About the role

As a Scientific and Conservation Officer/IFCO, you will play a vital role in the protection and conservation of marine habitats and species along the Kent and Essex coasts. You will be responsible for gathering scientific data through surveys and research to inform conservation and management decisions, as well as providing guidance to stakeholders and the wider public. You will also enforce relevant legislation to ensure compliance with marine, environmental and conservation laws.

You will work closely with a range of stakeholders and partners to ensure the successful delivery of conservation objectives, including conducting site inspections, developing management plans and implementing conservation measures. In addition to receiving training related to your role, you will also have the opportunity to contribute to the development of policy and strategy at a regional and national level.

Purpose of the Job

The mandate of Kent and Essex IFCA covers a wide range of work with a focus on evidence gathering, development and implementation of management measures and enforcing regulations. This all is with the aim of supporting sustainable fisheries and furthering the
objectives of the Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) within its District.

Much of the Kent and Essex IFCA District is covered by a variety of MPA designations and it has several locally and nationally important inshore fisheries. It is also one of the marine areas with the highest developmental pressures of marine infrastructure in the UK, making for an exciting and dynamic opportunity to contribute to applied fisheries management.

The primary work areas for the successful applicant will be; the development of MPA management measures, active liaison around marine planning and marine licensing, and contribution to Defra’s marine spatial prioritization programme. The successful applicant will assist in the screening and assessment of the impact of fishing activities upon MPAs and reply to consultations regarding projects within the District, liaising with marine agencies and attending meetings.

The successful applicant will be expected to crew KEIFCA’s vessels during field surveys and patrols on sea and ashore as required. They will be responsible for following survey methodologies as well as carrying out data recording and analysis and would be required to lead on some surveys and project work. On occasion, they would be expected to carry out Fishery Officer enforcement duties, both on land and at sea.
These duties would be carried out across both Kent and Essex, as well as occasionally outside the district.

About you

To be successful in this role, you must have a passion for the marine environment and a strong background in marine biology, ecology or a related field. You will have experience of conducting scientific surveys and data analysis, as well as a good understanding of marine conservation and management. You will also have excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, and the ability to build effective relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.

As the role involves working in a challenging marine environment, you will need to be physically fit and prepared to work outside in all weathers. Some out of hours work will be required, for which the post attracts a 10% uplift in salary. You will also need to hold a full UK driving license and have access to a vehicle.

The first-round interviews for this post will be held week commencing 29 May 2023 in Ramsgate, Kent. If you are selected for an interview, you will be expected to provide a ten minute presentation to the interview panel.

Main duties and responsibilities

  • To lead the development and implementation of MPA management measures in the district.
  • Be the main point of contact for the KEIFCA concerning marine planning, marine licensing and the Defra marine prioritization programme.
  • To assist the Lead Scientific and Conservation Officer in the construction, completion and delivery of byelaw impact assessments and Habitat Regulations Assessments
  • To respond to consultations, including marine licensing and other projects in the marine and coastal environment, and prepare correspondence.
  • To support, and occasionally lead, the planning and undertaking of stock surveys, habitat assessments and research projects, both tidal and intertidal as required within the Strategic Evidence Plan.
  • To assist in compiling survey reports and research projects, set up spreadsheets and work with databases, data entry and analysis, work with GIS data and outputs and draw conclusions.
  • To liaise with the fishing industry and other key stakeholders, regarding fisheries/conservation management and associated issues and, where necessary, write reports regarding the outcome of consultations.
  • To attend meetings with other bodies as a representative of the Chief IFC Officer or Authority.
  • To undertake the duties of crew on the Authority’s Fisheries Patrol/Survey Vessels
  • To undertake the duties of an IFC Officer including enforcement of fisheries conservation measures.
  • Undertake such tasks that the Chief IFC Officer or Authority may require.

For a copy of the job description click here and for an application form click here

The closing date for this post is 2 May 2023.

Completed application forms should be emailed to debbie.oshea@kentandessex-ifca.gov.uk.

For an informal chat about the post contact Phil Haupt on 07432 019513

Find out more about this opportunity here.

via IFCA
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