Assistant Research Officer Marine

ASSISTANT MARINE RESEARCH OFFICER

Job Title:

Assistant Research Officer (Self-Funded Post)

Reporting to:

Principal Investigator, In-Country Staff

Responsible to:

The Directors of the Society & the Operations and Research and Development Managers, London HQ

Location:

Marine Field Projects in Madagascar, Belize, Tenerife or Fiji

This post is an opportunity for less experienced individuals to gain overseas field experience of research, project and volunteer management and training. Self-funding staff are also considered for paid posts at the end of their contracts.

PRIMARY FUNCTION

To assist with all aspects of the research programme involving daily supervision of research team, data analysis and report writing.

GENERAL OUTLINE OF THE ROLE

- Assist the Principal Investigator with the development and implementation of the research programme

- Supervision, management and training of volunteers/assistants

- Preparation of project reports and publication of results in scientific journals

- Assist with project logistics and administration

MAIN DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

- Assist the Principal Investigator in implementing the standard programme of research to cover each survey component depending on location, e.g. mangroves and coral reefs, and selected invertebrate groups, including spiny lobster, reef fish, benthic invertebrates and turtles;

- Assist the Principal Investigator in conducting underwater (SCUBA and snorkel) surveys and species identification, managing the collection and processing of accurate field data, including specimen collection

- Ensure that the specimens collected on each phase are adequately preserved;

- The non-diving component includes establishing biodiversity monitoring programs, mangrove rehabilitation and restoration, and environmental education with local schools

- Conducting beach cleans and litter surveys to ensure proper disposal of non-biodegradable marine litter

- Assist the Principal Investigator in the accredited and non-accredited training of the volunteer Research Assistants and other project participants where necessary and supervise their implementation in the field survey; ensuring the healthy and safety of all field members involved

- Assist the Principal Investigator or Project Coordinator in the management, support, motivation and development of volunteers / research assistants;

- Assist the Principal Investigator in managing and supervising the maintenance of the project's scientific resources;

- Produce sections of the technical reports and scientific papers to the schedule agreed with the Principal Investigator and the Research and Development and Operations Managers.

- Provide the Principal Investigator with regular (minimum quarterly) progress updates including project reports, inventories and accounts and ensure that these updates are passed on to the London HQ;

- Assist with the logistical operations relating to the project including administration and management of finances and management of local staff

TERMS & CONDITIONS

Contract Duration:

A 6-month period with the possibility of extending (can be reduced to 3-month period under certain circumstances)

Accommodation:

Basic accommodation and food provided whilst at the field project site.

Travel:

In-country ground travel costs to be provided.

International flights to be self-funded.

Subsistence:

Marine project fee: £1100 for 6 months.

To be paid quarterly.

Fees to be paid by staff member to cover project participation, use of equipment and training

Training:

Pre-departure training & marine species identification and survey techniques training provided.

Dive training in order to get Advanced Open Water level certification can be provided if necessary

All marine staff must take their own regs, BCD, fins, mask, wetsuit

JOB SPECIFICATION ESSENTIAL DESIRABLE Qualifications Education/Knowledge:

- Graduate in an environmental or biological science discipline

- First aid qualification

- Minimum of PADI Advanced Open Water or equivalent

- Relevant postgraduate qualification in marine science/biology or environmental sciences

- Knowledge of natural resource management & rural development Experience:

- Experience of data analysis & report-writing

- Field research experience, preferably in a marine environment

- Experience of GIS applications

- Experience of working with NGOs Skills:

- Excellent written/oral communication & presentation skills

- Administrative & time management skills

- Ability to train research assistants and motivate others

- Knowledge of ecological monitoring

- Technically orientated

- Knowledge of local language Personal Attributes:

- Resilient & mature, with the ability to work as a team in basic living conditions

- Physical fitness

- Demonstrable commitment to conservation