Department: Hydrographic Services

Reporting to: Conservancy Manager

Grade: 6 - 8

Salary: £41,540 - £53,174 dependant on competence, knowledge, and experience at start (can increase as post develops)

Working pattern: Monday to Friday, 35 hours per week

Base: Gravesend, Kent

Closing date: 8th April 2026

Interview date: 29th April 2026

Who we are:

We are the UK’s largest port, central to the country’s economy and ambitions for growth. We connect the UK to the world, but we are much more than a conventional port.

We are driven by our purpose to protect and improve the 95-mile stretch of the River Thames which is tidal – from Teddington Lock on the border of Surrey, through the heart of London, Kent, Essex and out to the North Sea.

The role:

The Conservancy function oversees the monitoring, maintenance, and development of navigation channels within the port as well as advising on the appropriateness of a range of 3rd party works from an estuarine and coastal process perspective. The function also supports river users with a range of tidal products and services.

This is a development role (if needed), with the intention of achieving Grade 6 on completion of a Development Plan. You will have exposure to all areas of the function through the analysis of evidence and application of your developing technical expertise. Education, training, and mentoring will be provided relevant to the knowledge and experience of the successful candidate.

Key responsibilities:

• Navigation Channel Management – Maintain asset condition records, secure necessary consents, supervise maintenance dredging and other supporting activities.

• Regulation 3rd Party Harbour Works – Advise on the scope of environmental impact assessments, assess routine applications and analyse survey data to determine compliance.

• Tidal Products & Services – Supervise the calibration of the tide gauge network, analyse tidal data and manage the Thames 2D hydrodynamic model to ensure users have access to the most reliable information.

What we are looking for:

Essential

• Degree educated in physical sciences or engineering.

• Have at least 12 months of experience in a relevant industry.

• Understanding of at least one of the following topics:

- Dredging & asset management

- Coastal process impact assessment & monitoring.

- Tidal observation, prediction and modelling.

• Aptitude to further develop technical knowledge and skills with training.

• Proficient in the use of Geographic Information Systems.

• Able to apply knowledge to make logical arguments aimed at improving understanding or acceptance by others (including non-technical audiences) of the post holder’s position, both orally and in writing.

• Ability to work independently without direct supervision and collaborate across the business, together with external suppliers, to achieve organisational objectives.

Desirable

• Familiarity with construction methodologies for a range of developments in the coastal/port environment.

• Familiarity with dredging operations.

• Working knowledge of consenting mechanisms (Town & Country Planning, Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects, Marine Licensing, PLA Statutory Consenting).

• Local knowledge of the Tidal Thames and Thames Estuary would be an advantage.

In return, we offer a competitive benefits package:

• 28 days annual leave (plus Bank Holidays)

• Access to training & development

• Medical Cash Plan (Westfield Health)

• Generous pension

• Onsite parking with electric charging

• Access to Occupational Health, Mindfulness, Counselling and Physiotherapy

• Cycle to Work Scheme

• Car-leasing scheme (Tusker Cars)

• Access to MyGymDiscounts

For further information or if you would like to have an informal discussion about the position, please contact Alex Mortley, Conservancy Manager at alex.mortley@pla.co.uk.

The PLA are not registered with the UK Home Office and do not sponsor candidates who require a visa or work permit to work in the UK, therefore an offer of employment cannot be made unless you currently hold the rights to live and work in the UK.