Marine Biodiversity Officer

The Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust (www.hwdt.org) wishes to appoint a Marine Biodiversity Officer, based in Tobermory, Isle of Mull. Working as a member of the Trust’s small, dynamic research team, the Marine Biodiversity Officer is primarily responsible for maintaining HWDT’s Science Programme.

 

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”: conducting a variety of marine mammal surveys. 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 Chair and Trustees of the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust, the Head of the Science Committee/Senior Scientist and must work closely with other members of the team. 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

• Primary Science Officer onboard Silurian during 7-12 day monitoring trips;
• Train and guide volunteers in marine mammal survey techniques;
• Supervise the correct collection, entry and storage of visual and acoustic survey data, and ensure the smooth functioning of onboard computer hardware and software;
• Operation of hydrophone and acoustic monitoring system on boat including troubleshooting and running repairs if necessary and where possible;
• Work with scientific team to deliver agreed monitoring outputs;
• As part of the Silurian crew, participate fully in the domestic, sailing and social aspects of monitoring trips;
• Train other staff members/capable cover for relief work;
• Equipment maintenance including repairs, loan agreements and purchasing, in particular the computer and acoustic equipment on Silurian;
• Undertake science administration, dealing with general science-related  enquiries, correspondence and consultations;
• Analysis and report writing;
• Management of volunteers on office-based research projects;
• Run boat-based element of field courses for students/general public;
• Representative on local marine stakeholder groups;
• Work with the science team on ongoing development of research and conservation strategy;
• Work with the science team to deliver commissioned research as appropriate;
• Work with other academic institutions in research collaborations and data sharing;
• Maintain and develop relationships with key local and regional marine stakeholders, organisations and operators;
• Work closely with education and sightings teams in developing and delivering a programme of public talks and presentations;
• Work closely with the education team providing input into education programmes and work with universities;
• Media work including radio and TV interviews;
• Assisting in funding applications (including funding for the Marine Biodiversity Officer post) and supporting the education, finance and administrative staff;
• Assist with fundraising events when necessary, and
• 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, and experience in IFAW LOGGER and PAM software (e.g. PAMGUARD);
• 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.

 

This is full time salaried post at £18,000 per year.

 

Application Procedure: Send CV and Covering Letter with the names of two referees by e-mail to admin@hwdt.org or post to HWDT, Clydesdale Bank Buildings, Tobermory, Isle of Mull, PA75 6NU.

 

Further information on HWDT and on this post (including conditions of the post) are to be found on the HWDT website www.hwdt.org, or telephone 01688 302 620.

Applications should be made by 1^st November 2013.

 

Please note: candidates will only be contacted if short-listed.