Coastal Geomorphologist

Moffatt & Nichol specializes in large complex waterfront infrastructure projects and is recognized as one of the worldwide leaders in this field. With a quickly growing UK and European presence, we are building a team to located in Exeter (preferred), Farnham or London to develop new geomorphological tools and apply them to support sustainable long-term coastal management. We are seeking coastal geomorphologists interested in working within a small team supporting the delivery of maritime, coastal management and renewables projects. This work will involve delivering coastal studies and assessments, through the full project lifecycle, from research and development, strategic planning, site selection to detail design and consenting.

We offer advisory services to clients in various sectors, including local government, renewables, and civil nuclear power. Our multidisciplinary team specializes in coastal modeling, geomorphology, economic analysis, business case development and coastal and civil engineering. We serve clients in flood and coastal risk management, ports, energy, environmental and urban development markets globally. 

The appointee will join our expanding UK based team, collaborating with coastal engineers and scientists across Moffatt & Nichol in Europe and the US. We have recently started work on a significant research project which this exciting new post will contribute to. You will undertake site inspections, desk studies and provide advice in relation to coastal processes and evolution of coastal landforms for a range of projects in the UK and overseas. You will work alongside us to support decision makers and designers, and to deliver research and innovation. Many of our projects and clients are confidential but current projects and proposals include:

Research and Development  Offshore Wind  Waterfront development Coast Protection Schemes  Beach Management Plans

About Moffatt & Nichol:  

Moffatt & Nichol is a leading U.S.-based global infrastructure advisor specialising in the planning and design of facilities that shape and serve our coastlines, harbours, and rivers. Reflecting Moffatt & Nichol’s commitment to design innovation since 1945, Engineering News-Record (ENR) has ranked the company No. 1 in Marine and Port Facilities among its Top 500 Design Firms for 2023 and No. 46 among its Top 50 Designers in International Markets.

Moffatt & Nichol's professional staff includes engineers, planners, scientists, and architects who serve our global client base from offices in Europe, the Americas, and the Pacific Rim. The firm provides clients worldwide with customised service and a level of excellence that have become the firm’s hallmark in three primary practise areas—coastal, environmental, and water resources; ports and harbours; and transportation, bridges, and rail. 

Duties and responsibilities:  

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

You may assist, support or lead these activities dependent on your level of experience:

Support the delivery of coastal geomorphology and marine physical processes assessments for offshore wind, marine and port developments Assist with the conceptualisation of the interactions and behaviours of coastal landscape features and processes Engage with our group and its external partners in the development of morphological tools Analysis and interpretation of monitoring data and modelling output, including from tools such as the Coastal and Estuarine Systems Mapper (CESM), SCAPE and CoastalME (training will be provided) Engage with the broader Moffatt & Nichol team on consultancy, innovation and research-orientated coastal and maritime studies Assist with procuring fieldwork, such as instrument handling and deployment Assist engineers or scientists with inspections Collaborate with other team members Participate in meetings, web-ex or educational seminars Support planning and design for coastal and flood risk projects e.g. assessment of coastal processes, and implications of management options; andmorphological input into the design of flood and coastal defences Support the teams with responses to opportunities and projects Assist in calculations to support engineering or environmental documents 

Other duties:  

Please note this job posting is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. 

Qualifications:  

We would welcome applications from people with a broad range of technical backgrounds, our expectation is that you will have a minimum of 5 years practical experience in a related subject. 

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a closely related subject Experience or ambition to engage with problems of flood risk, climate change, coastal adaptation, and coastal / waterfront development GIS proficiency desirable Ability to work both independently and collaborate within a team  Excellent communication skills (written and verbal) Ability to communicate scientific concepts to a range of audiences  All new hires will be required to successfully complete and pass a pre-employment (post offer) background check in compliance with NIST 800-171 

Physical requirements:  

Work is generally performed in an office or client office setting. Ability to use standard office equipment required. Some site visits may be required which may necessitate navigating unpaved or natural terrain while carrying equipment. 

---