Out of the Blue
Design and Communication Officer
Information for Applicants
Introduction
Salary £27,000 - £30,000 per annum (depending on skills and experience)
One day per week (7 hours) fixed term to end September 2015
Solway Firth Partnership is seeking applications for a Design and Communication Officer to
support the Out of the Blue project. Out of the Blue aims to drive the sustainable and profitable
development of local fisheries and increase the social and economic contribution the seafood
sector makes to the coastal communities of Dumfries and Galloway. Actions will include fostering
collaboration between industry, environment, science, regulatory and tourism sectors; delivering
education and promotional initiatives; and creating interpretive material that increases
understanding of local fisheries. The project will forge stronger links between the local area and
national and international initiatives that support sustainable fisheries and promote seafood.
We are looking for an enthusiastic, positive and self-motivated person who takes a pride in the
quality of their work. An outgoing personality with the ability to communicate with a wide range of
people is essential along with a commitment to building strong working relationships. Education to
degree level in a related discipline is preferable but not essential. Knowledge and experience of
preparing high quality interpretive material is essential.
Out of the Blue is funded by the Scottish Government through Marine Scotland and the European
Union via the European Fisheries Fund Axis 4 programme with additional funding support from
Dumfries and Galloway Council.
Closing date 5pm Wednesday 30 July 2014
Solway Firth Partnership
Solway Firth Partnership works to support a vibrant local economy while respecting the distinctive
character, natural features, wildlife and habitats of the Solway Firth. This is achieved by bringing
people together to identify and implement actions that integrate use and help ensure an
environmentally sustainable future for the marine and coastal area. Community engagement is at
the heart of our work which includes marine planning and policy; sustainable fisheries
management; environmental education; promotion of coastal and marine wildlife recording
programmes; action on marine and coastal litter; and contribution to a wide range of partnership
projects. We are an independent company and a registered Scottish charity.
Out of the Blue project location
The Design and Communication Officer will be based at the Solway Firth Partnership office in
Dumfries. The project will extend along the full length of the Dumfries and Galloway coastline with
particular relevance to communities including Annan, Kirkcudbright, Isle of Whithorn, Port William,
Drummore, Portpatrick and Stranraer.
Out of the Blue project background
Dumfries and Galloway’s seafood industry is valuable in local, national and international terms. At
a local scale, sea fisheries make a significant contribution to the character and economic wellbeing
of coastal towns and villages. Kirkcudbright ranked ninth in the UK for value of landings in 2011
with shellfish valued at £4.7 million landed into the port in the centre of town. Remote villages with
limited employment opportunities including Isle of Whithorn, Port William and Drummore are the
base for creel fishermen principally targeting brown crab and lobster. The majority of landings in
Dumfries and Galloway are processed locally as well as shellfish transported into the region which
provides jobs along the coast. Much shellfish is exported from the region to supply demand in UK
cities and the European market.
Historically, there has been limited local agency support for the seafood industry. This arises from
factors including scarce resources for proactive regional sea fisheries and seafood industry related
initiatives. The introduction of regional Inshore Fisheries Groups in Scotland is in the early stages
with the Solway part of the South West Inshore Fisheries Group.
Out of the Blue project aims
The Out of the Blue project will work with the seafood industry and partners to address issues and
act on opportunities to support a sustainable and profitable future for the industry. The project
aims can be summarised as:
•
Support sustainable economic development
•
Facilitate partnership working
•
Foster education and outreach
A key aim of the Out of the Blue project is to increase understanding of the part that sea fisheries
play in the culture and heritage of the region and raise awareness of modern day fisheries and the
seafood that is landed locally.
Design and Communication Officer Job Description
Foster education and outreach
•
Improve understanding and promotion of the seafood industry by providing interpretation at
Kirkcudbright and Isle of Whithorn harbours.
•
Develop promotional print and online material that describes the history of local fisheries,
their place in local communities and highlights the quality of locally landed shellfish. Material will
include information on where to buy local seafood, recipes with a story such as a historic
background or recommendation by a local chef, profiles of local fishermen and their fishing
patterns, and information about the quality of the local environment.
•
Produce a series of postcards using quality photographs of subjects such as harbours and
stake nets with a short message about local fisheries on the back; distribute postcards around
outlets such as local hotels as a means of promoting local seafood and the scenic quality of the
region.
•
Develop a mobile exhibition about local fisheries using new commissioned photographs
and display at coastal locations including Annan, Kirkcudbright, Isle of Whithorn, Drummore and
Stranraer.
Working arrangements
•
The Design and Communication Officer will be required to manage contracts in accordance
with EFF programme conditions.
•
Administrative support for the Out of the Blue project will be provided at a level of one day a
week.
•
A vehicle will be provided and fuel costs will be covered by the project.
•
Working as part of Solway Firth Partnership’s small team, the Design and Communication
Officer will work alongside the Project Co-ordinator to deliver the Out of the Blue project.
Personal qualities, skills, experience and qualifications
1. The Design and Communication Officer will be an enthusiastic, positive and self-motivated
person who takes a pride in the quality of their work. You will be capable of working on
your own, as part of a small team and as a contributor to work involving a wide range of
partners.
2. We are looking for an outgoing individual with the confidence to communicate with a wide
range of people with a variety of interests.
3. Evidence of experience in producing high quality interpretive material is essential. The
ideal candidate will be confident about working with a broad range of media including web
design (with additional specialist support), print material, on-site interpretation and
exhibition material.
4. Experience of commissioning and managing photographic and design contracts is
essential.
5. The Design and Communication Officer will have a clear understanding and empathy with
the aims of Solway Firth Partnership.
6. We are looking for someone educated to degree level in a related subject or with equivalent
experience.
7. A full driving licence is essential.
Many thanks for your interest in this post. Please complete and submit an application form
by 5pm on Wednesday 30 July 2014 if you would like to apply. If you have any queries, or
would like an informal chat about the position, please call 01387 251991.