The Marine Directorate is delivering bold and ambitious change in terms of the use and protection of our marine environment. We are at the forefront of global efforts to help tackle the twin crises of climate change and biodiversity loss, helping to ensure sustainability of our fisheries, as well seeking to maximize the potential of marine assets and resources to support the prosperity of our people and communities.
An exciting opportunity to work within the Sea Fisheries team in the Marine Directorate’s Science Evidence, Data and Digital (SEDD) Portfolio has arisen. We are responsible for meeting Scotland’s international obligations and national commitments to fisheries data collection, providing the evidence base and advice to government on the sustainable management of fish and shellfish stocks of commercial importance to the Scottish fishing industry.
The primary aim of this role is to manage the team of data collectors so that the fisheries data collection obligations on Scotland as laid out in a UK workplan are completed and data made available for internal processing and provided internationally to allow stock assessments to be undertaken and advice provided on sustainable catching opportunities to government.
You will play a pivotal part in delivering on our data collection obligations, particularly the delivery of our catch sampling program (providing information on landings and discards from fisheries landing in Scotland), but also contribute to delivering on an annual program of fisheries independent surveys and helping to ensure data provision to the International Council for the Exploration of the Seas and to stakeholders. These deliverables allow national and international stock assessments to be conducted and advice generated on catching opportunities for use in fisheries management by the UK fisheries administrations.
You will direct the work of a team of data collectors and provide the leadership for delivery of the catch sampling program in Scotland. You will Contribute to the corporate management of the Sea Fisheries team and SEDD Portfolio by working in partnership with the relevant Delivery Leads, Fisheries Advisor, Data Collection Coordinator and the Sea Fisheries coordination group. Much of the role will involve logistical coordination of a large team of field workers working at sea and across remote coastal locations, collecting, analyzing and collating biological samples and data.
You will also manage the delivery of the team undertaking data collection in Sea Fisheries and take responsibility for delivering the catch sampling program for Scotland, reporting to the Delivery Lead for Sea Fisheries. The work of the data collection team is focused on collection of a wide-range of fishery and fish stock related data including market sampling, sea going commercial observer data collection, fish age determination and scientific at-sea survey participation.
Due to the nature of this role, you will have a varied work pattern and, on occasion, will be required to work unsociable hours.
As a result of the potential for changing business requirements and delivery plans, there is the potential that you may be required in the future to work on delivery of different workstreams as part of the science profession in Marine Directorate taking account of suitability and your personal skill set.
Responsibilities
- Providing the delivery leadership for the catch sampling program for Scottish fisheries and direct the work of the team of data collectors in the Sea Fisheries team, including appropriate staff development, training and responsibility for health safety and wellbeing (approximately 20 team members currently)
- Provide the people management function for approximately four scientific colleagues in other delivery areas of the SEDD Portfolio
- Working with the Sea Fisheries Delivery Lead, Fisheries Advisor, Data Collection Coordinator and Sea Fisheries coordination group, through attendance at the weekly meetings and through direct dialogue in order to help lead the science and direction of the Sea Fisheries team, and ensure the whole team responds flexibly to effectively deliver the science required of it by Marine Directorate.
- Assisting the Delivery Lead through the provision of management information (workforce, budget, expenditure, H&S etc.) for the team and deputizing at senior management meetings as required.
- Leading the science (data collection, data products research and advice) required in order to deliver on the Annual Delivery Plan for Marine Directorate.
- Representing Marine Directorate at national and international scientific, technical and industry meetings.
- Leading on the development of improved data collection processes (QA, electronic capture) and collection of new data types, particularly for emerging inshore fishery needs such as wrasse.
Competencies:
- People management
- Leading others
- Communications and engagement
- Analysis and use of evidence
Essential Criteria:
- In-depth knowledge and extensive experience of fisheries science, data collection methods, data processing and quality assurance.
- Strong people management skills with a dynamic and effective leadership style.
- Experience of presenting scientific results, preparing reports and making presentations: communicating with specialist and non-specialist audiences.
- Experience of the manipulation or analysis of large, complex data sets.
Location: Marine Lab, 375 Victoria Road, Torry, Aberdeen, AB11 9DB
Closing date: January 21, 2024
