Emergency Response: Assist during flood/storm events and emergencies.

Skills

GIS proficiency

Data analysis

Research skills

Coastal knowledge

Education

Honours degree in Marine Science / Marine Geography / Civil or Maritime Engineering / Oceanography

Tools

GIS software

Job description

Coastal Process Scientist

Fixed-term contract for up-to 12 months, to cover the postholder’s maternity leave

£32,046 – £34,811 per annum (depending on experience)

*37 hours per week

*This is a full-time position, however, we welcome applications from those who wish to work part-time or job share.

Join the South West Coastal Monitoring team based at the University of Plymouth to help monitor our coast around the whole of South West England! This is an exciting opportunity to join a team of coastal process scientists to help collect, appraise and analyse data supporting coastal processes around our beautiful coastline.

Purpose of the Role

To assist in the provision of the South West Coastal Monitoring programme (SWCM) with respect to coastal processes and coastal monitoring.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Data Analysis & Records: Receive, download, and analyse all coastal process data, prepare and maintain appropriate scientific records, carry out scientific reviews of programme output, and assist in the preparation of annual regional and other technical reports.
• Survey Data Evaluation: Check and analyse survey data from in-house or externally produced surveys and report on the findings to provide accurate information upon which subsequent decisions are to be based. This includes topographic, hydrographic, bathymetric, aerial, LIDAR (terrestrial and airborne), ecological, coastal asset data, and potentially other data such as satellite imagery.
• Contractor Supervision: Supervise, monitor, and review consultants’ and survey contractors’ work to ensure it meets the requirements of the specification and/or brief.
• Data Management: Implement data management structure and ensure region-wide delivery of all data components of the Coastal Monitoring Programme, including internet delivery.
• Technical Problem Solving: Investigate data analysis problems and make recommendations on options to provide technical solutions.
• Policy & Advisory: Provide coastal processes advice in the context of regional monitoring programme policies and current legislation.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Liaise with project partners including District Councils, other Local Authorities, Environment Agency, and consultants, and consult with stakeholders as appropriate.
• Reporting & Representation: Prepare and present as necessary technical reports or evidence to regional partners and provide advice or information from records necessary to meet the technical requirements of other directorates, outside organisations, or individuals.
• Communication: Be a main point of contact for correspondence, phone calls, letters, e-mails, and visitors regarding the Coastal Monitoring Programme.
• Fieldwork: Undertake GNSS (or similar) beach and, if necessary, coastal asset surveys in all weathers at a variety of different beach sites, producing reports and analysis.
• Emergency Response: Assist in the office and on site during flood/storm events and other emergencies.
• Stakeholder Updates: Assist with reporting procedures and presentations to update project partners and other external stakeholders (e.g., academia, the general public) as necessary.
• General Duties: Undertake duties commensurate with the grade and skills of the post holder as may be directed.

Key Success and Behavioural Factors

You work in a way that supports our corporate values (We do things well; We keep developing; We’re better together) and you meet the competency levels for your role.

Technical and Professional Skills

• Keeps up-to-date with latest thinking and actively shares ideas with colleagues.
• Is proactive about increasing professional expertise as required by role.

Problem Solving and Delivery

• Is conscientious, identifies options, helps deliver solutions, and is accountable for own work.

Leadership and Teamwork

• Is a reliable, flexible team member working effectively with colleagues and partners.
• More senior team members train and mentor junior members.

Communication and Interpersonal Skills

• Clearly and accurately communicates using a variety of styles to both internal and external audiences.
• Excellent organisation and self-motivation skills.

We can offer:

• A flexi scheme with up to 2 days flexi per month that can be taken.
• Hybrid working – part office based, and part home based.
• Generous Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Generous annual leave and wellbeing package.
• Career development through professional learning and development.
• Outdoor surveying opportunities (of beaches and perhaps coastal assets).
• 24/7 employee discount access and employee assistance support.

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• An Honours Degree or equivalent in Marine Science, Marine Geography, Civil or Maritime Engineering, Oceanography or similar.
• An excellent level of competency in researching and analysing coastal process data.
• IT skills, including GIS (Geographic Information System), particularly in respect to coastal processes and management.
• The ability to undertake independent research and produce detailed analytical reports together with advice and recommendations for coastal management authorities.
• The ability to communicate with a wide variety of audiences, and to build and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external colleagues.
• Excellent knowledge of coastal processes and how this impacts local communities.
• Knowledge of coastal management practices.
• The level of fitness necessary to undertake coastal asset surveys involving carrying equipment and walking significant distances.

We’re better together.

We are an equal opportunities employer committed to a diverse and inclusive organisation. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of their age, caring responsibilities, disability, sex, gender reassignment/trans status, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation and socio-economic status. We also welcome applications from military veterans and their families.

It is vital to read the job description and person specification for this role – it will help you understand whether your knowledge, skills and experience match the job requirements. The candidate will be expected to work at a Grade D (see Career Grade Details in the job description). In your supporting statement please tell us how you meet each of the essential criteria asked for in the person specification.

Closing Date: Tuesday 6th October 2026 @ midnight

Interview Date: Thursday 22nd/ Friday 23rd October 2026

Please note that we are unable to sponsor work visas.

Please note that all applicants will be notified whether or not they have progressed to the interview stage by 16th October 2026.

For an informal discussion please contact Emerald Siggery, Coastal Process Team Leader, on [e-mail]

No agencies please.

attachmentCoastal Process Scientist Career Grade JD 2025.pdf