Hydrographic Surveyor – Harwich Haven Authority

UKHMA; Tendring; Hybrid; GBP 32,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Harwich Haven Authority seeks an experienced hydrographic surveyor to plan and deliver surveys from shallow intertidal waters to 12 nautical miles into the North Sea. You will work with multibeam, single-beam, seismic and ADCP sensors to produce accurate data, charts and reports supporting navigation, dredging and environmental monitoring.

The role requires practical knowledge of hydrographic systems, software (HYPACK/Qimera, Cadcorp, 3DEO) and the ability to manage equipment, data processing

Qualifications

• Knowledge of hydrographic multibeam systems and motion reference units.
• Experience in hydrographic surveying or a related field.
• Experience mobilising, maintaining and calibrating hydrographic equipment.
• Experience with HYPACK or Qimera and GIS software.
• Strong analytical skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and adapt to changing conditions.
• Clear communication and collaboration with colleagues and stakeholders.
• Proficiency with MS Outlook, Word and Excel; valid driving licence and ENG1 medical.

Responsibilities

• Plan and carry out hydrographic surveys to required standards.
• Use multibeam, single-beam, seismic, side-scan sonar and ADCP sensors.
• Mobilise, calibrate and maintain survey equipment including tide sensors.
• Process and interpret data; chart bathymetric datasets using GIS.
• Produce survey reports for submission to authorities.
• Maintain survey records and support external datasets (XYZ, LiDAR).
• Undertake sampling to support licence requirements and environmental monitoring.
• Develop and document survey procedures; keep up with new tech and methods.
• Collaborate with Marine department to implement Port Marine Safety Code.

Skills

Multibeam

Motion reference units

Hydrographic surveying

Analytical skills

Independent working

Communication

MS Outlook

MS Word

MS Excel

ENG1 medical

Driving licence

Tools

HYPACK

Qimera

Cadcorp

3DEO

Job description

Are you an experienced hydrographic surveyor looking to broaden your technical expertise or a hydrographic survey graduate seeking to build a diverse career within survey, geospatial and marine technologies?

Join Harwich Haven Authority and help us maintain safe, efficient navigation across one of the UK’s most important harbour areas.

Working within our Harbour Engineering team, you will plan and deliver hydrographic surveys across our area of responsibility, from shallow intertidal waters to 12 nautical miles into the North Sea. You will work with a range of specialist equipment and software, producing accurate data, charts and reports that support safe navigation, dredging activity and environmental monitoring.

What the role involves

• Planning and carrying out hydrographic surveys to the required standards, including Special Order surveys within the channel and harbour.
• Using multibeam, single-beam, seismic, side-scan sonar, ADCP and other survey sensors.
• Mobilising, calibrating and maintaining survey equipment, including tide, wave and weather sensors.
• Processing and interpreting survey data, charting bathymetric datasets using GIS software, Cadcorp and 3DEO.
• Producing clear, accurate survey reports for submission to the UK Hydrographic Office.
• Maintaining reliable survey records and supporting the management of XYZ, LiDAR and other datasets.
• Undertaking sampling to support MMO licence requirements and monitor the health of the surrounding environment.
• Developing and documenting effective survey procedures and keeping up to date with new technology and methods.
• Working with the Marine department to support full implementation of the Port Marine Safety Code.

What we’re looking for

• Practical knowledge of hydrographic multibeam systems and motion reference units.
• Experience in a hydrographic surveying role or a related industry.
• Experience mobilising, maintaining and calibrating hydrographic survey equipment, including multibeam echo sounders.
• Experience using hydrographic software such as HYPACK or Qimera, together with GIS software.
• Strong analytical skills and close attention to detail when processing, interpreting and documenting survey data.
• The ability to work independently, use sound judgement and adapt to changing project requirements and environmental conditions.
• Clear communication and a collaborative approach when working with colleagues and stakeholders.
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Outlook, Word and Excel.
• A full driving licence and the ability to pass an ENG1 medical.

Why join Harwich Haven Authority?

We welcome applications from people with different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Discover more about our people, purpose, benefits and opportunities to grow in our new employee attraction booklet, Where Work Means More .