Overview

Established in 1991, we’re the UK’s statutory adviser on issues affecting the natural environment across the UK and internationally. Our primary role is advising all four governments of the UK. We also work with private sector organisations to support decision making on the sustainable use of marine waters and natural resources around the UK. JNCC is led by the Joint Committee, which brings together members from the nature conservation bodies for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland with independent members appointed by the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs under an independent Chair. Support is provided to the Committee by around 200 people who bring together scientific and technical expertise, extensive knowledge of policy at global, European and national levels, and skills in working with other organisations. Staff are based in two main offices in Peterborough and Aberdeen.

Post Background:

JNCC’s marine ornithologists provide advice to statutory bodies, regulators and industry on the conservation of marine birds and potential impacts of marine industries on seabird populations, as well as working jointly with government, industry, NGOs and academia to obtain evidence. The evidence required to make informed decisions that ensure sustainable use of the marine environment is a focus for JNCC’s work. We coordinate seabird monitoring in the UK, providing data, statistics, and assessments on the status of breeding and non-breeding birds. We also synthesise existing evidence, broker engagement between different sectors and, typically through collaboration, identify the most relevant new evidence that is required to fulfil conservation ambitions whilst reducing uncertainty in decision-making processes. We work in collaboration to progress useful, applied research, develop models and decision support tools, and advise on the adoption of new evidence and practices. The marine ornithology group is part of the Marine Species Team; a leader in seabird monitoring and provision of strategic advice on pressures and solutions for marine bird conservation.
Job description
We are seeking a seabird ecologist with good knowledge of the pressures affecting UK seabirds, experience of synthesising evidence for a range of decision-makers, good relationship development skills and an ability to effectively represent JNCC with a range of partners and stakeholders. The post-holder will be working with statutory bodies, research organisations and industry partners on a range of projects. Current projects include seabird bycatch evidence and advice, monitoring seabirds at sea, advice on protected areas, and research on seabird interactions with Offshore Wind developments. We are looking for somebody who can adapt to new challenges and work across different themes within the scope of our seabird evidence and advice role; somebody with good project management and analytical skills, who is keen to develop new ideas, and both lead and support delivery of evidence. They will also assist in strengthening our strategic approach to evidence provision and represent JNCC in external forums when required. Coordination of specialist inputs from other teams in JNCC will also be an important role and the post holder will support planning across groups and teams.

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