Súper oferta como asistente de campo en un proyecto LIFE, perfecto para los que estáis empezando ~ Bioblogia.net

27 de abril de 2022

Súper oferta como asistente de campo en un proyecto LIFE, perfecto para los que estáis empezando

Oferta compartida por Cristina

Pearl Mussel Assistant
 

The Freshwater Biological Association
Closing date: Wednesday, 4th May 2022

Pearl Mussel Assistant / Assistant River Kent Project Officer for the LIFE R4ever Kent (LIFE20 NAT/UK/001013) project

Project Description

LIFE is an EU-funded programme aimed at the protection and restoration of Europe’s nature, and halting and reversing biodiversity loss. LIFE supports achieving the objectives of the EU’s biodiversity strategy for 2030 and is part of the EU Green Deal. LIFE funds the development and management of the Natura 2000 network which protects over 18 % of the EU’s land area and more than 8 % of its marine territory.

As part of the Natura 2000 network, the River Kent SAC (UK0030256) is designated for its Ranunculion habitat, freshwater pearl mussel, bullhead and white clawed crayfish. The River Kent SAC is impacted by issues including water quality, siltation, physical modification and invasive alien species, all of which have led to a decline in native species condition and extent. LIFE R4ever Kent (LIFE20 NAT/UK/001013) plans to Restore and Revive the River Kent SAC, so that the species and habitats can Recover, thus making the designated features more Resilient to environmental pressures. The freshwater pearl mussel is a keystone species which requires clean gravel habitats and low suspended solids/nutrient loading. Improved water and habitat quality (including Ranunculion habitat) will benefit other aquatic/terrestrial species including the endangered white clawed crayfish and provide optimum conditions for the freshwater pearl mussel's salmonid hosts. The project will trial new techniques, provide targeted advice and training and promote better replication/communication.

Natural England is the lead partner for the project and is working in partnership with South Cumbria Rivers Trust, Freshwater Biological Association and Environment Agency.

Role description

The Freshwater Biological Association is based on the shores of Windermere, England’s largest lake, in the heart of the English Lake District. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Lake District is a spectacular place to live and work. This is an excellent time to join our friendly and welcoming FBA team, as we step-up our internationally-recognised breeding programme for the endangered freshwater pearl mussel.

We are seeking to appoint an enthusiastic self-starter who will assist in the day-to-day operations of the Freshwater Pearl Mussel Ark. Funded for five years as part of the EU LIFE project “R4ever Kent”, the Pearl Mussel Assistant will help the Pearl Mussel Officer and the River Kent Officer with all aspects of mussel breeding and release activities. You will gain a broad range of experience by assisting other members of the team in mussel breeding system building/maintenance, identifying mussel habitat in native rivers, taking place in juvenile mussel release trials, assisting in report writing and compilation of information for engagement activities. This is an excellent opportunity if you are entering in to a career in biodiversity/conservation/ecology.

The successful candidate will be an enthusiastic, organised, detail-oriented individual with a keen willingness to learn a wide range of practical skills. You will be a strong team player who is adaptable and willing to meet the varied needs of the FBA’s mussel activities. You will be given the opportunity to learn and develop a wide range of skills and will be an important member of the team, ensuring that the rearing and release requirements for each of the priority mussel populations are met.

Closing date: Wednesday 4th May, 2022
Interviews: To be held w/c 9th May, 2022

To apply: Please send CV and cover letter to info@fba.org.uk no later than 17.00, 4th May, 2022

Job Description

Band: 5

Salary: £19,500 to £23,000 pro rata per annum. Future potential up to £25,000 pro rata.

Hours: 18.5 hours per week including some weekend/holiday duties (0.5 FTE)

Type: Five-year fixed-term appointment until 03/01/2027 (6-month probationary period)

Location: Far Sawrey/Lakeside, Cumbria

Job purpose:

To assist the Pearl Mussel and River Kent Project Officers with the rearing systems at the FBA Ark in order to ensure the success of pearl mussel breeding and release efforts

Key external contacts: UK regulatory and conservation agencies, NGOs, UK and European scientific community

Key internal contacts: Head of Science, River Kent Project Officer, Pearl Mussel Officer, Research Fellows

Key responsibility areas
To assist in the maintenance of the pearl mussel rearing system e.g. adult mussel and fish maintenance, juvenile mussel maintenance, rearing systems maintenance
Assist with monitoring of rearing systems for the mussels to ensure high survival
Assist with data analysis activities to identify and carry out trials to determine how to improve survival rates, project outcomes and understanding of pearl mussels
Tailor rearing conditions to specific developmental stages of juvenile mussels
Feed in to the development of the longer term plan for the hatchery facilities
Assist with communication with external partners and colleagues working on pearl mussels to better understand mussel biology/ecology and to improve captive rearing practices
Present results and carry out analysis for internal and external reports
Attend relevant meetings/conferences, give talks and assist in the production of appropriate external communications
Work with team members to support juvenile release activities where appropriate

Person Specification


Specialist knowledge/experience and personal attributes
Some experience/degree in biological/ecological field would be an advantage
Excellent attention to detail and strong team-player
Shows enthusiasm to broaden own experience, knowledge and skills
Seeks out feedback from colleagues and managers, taking the learning and development points on board and modifying own practice
Makes a positive contribution to the team, supporting colleagues in their day-to-day work
Establishes constructive and collaborative relationships with internal and external colleagues

Problem solving and analysis
Collects information from a range of sources and evaluates this in a logical manner
Offers fresh and creative solutions to potential obstacles
Works with project colleagues to develop and improve systems

Planning
Effectively prioritises, organises, plans and schedules own work load
Able to take direction whilst also contributing to discussions on breeding and release priorities
Gets results and willingly tackles demanding tasks. Sets and exceeds challenging personal targets

Communication
Contributes to oral and written communications. Produces fluent, clear, concise work which is tailored to intended recipient(s). Speaks clearly, fluently and in a compelling manner to both individuals and groups
Tailors communications to appeal to, include and engage different audiences

Special requirements
Weekend and holiday working required (on a rota with other team members) as pearl mussel project activities are carried out 365 days a year
Some heavy lifting involved e.g. lifting aquarium tanks, lifting tank covers (training and PPE provided)
Must be comfortable working outdoors in all weathers

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