Job description
Assistant Scientist Officer - Fresh Water Fisheries
Location: Newforge Lane
Hours: Full-time, 37 hours per week
Pay Rate: £ per hour
About the Role
The Fisheries and Aquatic Ecosystems Branch (FAEB) of the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) conducts research and development, monitoring and technology transfer in support of sustainable management of fisheries and aquatic resources, focusing particularly on the needs of Northern Ireland. The post involves working outside and onboard small vessels.
Key Duties & Responsibilities
Main Duties: Assistance with field surveys of fish populations, including some or all of the following:
1. Electric fishing surveys of fish populations in rivers
2. Survey of fish in lakes including coarse fish netting and gill and fyke nets
3. Recording of data in the field, and entering data to electronic formats
4. Laboratory work including analysis of fish samples
5. Work from small boats in freshwaters
6. Other laboratory, office, and field duties as allocated by supervisors when scientific fieldwork is affected by weather
Essential Criteria
Applicants must demonstrate:
7. 5 GCSE's including science, Maths & English language (Grades A*-C for subjects specified), equivalent or higher
8. At least 6 months experience on some aspect of aquatic science data collection, including demonstrated ability to work in challenging environmental conditions
9. Must have a full manual driving license that enables them to undertake the responsibilities of the role Successful applicants must:
10. Be sufficiently fit, able and willing to carry out fieldwork by wading in rivers, on riverbanks, in small boats, occasionally in inclement conditions. If necessary, applicants will be required to pass a medical examination in order to meet the health and safety requirements of electrofishing.
Other aptitudes which will be an advantage include:
11. Experience of electric fishing techniques
12. Previous experience of similar employment, particularly with AFBI
13. Knowledge of scientific methods in a field and/or laboratory environment · Training and/or certification in first aid procedures
14. Computer literacy specific experience in use of excel spreadsheets for data analysis · Proven relevant experience of working on or by water.