Resource Biologist – North Uist
Uist Asco, located about five miles from Lochmaddy on the Island of North Uist, is a seaweed processor that has been drying seaweeds since 2014. This region of Scotland has a long and proud history of harvesting seaweed and creating jobs and economic growth from this renewable marine resource.
The Role:
As the Resource Biologist, you will be responsible for the field sampling and data collection from annual seaweed surveys and intertidal field research studies related to the commercial harvest of seaweed in Scotland (mainly the Outer Hebrides). You will be required to keep meticulous notes, along with data collation and maintain a Geographical Information System (GIS) database; conducting seaweed biomass surveys in Scotland and occasionally in the rest of Europe. When not on the water doing Surveys, you will write reports and attend regional scientific meetings, and establish, sustain, and build relationships with the scientific community and governmental agencies as assigned. This position will include a significant amount of time spent in the field and travelling to conduct field work, especially during the summer months. Experience driving boats in ocean environments is mandatory.
Responsibilities:
1. Execute and supervise annual biomass assessment and data collection/analyses from field studies
2. Report and record data from experimental field studies
3. Provide advice on resource assessments and harvest limits to the Resource Team
4. Maintain GIS database up to date
5. Interact with Seaweed Harvesters
6. Be available and participative in select community and social responsibility assignments in Scotland
7. Interact with government officers and scientists
8. Interact with scientists from other scientific institutions
9. Prepare harvest reports and detailed harvest plans
10. Collaborate on scientific publications for in peer-reviewed journals
11. Be physically able to work extensive periods along the shore in all weather
12. Be qualified to handle a boat in the inshore, marine environment
13. Be able and prepared to work flexible time to accommodate schedule to the prevailing tides
14. Support the company’s vision and policies regarding Health & Safety, Corporate Culture, and Environmental Management by displaying the appropriate behaviours and leadership towards meeting the company’s objectives in these areas
15. Complete other scientific or field-related assignments as required
Requirements:
Education: B.Sc. in Marine Biology, environmental science (or related field experience)
Experience: Minimum 3-5 years field experience – strong commitment to working in the field is a must
Skills: Experience working on small boats, GIS experience, Knowledge of local seaweeds and invertebrates, Proficiency with basic MS office software, Ability to work effectively with minimal supervision, Good written and verbal communication skills, Willingness to learn and contribute in a team environment, Good organizational skills with the ability to multi-task
Other: Must hold a valid driver’s license, Must be able to travel within Scotland and Europe in general
WORKING CONDITIONS:
This position requires considerable traveling and is at times physically demanding thus, the candidate must be fit to walk and work long hours in the rocky intertidal. It also requires working some weekends and holidays, particularly during the longer daylight hours of summer and part of the fall season. Field work is dependent on periods of low tide and the weather; work will be required during inclement weather and early morning, and late evening tides depending on the time of low water. The nature of fieldwork and interactions is such that the Resource Biologist will be required to travel extensively within the region and in various European countries on occasions.
If this job sounds like it was made for you, we’d like to meet you. To further explore this opportunity, just submit your application to Steve Empringham by clicking "Apply Now". We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls please. We truly believe we can create a sustainable world by advancing the science of seaweed.
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