Marine Protection Area officer

at  Ascension Island Government

DESIRABLE

• A post-graduate qualification in Marine and Fisheries Science.
• Experience in conducting underwater surveys (fish and invertebrates), and/or tagging of marine species.
• Experience in conducting molecular techniques including DNA extraction, PCR and eDNA metabarcoding. Experience or understanding of bioinformatics would also be highly regarded.
• Experience in processing and reading otoliths for age in a fisheries laboratory and/or of processing tissue samples for histology and/or of processing of plankton samples.
• Experience using GIS software (preferably QGIS).
• Experience in the operation and maintenance of RUVs or aerial drones.
• A powerboat handling qualification and experience of handling RIBs at sea.
• Experience of boat and dive equipment maintenance
• Experience of living and working on conservation issues in small and remote communities and/or on small islands.
  This Job Description indicates the main duties and responsibilities of the post. It is not intended as an exhaustive list.
  The Ascension Island Government (AIG) reserves the right to amend this Job Description from time to time according to operational needs. Any changes will be discussed with you and confirmed in writing. Please note that you share with AIG the responsibility for making suggestions to alter the scope of your duties and improve the effectiveness of your post.
  Updated: October 202

MAIN DUTIES:

• Conduct abundance, age, growth, reproduction and diet studies on marine species around Ascension Island, in particular for recreationally fished species.
• Analyse data collected from the inshore fishery to identify trends in abundance, catch effort and life history parameters. Present data to stakeholders to inform management recommendations.
• Monitor Ascension Island’s marine environment using the research methods set out in the MPA Monitoring and Research Strategy. This may include collection of sea water and plankton samples, fishing, tagging animals, video analyses and conducting eDNA metabarcoding techniques.
• Input data into databases and carry out quality assurance of data holdings.
• Enforce regulations relating to fishing activity, pollution control and biosecurity.
• Identify potential research and management projects, collaborators and funding sources that deliver the objectives of the MPA Management Plan.
• Initiate, develop and deliver work streams and projects that contribute to the MPA Management Plan objectives.
• Collaborate with external researchers and assist in other marine projects that deliver the objectives of the MPA Management Plan.
• Assist with preparing detailed reports of work conducted for donors, project partners and non-specialist audiences and produce peer-reviewed publications and presentations.
• Produce and review risk assessments for marine team activities and assist with health and safety compliance requirements.
• Shared management of the Marine/Fisheries Laboratory at the Conservation Centre in Georgetown; ensuring that it is clean, well-stocked and services the projects efficiently.
• Assist with the management and maintenance of scientific equipment, dive equipment and facilities; this includes a compressor, cylinders, regulators and BCDs, and also the maintenance of the survey vessel.
• Initiate and take part in engagement activities with the island community and school to build awareness of, and support for, marine conservation and responsible resource use.
• Publicise the MPA and the work of the AIG Marine Team locally and globally through social media
• Write regular articles for local, overseas and peer-reviewed publications.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• To undertake the main duties of the post (detailed above) to the highest possible standard.
• Work closely with other on-Island team members, and other stakeholders to complete the main duties of the post and towards a sustainable programme for marine research and conservation on Ascension Island.
• To report regularly to the Marine Conservation Team Leader, to ensure that all parties are meeting their targets and goals.
• Comply with Health and Safety at Work procedures.
• To abide by the AIGCFD data management policy with regards to responsible archiving and documentation of scientific datasets.