As a member of the small MPA Management Team of marine scientists you will work with us to help protect the unique ocean environment around Ascension Island and develop and grow partnerships with research organizations and NGOs across the globe.
We are looking for someone with a strong background in marine conservation and with experience of conducting field work in sometimes challenging conditions. You will require a good knowledge of marine eco systems, threats to marine biodiversity and sustainable management practices. In addition, you will have a strong grounding in the biological sciences and have the ability to translate the results of monitoring and research into programs of practical conservation action. You will also need to have experience and certification in outboard motor powerboat handling. Ascension Island is a challenging environment to live and work in, so you will need to be resilient and adaptable in order to thrive here.
What we offer
In addition to an annual salary of £15,478 (taxable on Ascension), the role attracts a single status two-year contract and the following additional benefits:
- Rent free accommodation valued at up to £2,400pa (taxable benefit)
- A single status food allowance £3,780 pa (taxable benefit)
- An electricity allowance paid in kind worth £938 pa
- A single status water allowance paid in kind worth £1,360 pa
- Relocation costs for your personal effects from your home country and assistance with shipment of a vehicle
- One mid-contract return journey to your country of recruitment
- A gratuity payable on the successful completion of the 2-year contract
- 30 days paid annual holiday (with additional 9 days public holidays)
- Free primary dental and medical care
- Free annual travel insurance
The appointment will be subject to:
- Satisfactory employment references
- Enhanced Criminal Records Check
- Satisfactory Medical Clearance
Total Package value £23,956 per annum (comprising salary of £15,478 per annum + food and utilities allowances, free housing and other benefits)
MAIN DUTIES:
- Conduct abundance, age, growth, reproduction and diet studies on marine species around Ascension Island, in particular for recreationally fished species.
- Collect and analyze data on fish abundance, length-weight relationships, growth rates and mortality to support fisheries management decisions.
- Process and analyze otoliths and other hard structures for age determination.
- Conduct histological assessments of gonadal development to determine reproductive cycles and spawning patterns.
- Monitor Ascension Island’s marine environment using the research methods set out in the MPA Monitoring and Research Strategy. This may include collection of sea water and plankton samples, fishing, tagging animals, video analyses and conducting eDNA metabarcoding techniques.
- Input data into databases and carry out quality assurance of data holdings.
- Enforce regulations relating to fishing activity, pollution control and biosecurity.
- Identify potential research and management projects, collaborators and funding sources that deliver the objectives of the MPA Management Plan.
- Initiate, develop and deliver work streams and projects that contribute to the MPA Management Plan objectives.
- Collaborate with external researchers and assist in other marine projects that deliver the objectives of the MPA Management Plan.
- Assist with preparing detailed reports of work conducted for donors, project partners and nonspecialist audiences and produce peer-reviewed publications and presentations.
- Produce and review risk assessments for marine team activities and assist with health and safety compliance requirements.
- Shared management of the Marine/Fisheries Laboratory at the Conservation Centre in Georgetown; ensuring that it is clean, well-stocked and services the projects efficiently.
- Assist with the management and maintenance of scientific equipment and the survey vessel.
- Initiate and take part in engagement activities with the island community and school to build awareness of, and support for, marine conservation and responsible resource use.
- Publicize the MPA and the work of the AIG Marine Team locally and globally through social media.
PERSON SPECIFICATION:
Essential
- A B.Sc. (Hons) in marine biology or a related subject, or significant relevant experience in this field.
- A sound knowledge of marine conservation and fisheries biology.
- Highly self-motivated and able to initiate and deliver projects independently and as part of a team.
- A full, clean driving license.
- A powerboat handling qualification and experience of handling RIBs at sea.
- A good level of physical fitness and ability to work in challenging marine conditions
- Must be numerate and computer literate, with a sound knowledge of Microsoft Office applications (Access, Excel, Word) and statistical procedures (ideally in R).
- Good interpersonal skills with a proven ability to work effectively in a small team.
- Willing to sometimes work extended hours (often at weekends) and on projects outside of core duties if required. A two-year minimum commitment to the post is expected.
Desirable
- A post-graduate qualification in Fisheries Science or a related discipline.
- Strong knowledge of data-limited fisheries stock assessment methodologies.
- Experience in age and growth determination, including processing and reading otoliths.
- Experience in reproductive biology studies and histological techniques.
- Experience in collecting fishery-independent data necessary for stock assessments.
- Experience in conducting molecular techniques including DNA extraction, PCR and eDNA metabarcoding. Experience or understanding of bioinformatics would also be highly regarded.
- Experience using GIS software (preferably QGIS).
- Previous experience working in remote island environments or small communities.
Application deadline: April 27, 2025
