Job Vacancy: Marine Biodiversity Officer

The Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust (HWDT) is a registered charity dedicated to the conservation of whales, dolphins and the Hebridean marine environment through research and education. HWDT is currently looking for a Marine Biodiversity Officer to be based on the Isle of Mull in Scotland. HWDT’s marine biodiversity officer will work on its boat and land based projects and will undertake the running of the science programme. A substantial part of the job involves being the main monitoring officer onboard “Silurian”: undertaking a variety of marine mammal surveys and overseeing land-based monitoring projects.  He/she will work with and supervise volunteers on most projects.   An additional role involves representing the Trust on local and regional forums. The appointee must be a qualified marine biologist with appropriate field and analytical experience.  The successful applicant will be recruited early in 2011 however there may be an opportunity for suitably qualified early applicants to shadow the current Marine Biodiversity Officer onboard Silurian, HWDT's research vessel towards the end of the 2010 field season in late September. We are therefore interested in receiving early notices of interest, however the closing date for formal applications is 31 October 2010.

To Apply: View the Job Description for this post on our website. Please send your CV and a covering letter to admin@hwdt.org.  For further information about HWDT, please see our website www.hwdt.org or contact the main office on 01688 302 620.

HWDT is based in Tobermory on the Hebridean Isle of Mull. HWDT’s research and education work  takes place in and around the islands of the Hebrides and West Scotland.

Using study techniques that neither harm nor seriously disturb the animals, HWDT conducts long-term studies into the distribution, behaviour and ecology of the cetaceans in our waters, as well as collecting detailed information about their environment. An important aim of the research work HWDT undertakes is to provide those who manage Scotland's wildlife and habitats with information they need to achieve effective conservation. The research also provides the materials for our work in environmental education, helping to raise public awareness around the UK and educate visitors to this outstanding area about the wildlife which exists right on our doorstep.

HWDT is dedicated to enhancing knowledge and understanding of Scotland’s whales dolphins and porpoises (cetaceans) and the Hebridean marine environment through education, research and working within Hebridean communities as a basis for the lasting conservation of local species and habitats.

Specifically, HWDT:

1) conducts long-term research into cetacean distribution, abundance, behaviour and habitat use

2) educates a wide range of people about the marine environment with a focus on cetaceans

3) works within the local community to ensure long-term sustainability of the marine environment