Job Opportunity:

Lead Scientific Officer for Cetacean Distribution Survey in the Faroe Islands

30^th April – 3^rd August 2013 (14 weeks)

Contract fee: £5950/€7000 - £7140/€8400 (dependent on experience)

Planet Whale is recruiting a Lead Scientific Officer to execute a cetacean survey project in the Faroe Islands, with the support of two interns/survey assistants, reporting to the Planet Whale team based in Brighton, UK. This project, supported by WSPA, will focus on establishing areas of high site fidelity for cetaceans around the Faroe Islands, with a particular emphasis on orcas. The study, now in its second year, aims to develop a community-based sightings network to further our understanding of the distribution of cetaceans around the islands. Emphasis will also be placed on the development of a photo-ID catalogue for orcas. A primary goal of the project is to assess the potential for whale and dolphin watching on the islands as a means of diversifying wildlife ecotourism.   

Key responsibilities:

• To lead cliff-top cetacean survey work at a number of sites on the islands, using angle and distance measuring equipment to obtain the exact position of any cetaceans sighted, and a spotting scope for species identification and behavioural observations.
  
• To oversee the development of a killer whale photo identification catalogue. While all cetacean sightings will be recorded, the project’s key focus will be to study orcas.
• The collection (and verification when possible) of sightings from a range of locally interested parties with a view to establishing a self-sustaining sightings network.
• To set up and maintain a small public information area within the capital of Torshavn.
•  To develop a working relationship with small boat operators with the potential to integrate whale and dolphin watching into current tours. 
• To engage the Faroese and tourist community in the project and maintain relationships with key stakeholders.
• To complete a scientific report and analysis of all data collected during the survey period, with data and photo analysis support provided by Planet Whale.

Skills and experience:

• Educated to at least Masters level in the marine biology/science field.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and ability to interact with people from all walks of life. Knowledge of Faroese or Danish considered an advantage but not essential.
• Ability to lead and manage a small team, maintaining focus on work quality.
• A positive and pro-active approach.
• Willingness to spend long hours (often alone) in the field when the weather allows.
• Highly motivated and able to concentrate for several hours at a time.
• Experience in conducting land-based surveys of cetaceans.
• Experience in photo identification of cetaceans preferable.
• Clean driving license.

The three months will be spent surveying for cetaceans whenever weather conditions allow. This may include working in some fairly ‘wild’ weather – please be aware of this!  You will be free to take one day off a week, usually during bad weather. You will be fully supported by our office team in Brighton, UK, but you will be responsible for allocating duties to two survey assistants.

All accommodation and travel costs will be covered, including flights to the Faroe Islands.  Shared accommodation will be provided and cooking/cleaning will be shared between the three members of the team.

This is a self-employed short-term contract and will be paid from £425 / €500 per week up to a maximum of £510 / €600 per week dependent on qualifications and work experience.

Candidates will either be interviewed in Brighton, UK or via telephone/skype. There is also a possibility of interviews at the ECS conference in Setubal, Portugal, early April if more convenient (please mention this in your application). Applications from within the Faroe Islands, Iceland and Denmark are encouraged.  

To apply please send your CV and covering letter to sarahjackson@planetwhale.com with “Lead Scientific Officer Application” as the subject header.

Closing date for applications is 4^th April, with interviews expected to take place the following week.

Many thanks,