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Senior Fisheries Biologist

Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas)

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Lowestoft, UK

Posted 6+ months ago

Location

Lowestoft

About the job

Job summary

The Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas) is a world leader in marine science and technology. Providing innovation, scientific evidence and impartial expert advice on the aquatic environment, biodiversity and food security.

Cefas is seeking to appoint an experienced fish ecologist to join a dynamic and internationally respected group that conducts research into marine and coastal fish within the Fisheries Directorate. The Fisheries Directorate leads on fisheries science, assessments, and management advice to national and international marine management organisations. There is renewed demand for specialist monitoring and advice following the UK’s establishment as an Independent Coastal State and implementation of the 2020 Fisheries Act.

You will help lead the development of the coastal and inshore fish ecology research and monitoring. Including designing fieldwork programmes and biological investigations, tagging programs, as well conducting data analysis, involvement in national and international fisheries meetings, and producing reports and peer-reviewed papers.

There is considerable scope to apply and expand your technical and analytical skills as well as opportunities to develop practical and advisory skills to support Cefas fisheries monitoring, and Research and Development portfolios.

There is the possibility of overseas travel, participation in fieldwork, working as part of a close team and mentoring less experienced colleagues.

Cefas is proud of a diverse and inclusive work environment, committed to fairness and the promotion of equality of opportunity for all. We know that having a range of experiences, backgrounds, ways of working and thinking, makes us a stronger organisation, better at reflecting the communities we serve. We embrace different views and experiences and value the fresh perspective that people from a variety of circumstances bring to the work we do. We welcome applications from candidates who have not previously worked for the Civil Service, mid- and late-career changers with transferable skills, people from all backgrounds and circumstances regardless of disability, gender, age, ethnicity, LGBT+ identity and socio-economic status.

Job description

The post is in Cefas Aquatic Surveys, Evidence and Advice (ASEA) Group. ASEA comprises and dynamic and diverse group of scientists who conduct high quality, practical and applied fisheries science. Cefas are looking for an experienced fish ecologist who can contribute help lead developing work areas on inshore fish populations.

Your main duties and responsibilities will include:

Design of data collection programmes, scientific analyses of inshore fish populations including tagging, and report and paper writing
Covering a range of topics, including fish surveys (freshwater and marine), biological sampling, fish life-history studies, research and advice, and representation at international expert groups
The role will involve working autonomously and closely with a multidisciplinary team including fisheries scientists, marine ecologists and oceanographers
You must have a good understanding of ichthyology, field surveys, practical knowledge of data collection, demonstrable scientific outputs in different aspects of fisheries biology (e.g., age and growth, reproductive biology tagging and spatial ecology), data analysis and relevant programming skills (e.g. R)
The successful applicant will provide critical support in leading monitoring and R&D programmes, including survey design, data collection and analysis, production of scientific papers and reports, assisting with scientific advice, and representation at international meetings
You will be expected to participate in relevant expert groups, including ICES Working Groups and will also have an opportunity to develop and lead on research projects to support the sustainable management of marine resources, fish life-history and ecology

In addition, Cefas reserves the right to ask staff to take on additional duties and responsibilities which are commensurate with their grade. Team Leaders and management will have a discussion with staff to explain the changes that are to be made. A new job description will be issued if required.

Person specification

You will have background experience and working knowledge of European marine and coastal fish and applied fisheries ecology, including life-history parameters, spatial ecology, stock structure and population dynamics.

In addition to the above, the following essential criteria are also required for this role and you must be able to demonstrate your skills and experience in the following areas:

Experience of developing, managing or leading either inshore surveys or biological sampling programmes
Proven track record of undertaking research on coastal fish resources, especially in relation to spatio-temporal dynamics and/or life-history
Knowledge of marine and coastal fish species, particularly those taxa of commercial or ecological importance in Northern European seas
Proven personal motivation and flexibility, with the ability to work effectively autonomously, leading research programmes
Effective verbal and written science communication skills for both scientific and non-scientific audiences, with a track record of peer-reviewed publications or scientific report writing
Experience in applied fish biology and ecology with a knowledge of fish tagging and telemetry, and analysing data on fish movements and behaviour
Excellent scientific and technical writing skills including report writing, presentation skills and peer-reviewed publications
Exceptional inter-personal communication skills, with an ability to work effectively as part of an interdisciplinary team, sharing knowledge and expertise
Effective communicator to a diverse range of audiences
Willingness to travel both nationally and internationally to work directly with the organisations involved in this research
Experience of, or willingness to participate in, fieldwork, including both Research Vessel surveys and inshore surveys
Academic qualification required for this role is an MSc or PhD relating to the ecology of marine fish. A proven track record of relevant work experience or suitable equivalent alternative previous experience will be considered.

