Coastal Analysts, Canterbury City Council

Advert details

The southeast Regional Coastal Monitoring Programme is seeking two dedicated Coastal Analysts with expertise in coastal processes to join our team. We have two vacancies available, one is fixed term to 31st March 2027, and the other position is a one-year fixed term from the start date.

With funding granted by central government, Canterbury City Council is in partnership with other maritime district councils, the county council and the Environment Agency to manage and organise the programme. Based out of Whitstable Harbour, the work extends from the Isle of Grain round to Eastbourne and includes a unique opportunity to combine fieldwork along our diverse coastline with office-based analysis.

This is an exciting opportunity to work within a small, supportive team providing accurate, high-quality data, which underpins our approach to shoreline management, flood risk reduction and climate adaption. Your vital work will directly support the resilience of our coastal communities and the sustainable future of our invaluable coastal environments.

The successful candidates will be hands-on in the field and undertake surveys with high-precision GPS equipment along our coastline. The role will require processing and analysis of data as well as delivery of outputs, including maps and technical reports, to provide detailed insights on shoreline change, erosion, sediment transport and coastal morphology to support the sustainable management of our beaches and shoreline assets. You would assist in training junior and casual staff and support the Senior Coastal Analyst as required.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct high-accuracy coastal surveys using GPS/GNSS equipment and other geospatial tools including a UAV.

• Process, analyse and quality check survey data, producing accurate maps, datasets, and reports for internal and external stakeholders.

• Consistently monitor and report on shoreline change, erosion, and coastal morphology.

• Support the delivery of local government policies, projects, and strategies relating to coastal management, flood resilience, and environmental protection.

• Collaborate with colleagues within the Regional Coastal Monitoring Programme as well as across departments, external agencies, and community stakeholders.

• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental standards during fieldwork.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Degree (or equivalent experience) in Coastal Science, Geography, Geomatics, Environmental Science, or related field.

• A knowledge of coastal processes and environmental monitoring supported with relevant academic or professional experience

• Ability to work in challenging outdoor environments and manage fieldwork logistics. The role is tidal based and therefore the candidate must be willing to work irregular hours.

• Data Analysis and Manipulation

• High IT literacy

• Ability to identify problems and suggest innovative solutions alongside evidence-based decision making

• Ability to manage and prioritise workloads

• Must be able to work independently and as well as part of a team

• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present technical findings clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.

• Full UK driving license

Desirable

• Master’s degree in civil/maritime engineering/coastal management or similar

• Competence in GIS and data processing software (e.g., ArcGIS, QGIS, AutoCAD).

• Proven experience in coastal surveying with GPS/GNSS technology. Additionally, knowledge of drone/UAV surveying and/or bathymetric techniques is highly desirable.

• Experience working in or with local government, consultancies, or regulatory bodies.

• Familiarity with coastal defence schemes, shoreline management planning, or flood risk management.

What we offer

• Competitive local government salary and pension scheme

• Office based at the iconic Whitstable Harbour, with direct access to the coast and a sea-view from your desk

• Flexible working arrangements with opportunity to work from home outside of surveys

• Ongoing training and professional development opportunities

• The chance to make a real impact on the sustainability and resilience of our coastlines

So, if this Coastal Analyst job opportunity in Canterbury looks right for you, please apply today! Simply click the “Apply Online” button and create your account to begin your application. 

For an informal chat to find out more about the role or what it’s like to work for Canterbury City Council’s Regeneration team, please contact Becky McCready by email on becky.mccready@canterbury.gov.uk 

Becky is our Coastal Projects Officer and very much welcomes your email. 

Apply online: https://ce0551li.webitrent.com/ce0551li_webrecruitment/wrd/run/ETREC179GF.open?WVID=8435241mTY