Consultant Marine Ecologist

ZipRecruiter; Inverness; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

An ecological consultancy near Inverness is seeking a marine ecologist to provide environmental input for diverse projects. The role involves conducting marine surveys, analyzing ecological impacts, and collaborating with various specialists. Ideal candidates will have a relevant degree, experience in marine conservation, and strong technical skills. A supportive team environment with opportunities for professional growth is offered, alongside benefits like annual leave, pension, and health care.

Benefits

25 days annual leave plus public holidays

Company pension

Health care scheme

Performance bonuses

Paid subscription for professional memberships

Qualifications

• BSc level education in a relevant field.
• Full driver's license is required.
• MSc in marine mammal/ecology preferred.
• Qualified marine mammal observer.
• Appropriate level institute membership.
• Sea survival qualification.

Responsibilities

• Provide marine ecology advice for various projects.
• Conduct baseline marine ecology surveys.
• Assess implications of projects on the marine environment.
• Develop mitigation and enhancement techniques.
• Support environmental management during construction.

Skills

Technical writing skills

Communication skills

Time management

Understanding of marine mammal protections

Knowledge of marine environment

GIS software use

Education

BSc in marine biology or relevant field

MSc in marine mammal/ecology

JNCC marine mammal observer qualification

Tools

GIS software

Job description

Overview

Job Description

The Role

You will play an integral role as part of our team, providing valued ecological input to a range of projects from initial feasibility through planning, procurement, construction, operation and in some instances, decommissioning.

The appointed candidate will be an active member of the Affric team, providing marine ecology advice as part of our multidisciplinary team, and will contribute to the day-to-day tasks of the consultancy as a whole. These will often include:

• Understanding the baseline of marine ecology conditions, with both desk-based and field survey activities;
• The processing, analysis, interpretation and/or presentation of data (including acoustic data);
• Understanding and assessing the implications of projects on the marine environment, providing input to project design to minimise adverse effects and maximise benefits;
• Identification of mitigation and enhancement techniques e.g. Marine Mammal protocols for noisy activities;
• Applying for European Protected Species (Cetacean) and Basking Shark licences;
• Inputting into Environmental Supporting Documents and Environmental Impact Assessment Reports (EIAR); and
• Providing construction environmental management support including marine mammal observations and/or passive acoustic monitoring support.

The successful candidate will be based in the Affric Limited office, 20 minutes southwest of Inverness. On occasion, you may be expected to travel to meet clients’ needs; this may include working away for a few days or more at a time.

Knowledge Skills and Experience

Education & Qualifications

• Educated to BSc level in a relevant field (i.e., marine biology, ecology, conservation or environmental sciences).
• Full drivers licence.
• Educated to MSc level (i.e., marine mammal/ecology).
• Qualified JNCC marine mammal observer.
• Have an appropriate level institute membership (e.g., ISEP, CIEEM, IMarEST).
• Sea survival qualification.

Relevant Experience

• Experience of applying knowledge in a work / volunteering role.
• A working knowledge of technical assessments underpinning environmental work (e.g. EIA, HRA, baseline characterisation, scientific study design etc.).
• 2 years’ experience in the field of marine mammal ecology, derived from a relevant career in consultancy or research/conservation.
• Working with PAM / Acoustic data.
• Experience developing marine mammal survey specifications.

Competencies & Skills

• Strong technical writing skills.
• Ability to communicate with people at all levels.
• To be able to manage own time and prioritise tasks.
• Good understanding of marine mammal protections in the UK.
• Can articulate knowledge on marine mammals and the marine environment to non-specialists.
• Understanding of marine construction techniques.
• Understanding of UK environmental regulations and law.
• Use of GIS software.

Attitude & Disposition

• Flexible and adaptable.
• Positive nature.
• Willing to undertake site work.
• Can work independently or as part of a small team.
• Willingness to contribute to projects that might be outside current areas of expertise.
• Drive to learn and develop themselves.

Benefits of Working for Affric Limited

We are a close-knit, friendly and supportive team in our recently expanded rural office. Your professional development is important to us; we support this through regular internal and external training opportunities. We actively encourage professional growth to enable all our staff to progress into more senior positions within the company.

We offer opportunities to get involved in a wide range of projects at all stages of the project life cycle, and to work collaboratively with other environmental specialists, engineers, project managers and clients. This role will provide extensive and varied professional development opportunities for the right candidate, offering both desk and site-based experience.

Our benefits package includes:

• 25 days annual leave plus 9 public holidays;
• Company pension;
• Health care scheme;
• Company performance bonuses; and
• Paid subscription fees for professional memberships.