Sightings and Strandings Officer Dear All, The Hebridean Whale & Dolphin Trust wishes to appoint a Sightings and Strandings Officer based in Tobermory, Isle of Mull. Working as a member of the Trusts small, dynamic research team, the Sightings Officer is primarily responsible for building and maintaining HWDTs Community Sightings Programme the reporting network for local marine users to register their sightings of cetaceans on the west coast of Scotland (including strandings and photographs). Overall purpose of the job: The main responsibilities of the Sightings and Strandings Officer are to liaise with the local communities within Argyll and Bute, Western Isles, Highlands and Islands, Skye and Lochaber to facilitate the reporting of animal sighting and stranding records. He/she will be responsible for organizing the collected sightings and strandings data and producing regular reports. Key tasks and responsibilities: Community engagement: · engage with members of targeted local communities (boat operators, eco-tours, ferries, fishermen, etc.) and tourists, and further expand the HWDT Community Sightings Network by recruiting new sightings volunteers/coordinators · train volunteers in the communities in marine mammal surveying and provide resource packs at fifteen community-based 'hubs', which will be running the project locally · ensure constant volunteer recruitment and provide ongoing comprehensive training and support to maintain the HWDT Community Sightings Network · Maintain and develop relationships with key local and regional marine stakeholders, organisations and operators; represent HWDT on local marine stakeholder groups; · Engage with local schools and lead a series of school visits to target the younger generation. Data management: · collect and organize sightings, strandings and photographic data from the communities as well as HWDTs own research surveys; manage the Community Sightings and Strandings database; including the Photo-Identification database · update relevant sections of the HWDT website and write regular reports on sightings. Other tasks: · The Sightings and Strandings Officer may also participate in cetacean surveys onboard HWDTs research vessel Silurian; training will be provided, but experience of boat based surveying and use of PAM is desirable. · Supervise HWDT interns working on sightings and strandings data · Participate in commissioned research projects when appropriate; work with partners in data sharing and other arrangements · Undertake science administration, dealing with general science-related enquiries, correspondence and consultations; Skills and experience: Required: · A degree in biological or related sciences and familiarity with the west coast marine environment and its users · Excellent communication and networking skills both written and oral; · Confidence in working with databases and images · Computer proficient including Excel and Access programs; · Previous experience with Photo-ID analysis · Experience of volunteer management; · Experience of partnership working and working in a team; · Ability to work independently; · Experience in developing training material and delivering training Desirable: · Knowledge of Scottish marine biology and nature conservation legislation; · Knowledge of the West Coast and islands and their communities · Past experience with community development projects · Knowledge of LOGGER data collection program · Full driving licence; · Applicants should be self-motivated, organised and self-reliant. Conditions: This is a full-time post. Salary: This is a full time salaried post at £19,400 gross per year, funded by the Coastal Communities Fund. It is based on 37 hours per week which may be worked in various work patterns. Overtime is not paid. The Sightings and Strandings Officer will be required to work evenings or weekends if necessary, in which case time will be given off en lieu. Length of contract: initially 2 years, possibly extendable subject to funding and performance Annual leave: 25 working days holiday and 12 statuary public holidays. Starting date and probationary period: The ideal starting date is May 1, 2014. The position is subject to satisfactory performance during the initial three-month probationary period. Location and travel: HWDT is based on the Isle of Mull, and the appointee will work both from its offices in Tobermory and Hebridean communities included in the projects carried out by the Trust. Expenses are payable and a valid driving license is desired. No company car is provided. Application procedure: Send CV and Covering Letter with the names of two referees by e-mail to: Mark Whitaker at admin@hwdt.org or post to: HWDT, Clydesdale Bank Buildings, 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, or telephone 01688 302 620. Applications should be made by 7th April, 2014. Please note: candidates will only be contacted if short-listed, by 22nd April. NB Interviews will be conducted face-to-face on Mull or via phone/skype ----- Marine Biodiversity Officer Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust Clydesdale Bank Buildings Tobermory Isle of Mull PA75 6NU Tel: 01688 302620 <mailto:biodiversityofficer@hwdt.org> biodiversityofficer@hwdt.org <http://www.hwdt.org/> www.hwdt.org ----- The Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust 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 Hebridean communities as a basis for the lasting conservation of local species and habitats.