UKD Survey Technician

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.

Survey Technician

UK Dredging (UKD), part of Associated British Ports (ABP)
Cardiff (with travel across the UK)

Closing Date: 25th May 2026

UK Dredging (UKD), a leading marine dredging and hydrographic services provider and part of Associated British Ports (ABP), is looking to recruit a Survey Technician to join our Hydrographic Survey team based in Cardiff.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced marine professional to play a key role in supporting hydrographic survey and dredging operations, primarily across South Wales and, at times, throughout the UK.

The role

Reporting to the Survey Manager, you will oversee the safe and efficient operation of UKD survey vessels, ensuring they are fully prepared, compliant and operationally ready. You will support survey activities both on the water and ashore, working closely with Survey Managers, Harbour Masters, Hydrographic Surveyors and operational teams.

Key responsibilities

• Contribute to the safe operation and navigation of UKD survey vessels in line with maritime regulations and company procedures
• Oversee vessel maintenance, certification and readiness, including towing operations and equipment handling
• Support hydrographic survey operations, including vessel movements and deployment and recovery of survey equipment
• Assist with the planning and execution of survey projects, ensuring vessels and resources are available
• Undertake basic survey data processing and charting
• Maintain accurate records relating to vessel operations, maintenance and certification
• Contribute to departmental development, including training, quality assurance, quality control and R&D initiatives

About you

You will be practical, reliable and safety‑focused, with experience working in marine environments and a strong team mindset.

Essential requirements:

• Experience in marine operations, ideally within hydrographic survey or dredging environments
• Strong understanding of maritime safety, vessel handling and navigation
• Ability to work effectively in small teams
• Excellent communication skills and a proactive, professional approach
• Full UK driving licence
• Proficient in Microsoft Office 365
• Willingness to work flexible hours and travel extensively across the UK

Desirable:

• Experience supporting hydrographic surveys and deploying survey equipment
• Experience using or maintaining ROVs
• Familiarity with dredging guidance systems and hydrographic survey software
• Commercial powerboat qualification
• Experience towing road trailers
• Competence in computing and networking relevant to vessel and survey systems

Why join UKD and ABP?

UK Dredging is part of Associated British Ports, the UK’s largest port operator. You’ll be joining a business with a strong commitment to safety, operational excellence and professional development, offering varied work, modern marine equipment and the opportunity to develop your career within a respected maritime organisation.

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.

As part of our recruitment process, all successful candidates will be subject to pre-employment screening to Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). Please note your consent will be required and further information on this check can be found using the following link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/united-kingdom-security-vetting-clearance-levels/national-security-vetting-clearance-levels