Job description for AUV Surveyor

If you are excited by the prospect of working with industry leading subsea technology in a challenging environment, then this could be the ideal opportunity for you! The Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) Team is looking for an AUV Surveyor to join them as part of the wider Salvage and Marine Operations (SALMO) department.

SALMO is the lead across the MoD for the provision of marine salvage and emergency response. Our team of specialists including Master Mariners, Marine Engineers, Naval Architects, Environmental Scientists, ROV Pilots and Divers provide a centre of expertise for subsea activities and marine operations. Our operations are varied and include: salvage assistance to damaged surface vessels, location of aircraft on the sea-bottom, survey of WWII wrecks, towage of warships and submarines, emergency response preparedness exercises and underwater engineering support to rectify defects on Navy platforms at home and overseas. We are a flexible, highly trained and multi-skilled team who are ready to respond at short notice worldwide.

As part of the team, you will help deliver a discrete capability within SALMO using cutting edge commercial AUV technology to provide deep water survey outputs in support of SALMO and wider MOD objectives. We will provide you with the necessary training and help you on your journey to becoming an experienced AUV Surveyor. You will have opportunities to learn and develop your specialist knowledge and will be actively supported in this respect.

This role is operationally important and as such attracts allowances (SALMO Terms and Conditions) depending on the working situation the employee is undertaking at that time.

Please be advised that this post is based at a location within 10 miles of MOD Abbey Wood.

What you’ll be doing

• Deploy afloat with the AUV system, circa 10-12 weeks split over multiple deployments each year
• Survey planning and post mission analysis
• Day to day management of data storage, and system security as well as being responsible for developing systems and standard operating procedures
• Operate as an integral part of the AUV team, working to assist the AUV Operations Manager in the planning and organisation and conduct of pre-and post-deployment activity

Person specification

To be successful with your application, you’ll need to show that you meet the following essential criteria:

• Practical ‘hands-on’ experience in an offshore surveying/marine operations role or geospatial data analysis (such as marine archaeology or imagery analysis)
• Relevant Level 4 (or higher) qualification or equivalent experience
• Experience of working together as part of a team

This role is subject to Retained Grade Terms and Conditions and differ from the DE&S standard Terms and Conditions.

For SALMO Retained Grade seeking promotion, please refer to Part 2, Section 10.2 of the SALMO Retained Grade Handbook.

Due to the nature of this role, you are:

• Required to be fit to pass and maintain a two-yearly ENG1 seafarers medical (no geographical limitations)
• Required to enlist as a Royal Navy Sponsored Reserve
• Expected to work extended hours as and when required in support of operational commitments
• Required to live within 60 minutes travelling time of the base to which you are appointed
• Required to hold an in-date UK driving licence

In addition to the responsibilities above, the following technical competences and behaviours will be assessed at interview:

• Improve Engineering Capability – Supervised Practitioner
• Technical Decision Making – Supervised Practitioner
• Making Effective Decisions
• Communicating and Influencing

We champion a balanced approach to work at DE&S. While regular in-person attendance is required for at least 3 days per week to foster the benefits of face-to-face collaboration, we also offer flexibility in hours to support a healthy work-life balance. Initially, you may be expected to attend more frequently to familiarise yourself with the site, the team, and your role.

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £41,515, Ministry of Defence contributes £11,209 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

• Full time staff employed for less than 5 years are entitled to 26.5 days’ annual leave per year, rising to 31.5 days per year after 5 years of service
• Flexible and hybrid working options
• Market-leading employer pension contribution of around 27%
• Annual performance-based bonus and recognition awards
• Access to specialist training and funded professional qualifications
• Support for progression
• Huge range of discounts
• Volunteering days
• Enhanced parental leave schemes

Improving innovation and enriching our culture, diversity of thought is vital to our success. So whether you’re looking for a new opportunity, a next step, or a helping hand as you return from a career break, bring your experiences and help deliver for the defence of tomorrow. Here you’ll find a supportive, family-friendly organisation to be a part of – and if you need any assistance with your application, just let us know.

Further Information

More information can be found below:

• DE&S Little Book of Big Benefits: https://bit.ly/3FEb54v
• Candidate Information Pack: https://bit.ly/DES-Candidate-Information-Pack
• SALMO Terms and Conditions: https://bit.ly/SALMO-Terms-and-Conditions

Selection Process Details

Your application will go through the following stages of assessment:

1. Pre-sift – We will check that you meet any essential or eligibility criteria that are listed in the Person Specification section of this advert. On your CV, please clearly show how you meet the essential criteria.

2. Sift – Your CV will be assessed against the following categories, using a simple numerical scoring system: Key Achievements; Relevant Experience; Applied Knowledge and Skills

Please follow our guidance on CV writing for best chance of success.

3. Interview – If you’re invited to interview, you’ll be assessed against the Sift categories listed above, as well as the Technical Competences and Behaviours listed in the Person Specification section of this advert.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview.