Dear Marman, The position listed below is now open for applicants. Marine biodiversity Officer The Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust (HWDT) is dedicated to enhancing knowledge and understanding of Scotlands whales, dolphins and porpoises (cetaceans) and the Hebridean marine environment through education, research and working within local communities as a basis for the lasting conservation of local species and habitats. Specifically, HWDT: 1) conducts long-term monitoring of cetacean distribution, abundance and habitat use; 2) educates a wide range of people about the marine environment with a focus on cetaceans; 3) works within local communities to ensure long-term sustainability of the marine environment. HWDT has undertaken monitoring and education projects for the past 15 years on the West Coast of Scotland. In the past 7 years it has also undertaken surveys from its 60ft motor-sailor Silurian and will undertake further surveys in the coming year throughout the waters of the Hebrides. Job description HWDTs 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 marine biodiversity officer will be responsible to the Senior Scientist and Executive Director and work closely with other members of the team including the science committee. This may include supervision of other science staff. This post holder will split his/her time between land and boat-based activities and office-based data entry and analysis tasks. Key Tasks * Main science officer on board Silurian during 7 and 10 day monitoring trips. Train and guide volunteers in marine mammal survey techniques (demonstrations and presentations). Train other staff members for relief work. * Supervise the correct collection, entry and storage of visual and acoustic survey data, and ensure the smooth functioning of onboard computer hardware and software. * As part of the Silurian crew, participate fully in the domestic, sailing and social aspects of monitoring trips. * Run boat-based element of field courses for students/general public * Provide on-board support for survey teams and be co-PI (Principal investigator) for Earthwatch teams. * Work with scientific team to deliver agreed monitoring outputs. * Work closely with education and sightings teams in developing and delivering a program of public talks and presentations. * Work with in the science team on ongoing development of research and conservation strategy * Work closely with the Education team providing input into education programmes and work with universities. * Work with the science team to deliver commissioned research as appropriate. * Work with other academic institutions in research collaborations and data sharing. * Undertake science administration, dealing with general science-related enquiries, correspondence and consultations * Analysis and report writing. * Representative on local marine stakeholder groups. * Maintain and develop relationships with key local and regional marine stakeholders, organisations and operators. * Media work including radio and TV interviews. * Liaison with local boat operators to facilitate data collection and raise profile of HWDT locally. Including the development and management of the LOGGER data collection program and photo ID work on marine wildlife tour boats. * Management of volunteers on office-based research projects. * Equipment maintenance including repairs, loan agreements and purchasing, in particular the computer and acoustic equipment on Silurian. * Assisting in funding applications and supporting the education, finance and administrative staff * Assist with fundraising events when necessary * Occasional driving of mini-bus for marine mammal courses * Promote the Trust wherever possible, in particular recruiting new supporters and sponsors Desirable skills * Extensive knowledge and experience of marine mammal surveys techniques including visual and acoustic methods. Knowledge of IFAW LOGGER and PAM software. * Computer proficient including Access, and GIS programs. * Offshore sailing/boating experience (formal qualifications are not necessary). * Excellent communication skills both written and oral. * Knowledge of Scottish marine biology and nature conservation legislation. * Experience of volunteer and project management. * Full driving licence * Experience of partnership working and working in a team. * Experience of working independently * Knowledge of the West Coast and islands and their communities beneficial Conditions: This is a full-time post. The Trust is based on Mull, and staff need to base their work at its offices in Tobermory, expenses are payable and a valid driving licence is required. The post-holder will need to operate as part of a small team in a small but dynamic NGO. Salary: is based on 37 hrs a week is £18,000 Term of Contract and Probationary Period: The term of contract will be from March 2009 until March 2010 however the Trust may consider a shorter period of a minimum of 8 months. The position is subject to satisfactory performance during the initial three-month probationary period. Location and travel: HWDT is based on Mull, and the appointee will work both from its offices in Tobermory and on the 60ft motor sailor Silurian. It is likely that at least 50% of work time will be conducted as monitoring officer onboard Silurian. This will involve living onboard Silurian with the other crew and volunteers for a considerable amount of time. (Trips normally last for 7-10 days). Traveling throughout Argyll, Lochaber and North West Scotland will be essential. Some other travel maybe required including overnight stays away from home. Application Procedure Send cv and covering letter with the names of two referees by e-mail to admin@hwdt.org and post to HWDT, 28 Main Street, Tobermory, Isle of Mull, PA75 6NU Further information on HWDT and on this post are to be found on the HWDT website www.hwdt.org <http://www.hwdt.org/> , or tel. 01688 302 620. Applications should be made by 16th February Morven Summers Volunteer Coordinator <mailto:volunteecoordinator@hwdt.org> volunteecoordinator@hwdt.org www.hwdt.org 01688 302620
