Vacancies

Fishery Biologist

Job title: Fishery Biologist

Type of position: Permanent. Full time, 40 hours per week.

Salary: £35,000 – £42,000 depending on experience

Location: Office based at Auldgirth, Dumfries

Reporting to: Jim Henderson, Fishery Director

Start date: As soon as possible – to be discussed with the successful candidate

The River Nith Fisheries represents two organisations that work closely together. The Nith District Salmon Fishery Board is a statutory organisation that is constituted under the Salmon Fisheries Legislation commencing in the 1860s as subsequently amended and presently stated in the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries (Consolidation) (Scotland) Act 2003.  The Board is empowered under the 2003 Act and other legislation to do such Acts as it considers expedient for the protection, enhancement and conservation of stocks of salmon and sea trout and the general protection and enhancement of the fishery itself.  The Board’s principal objectives are therefore to preserve, protect and enhance stocks of migratory salmonids in the Nith catchment and to preserve, protect and enhance the fishery. The Nith catchment Fishery Trust is a Scottish registered charity and its objectives are to conserve and enhance all native freshwater fish and their habitats located within the inland and coastal waters of the River Nith catchment.

The Nith Fisheries Team is involved in a wide range of work including fishery management, research, education, habitat enhancement, river restoration and biosecurity of the catchment.

Job description

An exciting opportunity has arisen for someone to join our small, dedicated team as a Fishery Biologist.  This role will entail working for the Fishery Director and with other team members in delivering all aspects of fisheries management in the Nith catchment.  This includes conducting ecological and biological monitoring, supporting the delivery of projects and programmes of work for both the Board and the Trust, fulfilling all national and local requirements of the Board and Trust and engaging the community.  There are a number of exciting projects currently being delivered and developed including salmon smolt tracking projects and river restoration.  This position would suit someone who is keen to use their current knowledge and experience to help build these projects as part of the Nith Fisheries Team.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities:

• Co-ordinate closely with Fishery Director
• Undertaking ecological and biological surveys including fish population, aquatic invertebrate and habitat surveys.
• Assist in the delivery of national programmes such as the West Coast Smolt Tracking project, the National Electrofishing Programme Scotland and National Adult Sampling Programme.
• Undertake ecological and biological surveys and compile reports in relation to commercial work undertaken by the Board and Trust.
• To assist in the control of invasive non-native species in the Nith catchment and write biosecurity plans to prevent their further spread.
• To delivery restoration projects and activities
• To capture data accurately and store it within appropriate databases.
• To analyse data and feed into reports and plans where required.
• To prepare and submit funding applications.
• Assist in promoting the work of the River Nith Fisheries through social media and presentations.
• Assist in the co-ordination and delivery of the Trust’s education project.
• To support volunteers and interns as required.
• Liaise with contractors to provide quotes, deliver programmes of work.
• Prepare written risk assessments, particularly in relation to consultancy.
• Maintain a clean, safe and tidy work environment, including vehicles.
• Keep good accurate records associated with the position.
• Accurately and timeously complete reports, administration and paperwork associated with the job.

Experience and Skills

Essential

The candidate must have:

• a degree in an environmental discipline.
• experience of working in an environmental organisation with a proven ability to plan, report and work to deadlines.
• a good understanding of aquatic conservation.
• excellent IT skills, specifically of Microsoft office packages, WordPress and databases.
• experience using GIS software.
• experience in preparing and submitting funding applications and reports to funders.
• experience using social media and websites.
• excellent communication skills, comfortable communicating with a range of different stakeholder groups including land managers, agencies, organisations, contractors and suppliers.
• a full, clean UK driving licence and have their own transport.
• be self-motivated and disciplined.

Desirable

• SFCC Introduction to Electrofishing and Team Leader Electrofishing certificate
• Experience working in the consultancy industry/Ecological Clerk of Works
• Experience in aquatic invertebrate identification

The hours are based on 40 hours per week and may involve flexible working hours including evenings and weekends.  In return, the Board offers the successful candidate a competitive salary and pension contributions.  It is anticipated that the successful applicant will undergo training as required. 

Closing date for applications is 5:00pm Sunday 19^th February 2023

Interviews to be held week commencing 27^th February 2023

Please send your CV and covering letter addressed to Jim Henderson at board@river-nith.com.

If you would like to discuss the post, please call Jim on 07785 300015.