Post title: Seabird Ecologist
Ref No: 2017/14
Grade: H
Type of appointment: Fixed Term Appointment initially for six months with possibility of extension, up to one year (temporary cover)
Location: Aberdeen
Team: Marine Monitoring Team
Closing date: 24 April 2017 (The anticipated interview date is during week commencing 08 May 2017)
Post background
The Seabird Monitoring Programme, established in 1986, is an ongoing annual monitoring programme of the 25 species of seabird that regularly breed in Britain and Ireland. It aims to ensure that sample data on seabird breeding numbers and breeding success are collected, both regionally and nationally, to enable their conservation status to be assessed.
Since the start of the programme, two national censuses of breeding seabirds have been completed; the Seabird Colony Register (1985 – 1988) and Seabird 2000 census (1998 – 2002). A new census, ‘Seabirds Count’, is currently underway and aims to complete fieldwork by 2019. Standardised methods for monitoring breeding seabirds were developed by the SMP in 1995 and these are used for the majority of UK breeding seabird monitoring, including for the current census. JNCC provides an online system to allow rapid submission of data to the SMP database, which enables annual reports on trends in breeding seabird population numbers and breeding success to be delivered.
The SMP is led and co-ordinated by JNCC in partnership with 18 key organisations in Britain and Ireland. The Programme has undergone many challenges and is currently under review to ensure that it continues to meet the UK’s significant policy and legislative obligations.
Post Duties
The role of the post holder is to provide day-to-day management of the Seabird Monitoring Programme, progress the SMP review, and to assist the Seabird and Cetacean Surveillance Manager in delivering the Seabirds Count census. Specific duties include:
Work with partner organisations to review the SMP and establish a new monitoring framework that will meet the requirements of UK policy and legislative drivers.
Assist Seabird and Cetacean Surveillance Manager in delivering the Seabirds Count census.
Co-ordinate annual monitoring of breeding seabird populations and ensure common standards of data collection are maintained.
Ensure timely provision of data for breeding seabird indicators.
Administer SMP database.
Attend relevant internal and external meetings as necessary.
Competencies
Specialist and technical competencies
Knowledge and experience of animal ecology, especially population and conservation biology. (Essential)
Knowledge of monitoring and surveillance programme design, including field survey techniques, sampling regimes and their statistical validity to meet specific objectives. (Essential)
Practical experience in the use of MS Office software, databases, GIS and the use of statistical programs to manipulate, interrogate and interpret datasets, including an understanding of analysis of time-series data of population size and productivity. (Essential)
Knowledge and experience of seabird ecology, especially population and conservation biology. (Desirable)
Core competencies
Seeing the Big Picture
Be alert to emerging issues and trends which might impact or benefit own and team’s work. (Essential)
Changing and Improving
Actively encourage ideas from a wide range of sources and stakeholders and use these to inform own thinking. (Essential)
Making Effective Decisions
Identify a range of relevant and credible information sources and recognise the need to collect new data when necessary from internal and external sources. (Essential)
Recognise patterns and trends in a wide range of evidence/data and draw key conclusions. (Essential)
Leading and Communicating
Communicate in a succinct, engaging manner and stand ground when needed. (Essential)
Communicate using appropriate styles, methods and timing, including digital channels, to maximise understanding and impact. (Essential)
Collaborating and Partnering
Establish relationships with a range of stakeholders to support delivery of business outcomes. (Essential)
Delivering Value for Money
Follow appropriate financial procedures to monitor contracts to ensure deliverables are achieved. (Essential)
Delivering at Pace
Regularly monitor own and team’s work against milestones or targets and act promptly to keep work on track and maintain performance. (Essential)
Successfully manage, support and stretch self and those you manage to deliver agreed goals and objectives (Essential)
Salary
£27,156 per annum
Hours of work
Normal hours of work for the post are 36 hours per week over a 5-day period, Monday to Friday. Flexi time is available
Annual Leave Entitlement
The annual leave allowance is 25 days per year, rising to 30 days per year after 5 years service. There are also 12 days public and privilege leave. Staff appointed on a part time basis will receive this pro rata.
The closing date for this post is 09:00 on 24 April 2017
The anticipated interview date is during week commencing 08 May 2017 in Aberdeen