Ocean Career: Marine Habitats Ecologist & Surveyor at NatureScot
Posted On September 9, 2022
The Marine Habitats Ecologist & Surveyor will take a central role in coordinating and undertaking seabed habitat monitoring, assessment, and reporting programmes. The successful candidates will work in a small team to develop and deliver NatureScot’s approach to marine biodiversity monitoring under the Scottish MPA Monitoring Strategy.
These positions suit appropriately qualified marine ecologists with a good understanding of benthic habitats and experience in employing a range of survey techniques. One team member will be required to act as NatureScot’s dive officer.
There are two permanent, full-time posts available within NatureScot’s Marine Ecosystems team, with funding secured for an additional post until March 2026. Successful applicants will collaborate closely with marine ecologists and other specialists within NatureScot and will liaise with a wide range of partner organisations. Opportunities to input into research and partnerships aimed at developing knowledge and cooperation in key areas within our remit will be available.
37% of Scotland’s seas are designated as Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). The Scottish Government’s step change in marine protection will ensure that the MPA network is managed effectively by 2024, with supplementary measures outside the network introduced by 2026. The successful candidates will play a key part in NatureScot’s ongoing work to chart the health of Scotland’s seas and progress towards the Scottish Government's vision of healthy, productive, and biologically diverse marine and coastal environments.
Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities:
* Contribute to the delivery of the Scottish MPA Monitoring Strategy by planning and fulfilling NatureScot’s seabed habitat monitoring and surveillance programmes.
* Develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for monitoring activities, populate corporate monitoring databases, and update NatureScot’s benthic content on UKDMOS.
* Conceive, commission, and manage research projects primarily related to the survey and assessment of MPAs and Priority Marine Features (PMFs) in Scottish inshore waters.
* Participate in (and lead as required) marine biological surveys using various field and remote sampling techniques.
* Support monitoring undertaken by citizen scientists through the provision of technical and specialist advice.
* Analyse and interpret marine biodiversity data, including through the use of GIS, to provide ecological advice and assessments.
* Represent NatureScot at meetings of inter-agency groups and research project steering groups relevant to the remit.
* Manage and maintain marine survey equipment while ensuring compliance with all relevant health and safety legislation.
* Contribute to the general work of the Marine Ecosystems Activity Team, including work on Marine Protected Areas, Priority Marine Features, awareness raising, and training.
* Update and maintain the content of marine survey and monitoring web pages and actively promote our work to various audiences across Scotland.
Skills:
* A degree in a relevant subject plus relevant post-graduate or work experience.
* A sound understanding of marine ecology, particularly habitats and species of conservation importance in Scottish inshore waters and the issues and legislation relating to their conservation.
* Experience of techniques and methods applicable to mapping and monitoring the Scottish marine environment, with the ability to identify common benthic habitats and species and an understanding of the UK marine habitat classification (biotopes).
* Formal qualifications and applied experience of scientific diving (CMAS 3* or equivalent) and small boat handling (RYA powerboat level 2 or above).
* Ability to analyse, interpret, and manage scientific information, including experience of data handling, image analysis & annotation, modeling, and applying statistical methods.
* Experience in the use of GIS.
* Experience in developing and maintaining positive working relationships with stakeholders, such as agencies, organisations, community groups, industry, or government.
* Ability to communicate science in writing to various audiences, including the ability to edit and QA research reports.
* Good interpersonal skills, including excellent communication and team working.
* Ability to plan and manage projects and personal workloads and adapt to changing priorities while balancing a high volume of reactive work.
* Driving license or other means of transport (relevant driving license entitlement for towing small boats/trailers with practical experience also desirable).
Prerequisites:
* Proof of right to work in the UK.
* To undertake a Disclosure Scotland application.
* Although Gaelic language is not a prerequisite, it is a desirable skill in support of our commitment to our Gaelic Language Plan.
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