Marine Habitat Ecologist and Surveyor

Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities: Contribute to the delivery of the Scottish MPA Monitoring Strategy working within a small team to develop, plan and fulfil NatureScot’s seabed habitat monitoring and surveillance programmes. A particular focus will be to design and commence the implementation of a statistically robust programme of work establishing a baseline monitoring plan for the proposed Priority Marine Feature Management Areas.  Develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for monitoring priority benthic habitats (including indirect metrics). Populate our survey and monitoring databases and update NatureScot’s benthic content on UKDMOS. Design, commission, and manage research projects (including the QA of submitted products) primarily, but not exclusively, in relation to the survey and assessment of MPAs and Priority Marine Features (PMFs) in Scottish inshore waters. Participate in (and lead as required) marine biological surveys using a range of field and remote sampling techniques. Support benthic monitoring in Scotland undertaken by citizen scientists and industry through the provision of technical and specialist advice. Pilot a review of site condition monitoring in the marine environment that specifically seeks to prioritise our ability to deliver on ecosystem health targets. Analyse and interpret marine biodiversity data, including through the use of GIS, to underpin the provision of ecological advice and assessments of protected area condition status or wider biodiversity reporting (e.g. OSPAR, Marine (Scotland) Act). Investigate options for further integrating and streamlining our approach to monitoring, reporting and assessment obligations. Represent NatureScot at meetings of inter-agency groups, research project steering groups and community engagement events relevant to remit.  Update and maintain the content of our marine survey and monitoring web pages and actively promote our work to a range of audiences across Scotland. Contribute to the general work of the Marine Ecosystems Activity Team including work on Marine Protected Areas, Priority Marine Features,awareness raising and training.

Skills: (Please refer to these in your Supporting Statement)

A degree in a relevant subject plus relevant post-graduate or work experience. A sound understanding of marine ecology, in particular, habitats and species of conservation importance in Scottish inshore waters and the issues and legislation relating to their conservation. Experience of techniques & methods applicable to mapping and monitoring the Scottish marine environment, with the ability to identify common benthic habitats and species and an understanding of the UK marine habitat classification (biotopes). Formal qualifications and applied experience of scientific diving (CMAS 3* or equivalent) and small boat handling (RYA powerboat level 2 or above) would be desirable. Ability to analyse, interpret and manage scientific information - including experience of data handling, the application of statistical methods and undertaking quality assurance.  Experience in the use of GIS. Excellent interpersonal skills and written and verbal communication abilities, including demonstrable experience of developing working relationships with a range of stakeholders and communicating science to different audiences. Good interpersonal skills including excellent communication and team working allied to an ability to communicate science to a range of audiences in an engaging manner.  Ability to plan and manage projects and personal workloads and adapt to changing priorities while balancing a high volume of reactive work. Driving license or other means of transport (relevant driving licence entitlement for towing small boats / trailers with practical experience also desirable).

 

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