Overview

MRAG are currently recruiting fisheries observers to work on krill vessels. Observers will be deployed on board trawlers targeting Antarctic krill in the Southern Ocean starting from around June, they will be required to attend a training course prior to deployment. Initial deployments will be on krill vessels operating around South Georgia, in the South Atlantic.

The Antarctic krill fishery is managed and regulated by the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) and within South Georgia further management measures are applied by the Government of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (GSGSSI). As an observer you will be deployed on board commercial fishing vessels and provide a vital role in the sustainable management of the fishery.

Duties include:

  • Collection of biometric data on target species;
  • Collection of biometric data on bycatch;
  • Marine mammal and seabird observations.
  • It is anticipated that initial deployments in the current season will run from June to August 2018,  exact dates being dependent upon fishing activities.

Due to the requirements of the programme, only British passport holders can be considered.

Qualifications

  • Candidates should have a background in marine biology or fisheries and with relevant experience, specifically:
  • Degree in marine biology or other relevant discipline, or equivalent relevant work experience;
  • Participation in research cruises or scientific surveys is desirable ;
  • Previous employment as a fisheries observer or fisheries officer is desirable.
  • Prior to deployment, the following certificates must be obtained:

A Personal Survival Techniques or Basic Sea Survival certificate recognised by the International Convention on Standards of Training and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW 95), or a national equivalent, awarded by an accredited organisation;
An ENG-1 or equivalent seafarer’s Medical certificate, awarded by an accredited physician.
Certificates exceeding the above minimum standards, such as BOSIET sea survival or UKOOA Offshore Medical certificates, will also be accepted.

Still Interested in this post? Here is how you can get involved:

  • The Recruitment Form
  • Copies of relevant qualifications
  • Copies of your Sea Survival and Medical certificates must be provided before deployment
  • Contact details of two referees (no relatives)

You will be requested to provide written statements from your referees should you be successful after initial screening.
All applications should be submitted electronically. Please note that incomplete applications will not be considered.

Please send your application to observer_reg@mrag.co.uk
Please send any queries to observer.team@mrag.co.uk