Position title:
1st Mate/Relief Skipper - 6 months Fixed Term Contract
Reports to:
Senior Skipper and Operations Director, Song of The Whale
Supervises/manages:
2nd Mate and sailing crew in absence of Skipper
Location of job:
Song of the Whale
Salary: c £24,000 pro rata depending on skills and experience
Purpose
The Song of the Whale (SoTW) is used by IFAW as a campaign tool in support of IFAW's global whale conservation programme. SoTW carries out research and advocacy for whale and marine conservation. Advocacy includes public relations, media events, government relations, public information, and education.
SoTW is a British registered, purpose built 22m sailing research vessel and classified by the MCA as a Category O vessel.
Accountabilities/Responsibilities
- Work under the direction of the Senior Skipper & Operations Director to maintain and operate the Song of the Whale and all its equipment and systems efficiently and safely to enable it to undertake its mission of international advocacy and research for whale conservation.
- Assume command of the boat and day to day responsibilities of Skipper when the full time Skipper is not aboard for any reason.
- Work with the Skipper, Research Manager and other IFAW staff as appropriate to facilitate the various aspects of SoTW research and advocacy work.
- Sail SoTW to locations around world as required to support its programme goals
- Maintain all systems (marine and scientific) to the highest standards of safety. Ensure that the appearance of the boat and crew promote a positive image for IFAW.
- Keep abreast with recent developments in equipment (marine and scientific) and techniques and work with the Skipper to apply where appropriate.
- Work as a member of IFAW's SoTW research team to assist in the development and implementation of IFAW's projects.
- Assist in the collection of data
Requirements
- RYA Ocean Yachtmaster or equivalent (or in the process of obtaining)
- Ship Captains medical training certificate
- Proven Ocean going sailing ability and experience, including qualifications sufficient to satisfy the certifying authority.
- Knowledge and understanding of marine safety requirements, international legislation and procedures appropriate to the work and projects undertaken by the vessel around the world.
- Practical knowledge and experience of boat and systems maintenance and repair to enable SoTW to keep running in the field with minimal external support.
- Ability to identify with and fully support the scientific and advocacy progamme carried out by the team and IFAW.
- Working knowledge of electronics sufficient to conduct basic field maintenance of marine and scientific equipment, and good computer skills.
- Flexibility and ability to get along with a team which may include campaigners, scientists, educators and other specialists often in difficult conditions.
- Self starter with excellent initiative, willingness to work internationally for extended periods and for long hours.
- Excellent communication skills - able to communicate with a diverse audiences from varying cultural, social and educational background including the general public and media. Ability and willingness to act as a spokes-person for IFAW where appropriate, multi-linguist desirable.
- Understanding of and support for IFAW's animal welfare and conservation mission and campaigns.
The above statement is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to the job, It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required.
How to Apply
Complete the application form which can be downloaded from
www.ifaw.org/uk/employment
Return the complete application form together with your cv by 4pm Monday 30 March 2009. Quote 1st Mate:
(a) by email to recruituk@ifaw.org
(b) by post to RecruitUK, IFAW, 89 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7UD.
Interviews are scheduled to take place week commencing 14 April with a start date of c.20 April or soon after.
CVs will not be accepted without the completed application form. This post does not necessarily qualify for a UK work permit.
