Situations Vacant: Fisheries Observer at CEFAS

Fisheries Observer at CEFAS (The Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science)

Payband 4
Permanent
Full-time
PLYMOUTH
REF: 164079

You will be a member of a highly motivated and committed team of observers who are based in ports throughout England, delivering important scientific work required under UK legislation. Your main duties will be to record the numbers of fish and shellfish which are retained and discarded on board English registered fishing vessels during normal commercial fishing operations. You will also be required to undertake biological sampling of fish and shellfish landings at various ports in England. You will work regularly at sea on commercial fishing vessels, to schedules determined by the fishing boat skipper (up to approx.80 days at sea per year), and with shore-based industry sectors, such as fish markets and merchants. Additional payments are made for work undertaken at sea and during unsociable hours.

This work will require significant travel and working during unsociable hours, potentially at weekends.

Main Duties And Responsibilities

Planning and undertaking sampling trips onboard commercial fishing vessels sailing from ports across England,
Arranging and processing samples from vessels ashore.
Planning and undertaking detailed biological sampling of fish/shellfish landings at fishing ports across England
Obtaining otoliths and scales from fish samples
Adhering to and promoting safety measures in the field and office
Establishing and maintaining good relations and communication with fishing industry
Entering data into databases, data checking and QC and timely delivery of data
Participate in other projects as required for example, fishing gear technology
Assisting in fieldwork aboard commercial fishing vessels and research vessels at sea where necessary
Contributing to production of reports

Person Specification

Applicants should be highly motivated, target driven individuals with good communications skills, both verbal and written. A keen interest in collecting good fisheries data is essential as the job can be challenging at times. As this role must work around the fishing industry, both onshore and at sea, applicants must be willing to work unsociable hours.