Lead Scientific Officer for Cetacean Distribution Survey in the Faroe Islands

 

30^th July – 26^th October 2012 (13 weeks, of which 9 weeks will be on-site in the Faroe Islands). Self employed short-term contract.

 

Planet Whale is recruiting a Lead Scientific Officer to execute a survey project in the Faroe Islands, with the support of two interns/survey assistants, reporting to the Planet Whale team based in Brighton & Hove, UK. This project, funded by WSPA, will focus on establishing the potential for whale or dolphin watching on the islands as a means of promoting Faroese marine biodiversity and diversifying the marine ecotourism industry which is primarily focussed on seabirds.  

 

The project will involve mostly cliff-top, and occasional boat-based, 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. The chosen candidate will also collect sightings from a range of locally interested parties. The development of a working relationship with small boat operators with the potential to integrate whale and dolphin watching into current tours will be important.

 

Skills and experience:

·         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.

·         Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Knowledge of Faroese, Danish or Icelandic considered an advantage but we welcome other applications.

·         Ability to lead and manage a team, maintaining focus on work quality.

·         Experience in conducting land-based and boat-based surveys of cetaceans.

·         Educated to at least degree level in the marine biology/science field.

·         Clean driving license

 

August and September will be spent on the islands, working 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. October is allocated for report writing and project summary (this month will be home-based). You will be fully supported by our office team in Brighton & Hove, UK.

 

All accommodation and travel costs will be covered, including flights to the Faroe Islands if appropriate.  Shared accommodation will be provided and cooking/cleaning will be shared between the three members of the team. You will need to have your own laptop/smartphone so we can regularly communicate online.

 

This is a self-employed short-term contract and salary is dependent on experience. All candidates preferably need to be available for interview in Brighton & Hove but telephone/skype interviews will be considered. Applications from within the Faroe Islands, Iceland and Denmark are encouraged.  

 

To apply please send your CV and covering letter to sarahjackson@planetwhale.com.

 

Closing date for applications is Thursday 12^th July, with interviews expected to take place the following week.