Behaviours

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

Changing and Improving
Delivering at Pace
Making Effective Decisions
Working Together

We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:

Changing and Improving

Technical skills

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

Numerical skills for undertaking scientifically robust analyses and conclusions in relation to fisheries data including dealing with large datasets.
Excellent data analysis, interpretation, and programming skills including open-source scripting languages (e.g. R).

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £37,295, Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science contributes £10,069 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

Generous annual leave entitlement - Cefas offers 25 days' annul leave on entry (rising to 30 days over first 5yrs) for full-time new entrants to the Civil Service. Employees receive 8 public holidays a year, plus an additional day to mark the Kings birthday
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 - more information can be found on the CSP website Home - Civil Service Pension Scheme
Staff recognition vouchers
In-year award scheme

Things you need to know

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills.

Application Process

As part of the application process you are asked to provide a CV (job history, qualifications, past skills and experience), a 750-word Personal Statement on how you meet the essential criteria as stated in the person specification section, and a 250-word statement on how you meet the advertised lead Behaviour – Changing and Improving.

Further details around what this will entail are listed on the application form.

For guidance on Civil Service Success Profiles, this video tells you what you’ll need to provide throughout the assessment process with supporting guidance on each step. Link – Success Profiles
For guidance on how to construct your CV, you are encouraged to visit Civil Service Careers. Link - CV
For guidance on how to construct your personal statement, you are encouraged to visit Civil Service Careers. Link – Statement
For guidance on how to construct your lead behaviour statement, you are encouraged to visit Civil Service Careers. Link – Behaviours

Sift

The sift panel will use the information in your CV and Personal Statement to assess your experience and how you meet the essential criteria as stated in the person specification section. The sift panel will also assess the lead Behaviour statement - Changing and Improving.

Should a large number of applications be received, an initial sift may be conducted using the lead behaviour – Changing and Improving. Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift or, progressed straight to assessment/interview.

Interview schedule and details will be confirmed on release of the sift results.

Interview

If successful at application stage, you will be invited to interview where you will be assessed on the four advertised Behaviours, your experience and the two advertised Technical Skills. You may also be asked to prepare a presentation. If this is the case, you will receive further information with your invitation to interview.

Please be aware that at this time, interviews may take place either in person or remotely.

If scores are equal following interview, an assessment of the lead Behaviour – Changing and Improving, will be used by the panel.

A date has not yet been confirmed for the interviews to take place.

Location

Please be aware that this role will be contractually based at Lowestoft. The successful candidate is required to carry out all their duties from a UK location and cannot do so from an overseas location at any time.

Travel and subsistence will not be paid for travel to a base office location.

Reserve List

A reserve list may be held for a period of 12 months from which further appointments can be made.

Salary

New entrants are expected to start on the minimum of the pay band.

Visa Sponsorship Statement

Please take note that Defra does not hold a UK Visa & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker License sponsor and are unable to sponsor any individuals for Skilled Worker Sponsorship.

Reasonable Adjustment

If a person with disabilities is put at a substantial disadvantage compared to a non-disabled person, we have a duty to make reasonable changes to our processes.

If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should:

Complete the “Assistance required” section in the “Additional requirements” page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at interview, or if you’re deaf, a Language Service Professional

Accessibility

If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the 'Contact point for applicants' section.

Criminal Record Check

If successful and transferring from another Government Department, a criminal record check may be carried out.

Internal Fraud Database Check

Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicant’s details held on the IFD will be refused employment.

A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5-year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government.

Childcare Vouchers

Any move to Defra from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.

People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

UK nationals
nationals of the Republic of Ireland
nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.

Apply and further information

This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.

The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment (opens in new window).

Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Contact point for applicants

Job contact :

Name : Clare Avieson
Email : resourcing@cefas.co.uk

Recruitment team

Email : defrarecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk

Further information

If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles and you wish to make a complaint, in the first instance, you should contact:
Government Recruitment Services via email: defrarecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk

If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission: Click here to visit Civil Service Commission.

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