Marine Renewables Diadromous Fish Scientist

Do you want to play an important role in tackling the climate change emergency by helping to enable the sustainable development of offshore wind in Scotland? 

OCTOBER START DATE

The Scottish Government is preparing for the implementation of a new HR and Finance platform and, as a result, some job offers will be subject to an October 2024 start date at the earliest.  This will be confirmed as your application progresses.

The Marine Directorate of the Scottish Government are recruiting for a Marine Renewables Diadromous Fish Scientist. We are looking for someone who has practical skills to help carry out programmes of scientific research in Scottish seas. You will use evidence-based science to inform policy and decision making relating to renewable energy developments. There will also be the opportunity to go to sea to participate in diadromous fish acoustic monitoring surveys on board Marine Directorate research vessels.

This is a permanent post for a scientist to join our team and help us to improve the evidence base required for the sustainable development of offshore wind in Scotland, through the delivery of diadromous fish research projects. You will use your diadromous fish knowledge and research project outcomes to support the provision of scientific advice relating to marine developments to regulators and policy makers. A key part of this role is the ability to undertake analyses of acoustic telemetry data to a high standard and present the results to a variety of audiences. You will be expected to carry out fieldwork both in rivers and at sea. The latter includes collecting data on diadromous fish within the marine environment, preparing equipment, deploying and recovering equipment at sea and downloading data.  

Whilst we anticipate the role will be focussed on issues related to offshore wind, we operate a flexible resourcing policy within the Marine Directorate and as such the post-holder may be required to work on other areas of high priority work as required.

In January 2022, Crown Estate Scotland announced the successful applicants to the ScotWind offshore wind leasing round to commence a new phase of offshore wind farm construction in Scottish waters helping Scotland meet its Net Zero targets, become carbon neutral by 2045 and tackle the climate emergency. The Scottish Government is responsible for identifying where the ScotWind projects will be located, administering the related offshore planning consents, and ensuring that projects are delivered in an environmentally sustainable manner. The Renewables and Ecology Team (R&E) in the Marine Directorate provides specialist scientific advice to regulators and policy makers to support this.   

The R&E team currently has around 25 staff who provide advice within government on the potential environmental impacts of marine energy on key receptors including birds, marine mammals, fish and fisheries, benthic habitats, and diadromous fish. Our specialists also provide advice on other Scottish Government policy priorities, such as marine protected area management and regulation of other marine activities.

• Draft scientific advice relating to diadromous fish and the potential interaction with marine renewable developments
• Carry out statistical analysis and interpretation of results of fish acoustic telemetry data.
• Contribute to ongoing research into the distribution of diadromous fish in the marine environment
• Participate in seagoing fieldwork from the Marine Directorate’s research vessels Scotia and Alba na Mara, and from chartered vessels

Competencies

(provide evidence of these at interview/assessment)

• Self Awareness
• Communications and Engagement
• Analysis and Use of Evidence
• Improving Performance 

You will be assessed via the Science framework, please find out more below:

Science specialist competency framework

(provide evidence of these in your application)

• A comprehensive understanding of salmon, sea trout and other diadromous fish, and the regulation, legislation and research that relates to these species in Scottish and/or UK marine waters.
• The ability to statistically analyse acoustic telemetry data, interpret results and present them to varied audiences.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to explain scientific concepts to varied audiences, particularly to other professionals.
• An ability to work independently with good planning and organisational skills.

No specific qualifications are required for this post.

The Scottish Government is the devolved government for Scotland. We have responsibility for a wide range of key policy areas including: education, health, the economy, justice, housing and transport. We offer rewarding careers and employ people across Scotland in a wide range of professions and roles.

Our staff are part of the UK Civil Service, working for Ministers and senior stakeholders to deliver vital public services which improve the lives of the people of Scotland.

We offer a supportive and inclusive working environment along with a wide range of employee benefits. Find out more about what we offer.

As part of the UK Civil Service, we uphold the Civil Service Nationality Rules.

WORKING PATTERN

This post will require attendance at the Marine Laboratory in Aberdeen as and when business requires.

Our standard hours are 37 hours per week, reducing to 35 hours per week for all staff on 1 October 2024. We offer a range of flexible and hybrid working options depending on the needs of the role. If you have specific questions about the role you are applying for, please contact us.

EQUALITY STATEMENT

We are committed to equality and inclusion and we aim to recruit a diverse workforce that reflects the population of our nation. 

Find out more about our commitment to diversity and how we offer and support recruitment adjustments for anyone who needs them.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Find out more about our organisation, what we offer staff members and how to apply on our Careers Website.

Find out more about Net Zero recruitment at: Net Zero roles at Scottish Government - Scottish Government Jobs 

Read our Candidate Guide for further information on our recruitment and application processes.

CONTACT

For further information about this role contact: Emily.bridcut@gov.scot