Overview

Are you interested in protecting marine biodiversity and helping society use the marine environment in a sustainable way? Do you have a scientific background, knowledge of marine birds, and the ability to apply your skills and knowledge to working as an independent adviser to the UK Government and the devolved administrations?

Who is JNCC?

Established in 1990, we’re the UK’s statutory adviser on issues affecting the natural environment across the UK and internationally. Our primary role is advising all four governments of the UK. JNCC is led by the Joint Committee, which brings together members from the nature conservation bodies for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, and independent members appointed by the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs under an independent Chair.

What’s the role?

JNCC is looking for a marine ornithologist to join the Marine Species Team, based in Aberdeen (flexible working available). JNCC’s Marine Species Team provides expert advice on conservation of marine species in UK, European and international waters, with a focus on marine birds and mammals. We work closely with other JNCC teams, and with government, NGOs, academia, and industry. The marine ornithologist role involves providing specialist advice regarding marine bird conservation, management, monitoring and evidence, covering waters around the UK and beyond. It requires working closely with partners and wider stakeholders to deliver evidence-based advice, products and services to government, industry and others as required.

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for candidates with a good knowledge of marine conservation issues, particularly the potential impacts of anthropogenic influences on marine birds. Candidates should have a good understanding of UK and European legislation relating to marine bird conservation. They should have experience of handling data, interpreting information and delivering scientific research. Full details of the role are included in the job description.

Why JNCC?

We’re small enough (c. 200 staff) that your voice is heard by everyone including the CEO, but big enough that we have all the skills, resources and people you’ll need to get the job done. We have a supportive workplace culture, excellent holiday and pension benefits. We provide an exciting workplace with the opportunity to put your scientific skills to good use.

The post-holder will carry out a range of projects and functions with the overall objective of contributing to provision of advice regarding conservation of marine birds in waters around the UK. Examples are provided below but this is not prescriptive nor exhaustive.

  • Meeting the advisory requirements of government and the offshore industry efficiently. This will involve working in close collaboration with other JNCC staff in the Marine Species Team and the Marine Management Team in particular. In some cases, this will also require co-ordination with colleagues in the country conservation agencies.
  • Contribute to work providing outputs such as literature reviews or tools for use by stakeholders as required, develop new approaches and procedures relating to management of impacts of offshore industry activities on marine species.
  • Develop tools and techniques for assessing the impacts of human activities on the UK’s marine environment, to support environmental protection and management.
  • Provide advice on licences for certain offshore activities.
  • Manage research projects, including contracts, quality assurance and delivery.
  • Provide support across several projects, both government and industry–funded, as required.
  • Assist and deputise for the Marine Species Advice Team managers in other aspects of marine ornithology related advice.

SUCCESS PROFILES

Technical

To be a successful candidate you will be:

  • Educated to degree level or equivalent qualification in a relevant subject and/or relevant recent practical work experience.

Experience

To be a successful candidate you will have:

  • A good understanding of marine conservation issues, in particular anthropogenic influences on marine birds and ecosystems.
  • Understanding of Directives and Regulations applying to marine bird conservation, such as the EU Birds Directive (2009/147/EC) and the Offshore Marine Conservation (natural Habitats &c.) Regulations 2007 (as amended).
  • Experience of handling quantitative ecological information, including data management, analysis, interpreting information and presenting findings.
  • Experience managing and delivering scientific research or review-type projects.
  • Experience of working closely with others to achieve project and strategic aims.

Behaviours

  • Working Together
  • Managing a Quality Service
  • Making Effective Decisions
  • Communicating and Influencing
  • Delivering at Pace

In the event that we receive a large volume of applications we reserve the right to conduct the sift based on the Lead Behaviour of Working Together.

Please see the CS Behaviours framework for more details.

 

Hours of work: Full Time

Normal minimum hours of attendance for the post are 36 hours per week over a 5-day period, Monday to Friday.

Flexi time is available. Part time or job share will also be considered.

 

Annual Leave

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. Part-time staff will receive this on a pro rata basis.

 

Salary: £27,946 per annum

Find out more about the benefits of working at JNCC.

Interviews

The closing date for this post is 09:00 on Monday 30 November 2020.

The anticipated interview date is either Wednesday 09 December or Friday 11 December 2020.

Please be aware that at this time interviews are likely to take place by video conference.

Download Job Description