East Cost MPA Officer – Scientific Officer (EO1).

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 (Belfast Lough to Carlingford Lough) 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.

• 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.