Job description for Naval Authority Ship Surveyor

Are you looking to kick-start your career in engineering? We’re dedicated to supporting our people to learn, progress, and take that next career step. Let us know your ambitions, and we’ll be with you every step of the way.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a technically minded individual, someone who may have recently completed a qualification or apprenticeship in a STEM-related subject or has been working as an entry-level/junior-level technician or engineer. If you are seeking an employer that will train and develop you, this is the place to be. As an eager and motivated individual with a passion for learning and self-improvement, as well as a genuine interest in engineering, you will work on live projects to develop skills that are highly valued in the industry.

You will join a team that fosters a hands-on learning environment and provides exposure to a range of engineering activities. From performing surveys and delivering specialist tools to offering advice and monitoring the challenges faced by ship staff and waterfront engineering, you will gain invaluable experience. You will have the opportunity to collaborate with experienced professionals, participate in problem-solving, and contribute to innovative solutions. This role will not only enhance your technical skills but also develop your ability to work effectively in a team, communicate clearly, and manage projects efficiently.

At the SDA, we champion flexible ways of working. Regular in-person attendance is required (this is expected to be a minimum of 40%) to promote the benefits of face-to-face collaboration alongside flexibility of hours to support work-life balance. Initially, you may be expected to attend more frequently to familiarise yourselves with the site, the team, and your role.

Nationality, visas and vetting: For security reasons this role is open to sole UK nationals only. A ‘sole UK national’ refers to an individual who holds citizenship solely in the UK, without dual citizenship or nationality from another country. We’re unable to offer visa sponsorship.

This role requires you to have lived in the UK for the last 5 years and obtain Security Check (SC) security clearance. Clearance must be obtained without any caveats that prevent you from carrying out the role you’ve been recruited for. If it isn’t obtained, or is obtained but with caveats that prevent you from carrying out the role, any conditional offer made to you will be withdrawn. Obtaining SC security clearance can be a lengthy process, and we reserve the right to withdraw any conditional offer made if the necessary security clearance isn’t obtained within 12 months.

What you’ll be doing

• Provision of a focal point for all aspects of watertight integrity and structural surveys and sponsor the survey guides
• Visit ships and boats and perform surveys and inspections against defined criteria and manage the reporting of defects
• Be the lead coordinator for ship and boat survey group skills development matrix
• Perform data analytics on the impact of defects on damaged stability and structural strength
• Liaise with survivability sections and be the custodian of accident damage templates and hostile damage templates
• Provide Ship Staff guidance and training on identifying defects with links to the impact on recoverability

Person specification

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

• Educated to A Level, or equivalent qualification in a STEM related subject, such as ONC or BTEC (level 3) or equivalent experience

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

• Technical Requirements, Evaluation and Acceptance – Supervised Practitioner
• Technical Decision Making – Awareness
• Communicating and Influencing
• Working Together

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £28,700, Ministry of Defence contributes £8,314 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

• 25 days’ annual leave +1 day a year up to 30 days, 8 bank holidays and a day off for the King’s birthday
• Flexible and hybrid working options
• Market-leading average employer pension contribution of 28.97%
• Annual performance-based bonus and recognition awards
• Access to specialist training and funded 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

• Candidate Information Pack: https://bit.ly/SDA-Candidate-Information-Pack
• Terms and Conditions: https://bit.ly/DES-SDA-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. When two (or more) candidates are on equal interview scores, positions will be offered based on the scores assessed at interview, in this order – 1st) Technical competence, 2nd) CV Review, 3rd) Behaviour one, 4th) Behaviour two.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.