Overview

The post provides an opportunity to join an internationally respected, dynamic and active team conducting and leading work on fisheries science, assessments and management advice on diadromous and freshwater fish stocks.

The Salmon and Freshwater (SAF) team advise the UK government, agencies, the EU and ICES on the management of freshwater (native and non-native) and diadromous fish stocks and associated fisheries. SAF advice is underpinned by a substantial R&D portfolio, focusing on the monitoring and assessment of local, national and international stocks, understanding environmental and biological processes, and developing assessment and management methods. SAF business includes both publicly-funded and private industry projects.

You will develop and manage scientific and statistical assessments of fisheries, fish stocks and the impacts of fishing and other anthropogenic factors on their ecosystem to provide advice on fisheries management to Defra and other national and international bodies. Overseas travel is to be expected with a possibility of participating in fieldwork.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

You will contribute to the Salmon & Freshwater Team advice and research on freshwater and migratory species, including salmon, eels and non-native fish species. With training and experience it is anticipated that you will develop your roles and responsibilities to lead on stock assessment and give associated management advice. This role will probably include representing Cefas and Defra at international meetings such as ICES working groups and workshops.

Duties will include:

• Contributing to and developing stock assessments for diadromous fish populations;

• Planning, preparing for and assistance with field- and lab-based studies of populations of migratory and freshwater fish (including non-native species), including tracking studies in rivers, estuaries and lakes;

• Conducting data analysis and preparation of reports to meet customer needs and scientific papers;

• Contributing to the development of new research projects;

• Producing peer-reviewed research publications.

You should be outgoing, flexible and capable of undertaking a range of activities in support of the Salmon and Freshwater portfolio. You must be able to interact with scientists working in the field and laboratory and assist them to undertake analysis of datasets from both observational and experimental studies. You will be expected to undertake a range of advisory and research activities including data analysis and ecological modelling, report writing and presentation of advice to a wide range of national and international customers.

Essential skills:

• Strong background in fish and fisheries, survey and data collection methods.

• A demonstrable understanding of biological systems, statistics and graphical methods.

• Peer review paper writing experience and track record.

• Must be flexible and committed, with the ability to work as part of a team, but also independently to organise own work to meet deadlines.

• Good communication skills, excellent time management and must demonstrate excellent attention to detail and the ability to work on multiple projects at the same time.

Along with the above, experience of fieldwork in the aquatic environment, skills in fish handling and tagging, statistical analysis and model development (primarily using R), presentation skills and project management, as well as experience of writing successful research proposals would be beneficial.
Person specification
Please give details of relevant experience and skills.
Qualifications
Academic qualifications and experience required for direct entry into Cefas Pay Band 5 are a degree or equivalent and relevant work experience.
Competencies
We’ll assess you against these competencies during the selection process:

Leading and communicating
Collaborating and partnering
Making effective decisions
Delivering value for money
Delivering at pace
Science and Engineering – Securing, Maintaining and Developing Relevant Technical Expertise
Science and Engineering – Applying Scientific and Technical Knowledge
Science and Engineering – Understanding and Complying with Statutory Requirements and Standards
Civil Service Competency Framework
Benefits
Pensions
Civil Service pension schemes may be available for successful candidates.
Things you need to know
Security
Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check.
Successful candidates must pass basic security checks.
Nationality statement
Candidates will be subject to UK immigration requirements as well as Civil Service nationality rules.

If you’re applying for a role requiring security clearance please be aware that foreign or dual nationality is not an automatic bar. However certain posts may have restrictions which could affect those who do not have sole British nationality or who have personal connections with certain countries outside the UK.
Selection process details
As part of the application process you will be asked to complete a CV section and a skills section. Further details around what this will entail are listed on the application form.

An initial sift based on competency 1: ‘Leading and communicating’ may be held if a large number of applications are received.

If your application progresses to a full sift, all competences will then be considered.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
Nationality requirements
Open to UK, Commonwealth and European Economic Area (EEA) and certain non EEA nationals. Further information on whether you are able to apply is available here.
Eligibility
Candidates in their probationary period are eligible to apply for vacancies within this department.
Grade entry qualifications
Academic qualifications and experience required for direct entry into Cefas Pay Band 5 are a degree or equivalent and relevant work experience.
Working for the Civil Service
The Civil Service Code 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.
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. There is a guaranteed interview scheme (GIS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
Apply and further information
Contact point for applicants
For information on the application process email – careers@cefas.co.uk.

For further information about the post email – alan.walker@cefas.co.uk
Sift/interview dates and location
Sift and interview dates to be confirmed.

Interview location to be Cefas, Pakefield Road, Lowestoft NR33 0HT.

Cefas is unable to contribute to travel expenses.

Further information
A reserve list will be held for a period of 6 months from which further appointments can be made
Attachments
HEO-SEO Comps Opens in new window (pdf, 1543kB)
Comp guidance Opens in new window (doc, 30kB)
science_and_engineering_skills_framework Opens in new window (pdf, 108kB)