Under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) has a statutory responsibility to provide the UK Government with ‘…scientific advice relating to the management of seal populations’.  The Sea Mammal Research Unit (SMRU), at the University of St Andrews, collects and collates this advice on behalf of NERC.  One major component of the advice is the provision of estimates of the population size and distribution of grey and harbour seals within the UK. In order to estimate the sizes of seal populations, a programme of aerial survey work, using both fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters, is carried out annually.  SMRU is seeking to appoint a technician to assist in this key area of research. Appropriate training will be given, but as the app