Assistant Hydrographer

We’re the UK’s largest ports operator with a network of 21 ports around Britain. We handle around one quarter of the UK’s seaborne trade and contribute £7.5 billion to our economy every year.

It’s a story we’re proud of but it doesn’t end there. We’re transforming our business and embracing the future.

We offer a vast range of roles spanning the UK, all rooted in a culture that welcomes diversity, fosters talent, encourages internal movement and progression, and places safety as our number one priority.

Associated British Ports (ABP) is the foremost port owner and operator in the United Kingdom, playing a pivotal role in facilitating international trade and maritime activities. With a comprehensive network of 21 ports strategically located across the country, ABP is integral to the smooth functioning of the nation’s import and export operations. Our commitment to excellence, safety, and sustainability underscores every aspect of our operations, ensuring the seamless flow of goods and commodities across various industries.

The Assistant Hydrographer will assist with all aspects of hydrographic data gathering/ processing and chart production for the Port of Southampton and other locations across the local area as well as the wider ABP group as and when required.

We can offer you a competitive annual salary, 26 days annual leave (plus bank holidays), support for ongoing CPD, contributory pension scheme, private healthcare and access to wellness schemes & employee assistance schemes and discounts with a wide range of high street and online retailers. We also have an extensive in-house academy and industry specialists who deliver ongoing learning support.

Additional Information:

When joining ABP you will find an environment that is both welcoming and challenging. We reward our employees well and offer a generous remuneration package, employer pension, private health insurance and a range of other benefits.
Please note that ABP undertake random screening for substance abuse and operate a zero-tolerance policy. A medical will be required before starting this position also.

We are an equal opportunities employer and we welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their background, which helps us to provide a diverse and inclusive working environment.

• To undertake hydrographic survey field work on board the port survey vessels (data acquisition and quality control);
• Assist with survey vessel boat handling as and when required within the Hydrographic department;
• To carry out data reduction, processing and the production of charts, and other documents as directed by the Principal Hydrographic Surveyor;
• Assist with the provision of hydrographic services to third party port users;
• Assist with maintenance and implementation of survey related equipment and processes on board survey vessel, and general vessel husbandry (excluding vessel maintenance);
• Assist in the maintenance of records on availability of local Aids to Navigation to the appropriate authorities;
• To undertake other related marine and hydrographic duties as directed by the Harbour Master or Principal Hydrographic Surveyor.

• Higher education to degree/diploma level in a relevant marine/geographical discipline
• Experience of the marine environment
• Confidence in numeracy, literacy, IT skills
• Ability to work as part of a small specialist team with a flexible attitude
• Confidence to follow instructions and make own decisions as required
• Willingness to learn with a positive, can-do attitude
• Boat Handling skills, experience and qualification.

• BSc (Hons) Ocean Exploration and Surveying or PgDip Advanced Hydrography for Professionals.
• Boat handling skills, experience and qualification (e.g. RYA Powerboat Advanced)
• Experience in a port or hydrographic survey environment or familiarisation with marine datasets, computing systems or similar
• Specialist IT skills e.g. GIS and specialist hydrographic software
• Membership of relevant professional body or association (e.g. THSUK, IMarEST etc.)