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East Cost MPA Officer – Scientific Officer (EO1).

  • Belfast
  • Please see job description

East Cost MPA Officer – Scientific Officer (EO1)

  • Belfast
  • Please see job description
  • Posted July 2, 2025
  • Temporary - Full time

We have a fantastic opportunity for you to join our client, based in Belfast as a full-time East Cost MPA Officer

Our client is Northern Ireland’s Leading Public Sector Employer.

Pay Rate: £16.45

Start Date: ASAP

Benefits working with NICS:

  • On the job training provided
  • Long term opportunity – 51 weeks possible extension
  • Gain valuable skills and progress your career
  • Diverse and inclusive employer with active social mobility policies

Hours of work:

  • 5 days each week, totalling 37 hours.
  • DAERA operates a flexi working system, with usual working hours between 8am and 6pm, with core hours of 10am to 12noon, and 2pm to 4pm which must be covered.

Job Duties: 

• Undertaking appropriate regulatory checks, monitoring and surveillance of MPAs in the Southern region to ensure protection and enhancement of marine habitats, species and cultural heritage, including regular patrols at sea and on land
• Assisting with monthly cetacean watches
• Helping to further develop a field work data collection app
• Accurate storage of data and media on internal systems
• Developing appropriate management measures to mitigate against damaging activities
• Representing the Department in a range of stakeholder groups
• Acting as an Environmental Liaison Officer for pollution response
• Assist with the preparation of scientific reports, along with associated data analysis

 

Essential Criteria:

A Degree (or equivalent/higher qualification) in Zoology, Biology, Ecology or other related Marine or Environmental Science subjects.
AND
2 years’ experience gained within the last 8 years in a paid, voluntary or academic capacity associated with the conservation or assessment marine ecosystems, such as in one or a combination of the following:
1. Producing and / or reviewing ecological assessments/reports;
2. Conducting ecological surveys of marine habitats and wildlife, particularly those found in UK waters;
3. Conservation management.
*Relevant scientific discipline: give the subject of qualification and date awarded (the date awarded is the date on which you were notified of your result by the official awarding body).  If you believe your qualification is relevant to the role in question, the onus is on you to provide details of modules studied and project work undertaken etc. so that a well-informed decision can be made. Post degree qualification experience can also include relevant post graduate study or post doctorate experience.
Desired Experience and Qualifications:
MSc in a relevant* scientific discipline.
Ability to interpret fisheries surveys and reporting.
Strong literacy skills and experience in writing technical documents for public use.
Experience in assessing movement of marine fishes using telemetry techniques.
Strong communication skills and experience engaging with a wide range of stakeholders
Experience in drafting tenders and project management.
Boat licence- Powerboat Level 2 or higher
*Relevant scientific discipline: give the subject of qualification and date awarded (the date awarded is the date on which you were notified of your result by the official awarding body).  If you believe your qualification is relevant to the role in question, the onus is on you to provide details of modules studied and project work undertaken etc. so that a well-informed decision can be made. Post degree qualification experience can also include relevant post graduate study or post doctorate experience.
Please apply via link or send your CV to kerri.kyle@therecruitmentco.uk

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