Resource Biologist – North Uist

 

Uist Asco, located about five miles from Lochmaddy on the Island of North Uist, is a seaweed processor that has been drying seaweeds since 2014. This region of Scotland has a long and proud history of harvesting seaweed and creating jobs and economic growth from this renewable marine resource.

 

The Role:

 

Uist Asco Limited’s Resource Biologist will be responsible for executing and supervising the field sampling and data collection from annual seaweed surveys and intertidal field research studies related to the commercial harvest of seaweed in Scotland (mainly the Outer Hebrides). The Resource Biologist is required to keep meticulous notes and data collation as well as to maintain a Geographical Information System (GIS) database, conducting seaweed biomass surveys in Scotland and occasionally in the rest of Europe. The Resource Biologist writes reports and attends regional scientific meetings. The Resource Biologist establishes, sustains, and builds relationships with the scientific community and governmental agencies as assigned. This position will include a significant amount of time spent in the field and travelling to conduct field work especially during the summer months.

Responsibilities:

 

    • Execute and supervise annual biomass assessment and data collection/analyses from field studies
    • Report and record data from experimental field studies
    • Provide advice on resource assessments and harvest limits to the Resource Team
    • Maintain GIS database up to date.
    • Interact with Seaweed Harvesters
    • Be available and participative in select community and social responsibility assignments in Scotland.
    • Interact with government officers and scientists.
    • Interact with scientists from other scientific institutions.
    • Prepare harvest reports and detailed harvest plans.
    • Collaborate on scientific publications for in peer-reviewed journals.
    • Be physically able to work extensive periods along the shore in all weather.
    • Be qualified to handle a boat in the inshore, marine environment.
    • Be able and prepared to work flexible time to accommodate schedule to the prevailing tides.
    • Support the company’s vision and policies regarding Health & Safety, Corporate Culture, and Environmental Management by displaying the appropriate behaviours and leadership towards meeting the company’s objectives in these areas.
    • Complete other scientific or field-related assignments as required.

 

Requirements:

 

  • B.Sc. in Marine Biology, environmental science (or related field experience)
  • Minimum 3-5 years field experience – strong commitment to working in the field is a must
  • Experience working on small boats is essential
  • GIS experience
  • Knowledge of local seaweeds and invertebrates
  • Must hold a valid driver’s license
  • Must be able to travel within Scotland and Europe in general
  • Proficiency with basic MS office software
  • Ability to work effectively with minimal supervision
  • Good written and verbal communication skills
  • Willingness to learn and contribute in a team environment
  • Good organizational skills with the ability to multi-task

 

Working Conditions:

This position requires considerable traveling and is at times physically demanding thus, the candidate must be fit to walk and work long hours in the rocky intertidal. It also requires working some weekends and holidays, particularly during the longer daylight hours of summer and part of the fall season.

 

Field work is dependent on periods of low tide and the weather; work will be required during inclement weather and early morning, and late evening tides depending on the time of low water. The nature of fieldwork and interactions is such that the Resource Biologist will be required to travel extensively within the region and in various European countries on occasions.

 

Note: This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties that may be required to be performed. You will be required to follow any additional instructions deemed appropriate by your reporting Manager.

 

If this job sounds like it was made for you, we’d like to meet you. To further explore this opportunity, just submit your application to Steve Empringham at sempringham@acadian.ca

 

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls please.

 

 

We truly believe we can help create a sustainable world by advancing the science of seaweed.