Now Closed: We’re Recruiting! Vacancy: Senior Scientist

Senior Scientist to lead NWIFCA science and conservation team of 3 Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Advisors (Based in Carnforth with travel throughout the District)

The following terms apply:

Salary Scale: £29,577 – £33,782 from 1 April 2020
Local Government Scale 25-30; starting point according to experience rising by one point per year subject to annual assessments.
Pension: Local government scheme (defined benefits and employer contributions).
Hours of Work: 37 hour per week with ‘flexitime’. The posts involves working unsocial hours, including early mornings, late evenings and weekends as required by tides and survey duties.
Medical: Appointment to the post is dependent on passing an ML5 Medical.
BPSS Check: Appointment dependent on satisfactory BPSS Check.
Closing Date: 15 March 2021

Job Description

Job Title: Senior Scientist
Job Purpose
  • Plan and manage NWIFCA scientific and fisheries monitoring programme
  • Manage a team of 3 Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Advisors
  • Promote sustainable use of marine resources
  • Inform and advise the Authority on NWIFCA science and conservation work
  • Impact assessment of fishing activity
  • Stock assessment and species survey, GIS mapping, data analysis
  • Report to the Authority and to Government as required
  • Data collation and sharing for NWIFCA
  • Consult local fishers and other stakeholders
  • Develop survey capacity of NWIFCA patrol vessel, based in Whitehaven
  • Priorities include shellfish stock assessment and whelk fisheries management
Main Tasks Monitoring, Survey Work and Research

  • Assessing the impact of fisheries activities on Marine Protected Areas
  • Intertidal and sea survey, data collection, analysis and advice to the Authority
  • Shellfish and sea fish stock assessments and development of management advice
  • Using GIS to create data tables, graphs and maps/charts to inform advice
  • Keeping up to date with policy and new developments in fisheries management
  • Undertaking required training to carry out field work duties
  • Using ATV and vessels in all weathers and at all hours usually dependent on tides
  • Undertaking enforcement training if required to support NWIFCA enforcement team

Reporting

  • Preparation and presentation of reports to advise the Authority on management
  • Advice to the Authority on fish stocks and opening fisheries
  • Contribute to Byelaw development
  • Participate and report on national IFCA science groups

Policy Advice, Consultations and Liaison

  • Providing advice on fisheries and conservation policy and management
  • Maintaining a wide knowledge of UK environmental and fisheries legislation and European Marine Sites, MCZ, SSSIs and Ramsar sites
  • Liaison and joint working with partner agencies such as MMO, Environment Agency, Natural England, local councils, GLAA, CEFAS, NGOs and many others
  • Liaison with the fishing industry, fisheries and conservation stakeholders
  • Representing the Authority at meetings of external bodies
  • Co-ordinating NWIFCA responses to consultations on marine developments
  • Providing a response to enquiries from the fishing industry and the public
Training (provided in post where necessary)
  • Sea Survival and First Aid
  • RYA SRC (VHF) Certification
  • ATV Course, Towing Course and Manual Handling
  • Powerboat Level 2
  • ML5 Medical

Requirements of the Post

Requirements Essential Desirable
Education/Qualifications
  • Excellent general education
  • Good degree, in a Marine, Fisheries or Environmental subject
  • MSc (Fisheries or Marine Environment)
Experience
  • Experience of fisheries and/or marine environmental management
  • Experience of operation of underwater survey equipment e.g. drop down cameras, side scan, grab
  • Report writing & verbal presentation
  • Management of a team
  • Experience of IFCAs
  • Fisheries/conservation project and research work
  • Fish/Shellfish surveys and management
  • Survey programme planning
  • Work with NGOs & government bodies
  • Project management in fisheries or marine environmental field
  • Involvement with the enforcement of marine conservation legislation
  • Experience of dealing with fishing community
Knowledge
  • Extensive knowledge of UK fisheries and marine environment
  • Marine environmental and fisheries legislation
  • Marine planning issues
  • UK Marine environment out to12 miles
  • Good overview of fisheries research
  • Knowledge of NWIFCA byelaws
  • Familiarity with NWIFCA district and fisheries and conservation issues
  • New challenges post Brexit
Technical Skills
  • Excellent IT skills in Word, Excel etc.
  • Competent in GIS mapping
  • Fish/shellfish identification
  • Good communication skills
  • Appointment will be dependent on passing a ML5 Medical
  • Full UK driving licence is required
  • Advanced GIS especially MapInfo
  • Database use and development
  • Handling ATVs and towing trailers
  • Boat skills and qualifications
Personal Attributes
  • Enthusiasm for marine environment
  • Able to motivate and manage a team
  • Enjoy outdoor work in all weathers
  • Enjoy desk based analysis
  • Flexible to work unsocial hours
  • Confident in dealing with stakeholders
  • Creative to develop new approaches
  • Flexible to handle changing work
  • Tactful in confrontational situations
  • Adaptable to prioritise a heavy workload
  • Willing to help out in other departments in a small organisation

How to Apply

Send your application by 23:59 on the closing date of 15 March 2021 to:

  • [email protected] (email applications will be acknowledged) OR
  • NWIFCA, 1 Preston Street, Carnforth, LA5 9BY

Your Application Should Include:

Curriculum vita including the following information:

  • Name and current address, phone number and email
  • Full employment history, accounting for any gaps
  • All qualifications completed with results
  • Full educational history from starting secondary school, with results and grades
  • Details of any IT skills, qualifications and experience
  • Details of any relevant marine or fisheries experience
  • Details of managerial experience in a scientific or fisheries setting
  • Details of survey and outdoor fieldwork experience
  • Details of planning projects and programmes in marine science or fisheries
  • Details of any relevant courses completed e.g. boat handling or marine safety
  • Details of driving licence (full, clean and which driving categories)
  • Details of driving experience including towing trailers
  • Interests and hobbies
  • Details of any cautions or convictions you have received
  • Names and addresses (with phone and email if possible) of 2 referees
  • Referees should include all employers over the past 3 years
  • If you do not have 2 recent employers, referees should be from higher education
  • Personal referees are not accepted

Hand written letter of up to 100 words including the following information:

  • Why you are interested in the post
  • Where you saw the post advertised
  • the letter may be scanned and attached to an email