Survey Geologist (UKRI Band C)

Survey Geologist
BGS NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL GEOSCIENCE
Location: These roles can be based at either the BGS headquarters in Keyworth in Nottingham or at our offices in Edinburgh and Cardiff
The roles will work directly within the BGS National Geology programme
Grade: UKRI - Band C/S2
Salary: £27,600 to £30,360 per annum (depending on qualifications and experience)
Hours: Full-time – 37 hours a week (on site attendance for at least two thirds of the week will be required with a small amount of remote working, in line with BGS policy)
Contract type: Permanent
Closing date: 17^th December 2023

Please note that internal UKRI applicants will currently be subject to the UKRI Pay & Reward Policy & Guidance  to determine their starting salary

A great benefits package is offered!, including an outstanding pension scheme (with an extremely generous employer contribution – on average 27% of your pay), 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays, and access to flexi-time

Successful candidates will be expected to travel and work away from home in the UK for several weeks during fieldwork periods

About the role

As a BGS Survey Geologist you will join the team in the National and International Geoscience Directorate and will help deliver BGS’ National Geology programme of geological mapping and modelling. This area underpins BGS’s role as the national geological survey to provide relevant, coherent, and up to date data and knowledge of the UK’s geology. The role will be directly involved in a new programme of work to investigate and map the geology of key UK regions. This will involve collecting geological data, making field observations, and assisting with geological interpretations, map data and models.

Working effectively with colleagues (including specialists from across BGS), and at times independently, you will help with an improved understanding of the UK’s geology.

Summary of key duties and responsibilities of the role include:

·       Using a range of office-based and field-based skills and techniques to make robust geological observations and develop conceptual models and interpretations

·       Participating in field campaigns to undertake new geological mapping of key parts of UK geology – these surveys may be within a variety of UK geology including deformed bedrock terrains, sedimentary basins, or recent Quaternary landscapes. Your role will involve compiling and analysing multiple spatial datasets, collecting geological data, making field observations, and assisting with the final geological interpretation, map data and models for key UK regions

·       Developing in-depth knowledge about key parts of the UK’s geological succession

·       Working effectively with people, and at times independently, you will help with an improved understanding of the UK’s geology. This will involve geological fieldwork, the production of geological map data, digital 3D models, reports, and presentations

·       Assisting with a range of BGS outputs and publications (maps, models, reports, peer-review papers, published datasets)

·       Helping with the BGS GeoReport and Enquiries service, writing concise geological interpretations for sites.

Fieldwork activities are an important part of the role. You will be required to travel and work away from home. This will include multiple periods of fieldwork in any given year, each comprising several consecutive weeks. Although the role is primarily UK-based, you may also be involved in similar work as part of BGS’s international programme, including overseas office-based and field-based activities.

About you

You will be a Geologist with a First or Upper Second-class degree in Geology/Applied Geology (or very closely related subject e.g., Earth Science, Joint Hons Geology) who is looking to learn and build geological skills and experience. This post is ideally suited to someone in the early stages of a geology career. You have a keen interest for fieldwork and a passion for assisting with the development of new data and knowledge of UK geology.

You can produce robust geological interpretations from a variety of spatial data that may include remote-sensed data, borehole data, geophysics, and field-observations. You have knowledge of a range of geological processes related to different geological settings that may include depositional environments, structural deformation, or geomorphology. Familiarity with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and/or 3D geological modelling software to integrate, and interpret spatial geoscientific data is an advantage to this role.

You can demonstrate effective field-based geological skills including geological observation and mapping of superficial deposits and/or bedrock geology. You are motivated to take part in fieldwork, in the UK and overseas, and you are prepared to participate in fieldwork that may be physically strenuous and will require periods working away which are often longer than one week and can sometimes be several weeks.

Please note – you will be required to have the appropriate level of security screening/vetting required for the role. UKRI reserves the right to run or re-run security clearance as required during your employment.

Please also refer to the additional specific essential and desirable skills criteria to apply for one of these exciting roles.

About us

The British Geological Survey (BGS) is an applied geoscience research centre that belongs to UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and is affiliated to the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC). It is a world leading geological survey whose core mission is to advise government of science related to the subsurface and to undertake applied research to solve earth and environmental issues, both in the UK and globally. It is funded directly by UKRI, as well as through research grants and private sector contracts.

We strive to promote equality and diversity across our organisation in order to continuously improve our scientific and organisational efficiency! As such, we aim to have a workforce with employees from all backgrounds with people who are passionate about earth science and who share our dedication to work for the good of the environment and the benefit of society.

How to apply

Applicants are required to include a CV and covering letter outlining their suitability for the role. We would stress the importance of this paperwork in our selection process.

A well thought through application providing evidence and examples of how you meet the advertised essential and desirable criteria for the post will be considered far more favourably than a generic covering letter and CV.

Please apply online, if you experience any issues applying for this role, please contact Recruitment@ukri.org.

The closing date for receipt of applications is 17th December 2023. Shortlisting interviews will be held between 29 January to 2 February 2024 (these will comprise a short 10 min Zoom interview). Final Interviews, following shortlisting, are expected to be held between 19 and 23 February in BGS Keyworth, Nottingham.

Survey Geologist: Skills Specification

Criteria to be assessed at Shortlist ‘S’ and Interview ‘I’ Stage

Qualifications

Essential

·       A First or Upper Second-class degree in Geology/Applied Geology or very closely related subject (e.g., Earth Science, Joints Hons Geology) (S)

·       Current UK driving license (or equivalent license) (S)

Experience & knowledge

Essential

·       You are a geologist with experience in producing robust geological interpretations from a variety of spatial data and latest approaches in characterising geology (S&I)

·       Field-based geological mapping experience (S&I)

·       Knowledge of geological processes related to different geological and/or geomorphological settings, depositional environments, and structural deformation (S&I)

Desirable

·       Experience in the use of GIS and/or 3D geological modelling software to integrate, interpret and synthesise surface and subsurface geoscientific data (S&I)

Skills & abilities

Essential

·       Effective and demonstrable written and verbal communication skills (S&I)

·       Evidence of ability to work well with people and be able to work effectively when unsupervised (I)

Personal qualities

Essential

·       Willingness and ability to travel for work and take part in fieldwork activities, including geological mapping, in the UK and overseas for periods that will often exceed one week (I)

·       Evidence of Continuing Professional Development (I)

·       Demonstrates an enthusiasm for the work of BGS and our core values of impact, impartiality, and knowledge (S&I)

·       You will be committed to a diverse and inclusive approach to work in the geosciences (S&I)

Motivation

Essential

·       Enthusiasm for Geology, Earth History, an understanding of the development of landscapes and solving real-world geological problems (I)