Job description
Higher Scientific Officer in Fresh Water Fisheries
Location: Belfast
Hours: Full-time, 37 hours per week (variable due to the nature of work)
Salary: £37,694 per annum
About AFBI & the Agri-Environment Branch
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.
Key Responsibilities
The purpose of the post is to coordinate a study team investigating the reproductive biology of the invasive zebra mussel within the Neagh-Bann system. The jobholder will provide direct support and assistance to the project leader. This will be divided into 2 discrete work programs:
WP1) Investigations of the potential for spread of zebra mussels to the DAERA PAE through stocking events from the DAERA fish farm at Movanagher.
WP2) Investigations into the reproductive biology of the Zebra Mussel in the Neagh Bann system.
To achieve the requirements of these work packages the jobholder will:
1. Coordinate and undertake the scientific sampling of biological specimens including fish and zebra mussels.
2. Coordinate and conduct laboratory work.
3. Manage staff during field and laboratory events.
4. Disseminate key findings at knowledge transfer events.
5. Produce a technical report describing findings and recommendations.
The post involves working outdoors in inclement conditions and may require sampling from small vessels.
Essential Criteria
Applicants must have, by the closing date for applications:
1a. A PhD in Aquatic Science, Environmental Science or equivalent subject
OR
1b. A Degree or higher in Aquatic Science, Environmental Science or equivalent subject AND a minimum of two years' post graduate experience in scientific data management - to include familiarity and competence with electronic data using spreadsheets, database packages and GIS.
AND
6. Proven post graduate experience of planning and executing fieldwork in the area of environmental or aquatic science under limited supervision.
7. Provide evidence of being a named author in at least one scientific paper related to aquatic or environmental science, published in a scientific journal.
8. Possess a full, current/exchangeable driving licence for manual vehicles (to aid the successful candidate in driving an AFBI vehicle) enabling the licence holder to fulfil the duties of this role. Under DDA any reasonable adjustments will be considered.