A central role of Cefas is to provide science evidence and advice to the UK government on fisheries related topics in an increasingly busy marine space.

In their 25-year Environment Plan, the UK government committed to develop a sustainable and profitable fishing sector, whilst pledging to protect at least 30% of the global ocean within MPAs by 2030. At COP26 (2021), the Global Offshore Wind Alliance was launched by the Global Wind Energy Council in a bid to encourage government and private sectors to collaborate in utilising offshore wind power. In the same marine areas, the offshore wind power industry is rapidly expanding to meet targets of 40 GW of power by 2030 and to achieve 'net zero' by 2050 as stated in the updated Climate Change Act. The potential effects and subsequent impacts (both positive and negative) on fisheries species and their stocks of these Government commitments is a focal issue to address in terms of the sustainable and profitable allocation of marine resources in the upcoming years.

This post role will provide an exciting opportunity for a motivated individual to join the stock assessments for fisheries management and advice team and develop innovative scientific approaches to support marine spatial planning advice and to provide non-biased, evidence-based assessments of sustainable fisheries, the marine environment and management options surrounding the construction and operation of offshore renewable energy related developments, such as wind farms. You will be expected to work closely with a wide range of stakeholders (such as members of the public, energy and fishing industry, and policy makers), gathering evidence and effectively disseminating findings, making a real impact influencing integrated marine fisheries management and policy. Travel, both domestic and overseas is to be expected.

JOB DESCRIPTION

• Assessing the scale of the effects and impacts (both positive and negative) of coastal and offshore anthropogenic developments on local fisheries and their biological resources (fish and/or shellfish).
• Assessing fish/shellfish population dynamics to inform how stock assessments may need to be adapted when considering interactions with offshore renewable energy related developments.
• Developing spatial analysis and integrated representation of fisheries resources
• Communicating and engaging with a range of stakeholders (such as members of the public, development applicants, fishers, scientists, and policy makers) to gather evidence and disseminate findings.
• Work with colleagues (and collaborators nationally and internationally) to enhance and develop cross-cutting science opportunities which support the provision of advice and assessments of fish stocks and ecosystem health at ICES Working Groups and other relevant fora.
• Develop new business (with colleagues and collaborators nationally and internationally) opportunities with regards to advice and assessment of fish stocks and their assessment.
• Communicating and collaborating with a wide range of R&D projects and teams.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Good knowledge of stock assessments and statistical modelling approaches with a proficiency in computer programming.
• Proven track record of having delivered advice on the impacts of anthropogenic developments on fish or shellfish, and their fisheries.
• Good understanding of fisheries and the population dynamics of their biological resources
• Demonstrable experience in spatial and statistical analysis of fisheries resources.
• Experience of working across disciplines.
• Being innovative, attentive, well-motivated, organised, and flexible with good written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience in identifying and solving problems as part of an interdisciplinary team; and
• Excellent communication skills, ability to explain complex solutions to both specialists and non-specialists.
• Experience of working on fisheries dependent data and understanding of fisheries assessments.

QUALIFICATIONS

Academic qualifications and experience required for direct entry into this Cefas Pay Band 5 role is a Postgraduate degree in a marine or environmental science, preferably with strong focus on impact assessments and/or fisheries.

BEHAVIOURS

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Delivering at Pace
• Making Effective Decisions
• Communicating and Influencing

TECHNICAL SKILLS

We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:

• Demonstrated experience in analytical methods to assess marine resources, including programming in R or Python (or equivalent).
• Good experience in spatial analysis and/or geographic information systems.

BENEFITS

• Annual leave entitlement – 25 days on entry (rising to 30 days over first 5yrs)
• Access to learning and development tailored to your role
• A working environment that supports a range of flexible working options
• A working culture which encourages inclusion and diversity
• Eligible to join the Civil Service Pension scheme. Very favourable package, contributions are more than matched by employer – more information can be found on the CSP website
• Performance Related Pay scheme – yearly award linked to individual performance
• Staff Recognition vouchers
• In-year recognition scheme (monetary amounts up to max £2000 possible)

SALARY: £29,267 - £32,766
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Monday 13^th December 2021
LOCATION: Lowestoft, England

Learn more about this opportunity and how to apply.