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
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
Job
description
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
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
- 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
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
Application
Procedure
Send cv and covering letter with the names
of two referees by e-mail to admin@hwdt.org
and post to HWDT,
Further information on HWDT and on this post are to be found
on the HWDT website www.hwdt.org, or tel.
01688 302 620. Applications should be made by 16th February
Morven Summers
Volunteer Coordinator
01688 302620