Defence Geographer

Role overview

The Ministry of Defence is hiring a Defence Geographer to join the Defence Geographic Centre at RAF Wyton in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire. This is an opportunity for someone who wants to build a career in geospatial work or apply existing skills to support Defence. The team includes people working across GIS, collection, data provisioning, human geography and related geospatial functions.

The Defence Geographic Centre is the main source of geospatial intelligence advice and expertise. Its work spans imagery intelligence, geospatial analysis, geospatial services, foundation data, military mapping and, together with the UK Hydrographic Office and the Meteorological Office, assured data that supports safe navigation. It acts as a national capability and is a key link between the UK and international geospatial intelligence partners.

The centre provides geographic information services that help Defence plan, navigate and operate worldwide. Its outputs include geospatial products ranging from paper maps to digital data delivered as web services for users across UK Defence and the Intelligence and Security community.

This role is advertised at 37 hours per week unless taken part time.

What you will do

• Keep geospatial information current and complete.
• Spot missing information and source it from international partners and commercial providers.
• Assess, organise and protect global geospatial information holdings.
• Make sure information supports research, production and distribution requirements.
• Take the lead on activities connected to requests for information.
• Collaborate closely with colleagues across the organisation.
• Provide dependable geospatial information to Defence, government departments and overseas partners.
• Undertake specialist research in human geography.
• Build datasets, reports and related outputs from trusted sources.
• Develop and check geospatial datasets against agreed standards.
• Produce maps, terrain models and other products that improve understanding and visualisation for users.

Skills and experience

Practical experience with Geographic Information Systems is very desirable, although training can be provided for the right person. The team is also looking for people who are interested in geography, careful in their work and comfortable learning new approaches.

The role is suited to people who are curious about the world and keen to support cartographic work for the UK Armed Forces. Applicants do not need prior experience, as the department offers hands-on training, mentoring and formal learning to help develop confidence and capability.

Relocation and workplace arrangements

The permanent duty station for this position is RAF Wyton. Defence Geographic Centre is relocating from MOD Feltham to RAF Wyton under the PRIDE 2 programme, with the move due to complete by 31 October 2026.

Current DGC staff based at MOD Feltham who apply for a level transfer or promotion may be eligible for relocation allowances. If such a successful candidate is non-mobile, a request must be submitted to the PRIDE2 Change Panel before accepting any provisional offer. Other candidates, including non-DGC MOD Feltham staff, cross-government applicants and external applicants, are not entitled to relocation support.

Successful candidates are expected to begin at RAF Wyton on their agreed start date. Where relocation allowances apply for eligible MOD Feltham staff, the start date may be agreed up to 31 October 2026, but relocation must still be completed by that date.

Working style and inclusion

The organisation supports flexible working and values different perspectives, backgrounds and experiences. It promotes an inclusive environment based on merit and does not tolerate discrimination. Flexible arrangements such as flexi-time, job share and compressed hours may be available depending on business needs.

All Defence Intelligence vacancies are filled through fair and open competition.

Behaviours and technical assessment

Applicants will be assessed against the following behaviours during selection: Changing and Improving, Delivering at Pace, Making Effective Decisions and Working Together.

Technical assessment will include Defence Geographer 1: Understanding Foundation GeoINT - Awareness.

Pay and benefits

The role offers a salary of £30,740, alongside an employer pension contribution of £8,905 toward the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. The Civil Service Pension Scheme is available to successful candidates, with an average employer contribution of 28.97%.

• 25 days of annual leave, increasing by one day each year up to a maximum of 30 days, plus 8 bank holidays and 1 privilege day.
• Flexible working arrangements and a strong culture of work-life balance.
• Multiple working patterns may be available, including part time, job share and compressed hours, subject to business needs.
• Learning and professional development opportunities are a core part of the role.
• Access to site gym facilities for a small fee.
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave.
• Up to 6 days of special paid leave each year to volunteer.
• Free car parking at RAF Wyton, plus a sports and social club, gym and onsite shop.

Other conditions

The post does not include relocation expenses for candidates who are not already covered under the relocation rules described above. External recruits joining the MOD from outside the Civil Service will be subject to a six-month probation period.

Travel costs for interviews will not be reimbursed. The department is also reviewing pay-related allowances, which may affect any allowances attached to this role.

If you move to the MOD from another employer, including another government department, you will no longer be able to use childcare vouchers. You may be eligible for other government support schemes such as Tax-Free Childcare.

The MOD operates a smoke-free working environment policy. Smoking and the use of tobacco products are not permitted anywhere in the Defence working environment, subject to limited exemptions in local guidance. This applies to Defence personnel, contractors, visitors and other non-MOD personnel.

The department may contact applicants about the MOD Recruitment Satisfaction Survey. Participation is voluntary and anonymous.

The vacancy is based at RAF Wyton, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire PE28 2EA.