We are seeking a Marine Mammal Adviser to support high profile ongoing protected species and offshore industries work within JNCC. The post-holder will be expected to take the lead on tasks and to work closely with others to seek their input where needed. They will routinely work with colleagues in the Statutory Nature Conservation Bodies, regulatory agencies, Defra and the Devolved Administrations.
Post Duties
The post holder will join a team of experienced marine mammal advisers and contribute towards the team’s advisory role for nature conservation issues. Duties include:
- Delivery of fast paced, marine mammal conservation advice on impacts from offshore industries, in particular on underwater noise and management for all relevant sectors. This will involve working in collaboration with colleagues in the country conservation agencies, regulators, industry and NGOs.
- Within agreed deadlines, assess offshore industries consent applications and provide high quality, evidence-based advice to regulators on the effects of those proposals on marine mammals in light of relevant legislation on protected species and their habitats.
- Provide marine mammal advice in the event of offshore pollution events and participate on the roster for duty officer, providing a 24/7 response service for environmental information and advice in the event of an offshore pollution incident (this includes on-call allowance uplift payments).
- Develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders (e.g. developers, regulators and other nature conservation bodies across the UK)
- Organise project and/or partnership meetings and events, providing secretariat functions where necessary.
- As required, manage research project contracts to address key conservation issues associated with offshore industries and contribute to ongoing projects including marine mammal mitigation and noise management in MPAs.
- Support wider Marine Management work as required
Technical skills
We’ll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
- A relevant qualification (or equivalent experience) in marine biology, biological sciences, environmental sciences, or other relevant discipline.
- Strong background in the science of marine mammals
- Detailed knowledge of the main provisions of UK and European/ International policy and legislation on the protection of marine mammal species and their habitats.
- Experience in reviewing and interpreting the effects of offshore industries on marine mammal species and their habitats, particularly in relation to underwater noise, within UK consenting processes.
- The ability to critically review scientific information, appraise and effectively communicate uncertainty and provide high quality, risk- based, impartial advice.
Salary: £33,130
Application deadline: November 10, 2026
Location: Peterborough or Aberdeen, UK
