_____ From: Annalisa Bianchessi [mailto:annalisab@ceredigion.gov.uk] Sent: 24 December 2007 11:07 To: 'marmam@lists.uvic.ca' Subject: Details of a vacancy for the post of Cardigan Bay SAC Officer in West Wales, UK outlined below: This post is being advertised from 2nd January with a closing date for application of 17th January 2008. Post reference 40ESH 2301030/WM. Please visit www.ceredigion.gov.uk <http://www.ceredigion.gov.uk/> for an application form or call 01545 572017 quoting job reference. Please note that the Council offices will be closed from the end of today (24th December) to the 2nd January 2008. Cardigan Bay Special Area of Conservation Officer Grade: Scale 6 Spinal: Point 26-28 (£21,412-22,845) Fixed-term post to March 2009 with possible extension Based at Penmorfa, Aberaeron, West Wales Department of Environmental Services and Housing (Planning Division) a. Cardigan Bay SAC Cardigan Bay Special Area of Conservation (SAC) is part of a network of sites identified under the EU Habitats Directive, 1992. Cardigan Bay was selected because of its importance for the Bottlenose Dolphin. Since then Atlantic grey seals, river and sea lampreys, reefs, sand banks and sea caves have been added to the designation. A Management Scheme for the SAC was produced in 2000 and is currently being reviewed and is out for public consultation. Further information about the SAC can be viewed on the Cardigan Bay SAC web site (www.cardiganbaysac.org.uk <http://www.ceredigion.gov.uk/cbsac> ). The SAC is managed by the Cardigan Bay Relevant Authorities Group[1] (i.e. those authorities with specific responsibilities for the site). A Liaison Group has also been established as a means of ensuring that the wider community can be involved in management. Ceredigion has two marine SACs, covering approximately 2/3 of inshore waters (the other SAC being the Penllyn ar Sarnau SAC). In addition, the County Council is developing an approach for the integrated management of the coastal zone. In 2006 the Council opened a small marine information centre on the harbour at New Quay, the Cardigan Bay Boat Place, in order to promote codes of conduct amongst boat users of the Bay. The post therefore contributes to the wider aims of marine protected area management in the County. b. Overall objectives of post 1. To assist in the development, maintenance and implementation of a management scheme and related activities of the Cardigan SAC on behalf of the Relevant Authorities Group 2. To provide a focal point for liaison and consultation between the Relevant Authorities Group and statutory bodies, interest groups and local communities. 3. To provide information and interpretation on all aspects of the SAC. c. Duties and responsibilities 1. To contribute to the development and implementation of identified management actions within the revised management scheme 2. To keep the management scheme under review and the management scheme document updated. This will include the co-ordination of inputs, and collation and preparation of sections of the document as required. 3. To maintain and promote the liaison framework established between the public, user groups, local communities, and the Relevant Authorities Group. 4. To organize and coordinate occasional public consultations on all aspects of the SAC; analyse and report the consultation responses to the Relevant Authorities Group. 5. Provide information to the wider public on the management scheme via the production of occasional publications/press releases 6. To carry out regular marine patrols to raise awareness of appropriate behaviour at sea 7. To assist with raising awareness of appropriate behaviour at sea through the promotion of codes of conduct at the Cardigan Bay Boat Place. 8. The maintenance of the Cardigan Bay SAC website 9. To liaise with other management and monitoring/research groups, and establish or maintain effective working relations with representatives of local and national agencies, authorities and bodies as appropriate 10. Assist the Relevant Authorities Group with the identification of gaps in current knowledge and research needs. 11. Contribute to the establishment and management of scientific and administrative information systems for the SAC. 12. Identify and contribute to the development of appropriate protocols and strategies for monitoring the effectiveness of the management scheme. 13. Provide administrative and secretarial support for the Relevant Authorities Group and Liaison Group. 14. To contribute to the development of Local Biodiversity Action marine habitats and species plans and their implementation d. Conditions of employment The Relevant Authority Group (SACRAG) will provide overall direction to the work of the post-holder. The Countryside Council for Wales, in particular, will provide technical assistance and supervision to the scientific aspects of the post. The post-holder will be located in the Conservation Team in the Coast and Countryside Section of Ceredigion County Council at Penmorfa in Aberaeron and at the Cardigan Bay Boat Place, New Quay. The post-holder will be line-managed by and responsible to the Conservation Management Officer. Weekend and evening work will be required e. Post Requirements Education: * Degree or equivalent in an appropriate environmental science or discipline * Qualifications in a marine science would be an advantage, but not essential. Experience: * A background in the management, regulation or study of maritime operations would be an advantage. * Experience in environmental management (not necessarily marine) especially managing public use would be an advantage. * Mature and self-reliant; able to work on own initiative * Proven ability to work to timetables and target dates. Essential Skills / Competencies: * Advanced RYA Power boat qualification. (Training will be provided where necessary) * Comfortable dealing with the public and with conflict management. * Excellent interpersonal, communication and organizational skills. * Good writing skills and ability to collate summarise and present complex issues to a wide range of individuals and organisations. * Computer literacy essential (especially in use of databases); familiarity with Geographical Information Systems (GIS) an advantage. * Experience in, or knowledge of, a range of interpretation techniques/methods * Current full UK driving licence. Knowledge * Extensive knowledge of, and interest in, the marine environment (not necessarily in any professional capacity) * Working knowledge of relevant legislation (in particular the EU Habitats and Species Directives, and UK Regulations) an advantage. * A knowledge of Welsh would be an advantage f. Additional information Interviews will be held on February 1st with a view to the post holder commencing duties at the earliest opportunity after that date. For an informal discussion, contact Liz Allan, Conservation Management Officer on 01545 572142 from 7th January, 2008 This post is supported by Countryside Council for Wales and other Relevant Authorities ________________________ Liz Allan Conservation Management Officer Neuadd Cyngor Ceredigion / Ceredigion County Council Penmorfa Aberaeron SA46 0PA Ph. +44 (0) 1545572142 _____ _____ [1] The Relevant Authorities Group comprises - Ceredigion County Council; the Countryside Council for Wales; Environment Agency Wales; Dwr Cymru; North Western and North Wales Sea Fisheries Committee; South Wales Sea Fisheries Committee; Pembrokeshire County Council; Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority and Trinity House