An exciting opportunity for a Fisheries observer and data collector has arisen in our Data Collection group, which sits within the Scottish Government’s Marine Directorate.
The Data Collection group are primarily focused on the collection of a wide-range of fishery data from various sources, including market sampling, sea going commercial observer data collection, fish age determination and scientific at-sea survey participation. The work of the team helps ensure the sustainable exploitation of fisheries resources.
You will work as part of the Sea Fisheries team to undertake stock assessments for quota and non-quota species important to the Scottish economy and provide data and evidence relating to fish and shellfish which is used to provide international advice on catching opportunities for stocks of interest to the Scottish fishing industry.
You should be capable of and willing to work at sea on board commercial fishing and research vessels.
The role requires driving to remote locations around mainland Scotland and islands, and, on occasion, to work unsociable hours in mixed environments. A valid driving licence that enables the candidate to drive in the UK is mandatory.
Responsibilities
• Sample fish and shellfish at landing ports, markets and processing factories around Scotland.
• Participate in research vessel surveys, carrying out sampling of fish, shellfish and other associated materials.
• Carry out sampling of fish and shellfish catches whilst working at sea on board commercial fishing vessels.
• Train in fish species age determination (otolith reading) using a microscope, and to participate in quality checking of age data, and internal and international inter-calibration exercises.
• Carry out laboratory-based work as required, which could include preparation of otoliths, data collation, data entry into Excel or a database, quality checking, video analysis, data analysis using GIS or the statistical package R, and the writing of reports.
Responsibilities for Internal Candidates
Qualifications
Valid driving licence which enables you to drive in the UK - please indicate in your personal statement that you meet this requirement
Success Profile
Success profiles are specific to each job and they include the mix of skills, experience and behaviours candidates will be assessed on.
Technical / Professional Skills:
1. Building and applying knowledge:
Proficiency level: Practitioner – Level 2
Detailed indicators: Understands the importance of data quality, identifying and raising issues relevant to work..
2. Communicating science and engineering for government:
Proficiency level: Practitioner – Level 2
Detailed indicators: Generates, collates and provides succinct scientific, technical or engineering evidence to fulfil requirements.
Experience:
1. Experience of collecting, accurately recording, and entering data in to basic computer packages (e.g. Excel).
2. Experience of working with fish/shellfish on sea going vessels and/or markets and seafood processors.
Behaviours:
1. Communicating and influencing – Level 1
2. Working Together – Level 1
You can find out more about Suc