Temporary Field Assistant posts will be based in Shetland full-time for 3 months over spring/summer 2026 (flexible but preferably May to August). The successful candidates will join the project team in delivering seagrass habitat monitoring surveys and trial seagrass planting in Shetland. The roles will be predominately field-based with a strong practical element, with time spent snorkelling, collecting survey and monitoring data and collecting, processing, and replanting seagrass shoots. In addition, the candidates may be required to process and analyse video and survey data, organise field kit, and coordinate volunteer activity. The post will require candidates to undertake blocks of field work which may include weekend and evening hours, as set by suitable weather and tide conditions.
JOB PURPOSE
The Seasonal Seagrass Field Assistant role will be based at UHI Shetland in the Shetland Islands, UK during the summer months April to August. The successful candidate will work on the SMEEF funded project “Restoring Shetland’s Marlie Meadows”, focusing on the monitoring and restoration of seagrass beds.
As a Seasonal Seagrass Field Assistant you will work alongside project staff and researchers at UHI Shetland, volunteers, local industries and the local community to transplant subtidal seagrass (Zostera marina) to areas around Shetland. The main duties of the post-holder will be predominantly in the field, collecting survey and monitoring data via snorkel surveys, and the collection, processing and replanting of seagrass shoots. In addition, the candidate may be required to process and analyse video and survey data, organise field kit, and coordinate volunteer activity. The post will require candidates to undertake blocks of field work which may include weekend and evening hours, as set by suitable weather and tide conditions. The role would suit those wanting to gain practical experience working in conservation. The role will require experience of snorkelling in cold water environments.
Salary: APT 17 £27,531 (pro rata) plus Distant Islands Allowance (pro rata)
Application deadline: April 17, 2026
