Job Description
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Ornithologist
Science and Engineering/Biological, Biomedical and
Environmental Sciences
Professor Mike Elliott
Variable
Specialist (Lab)
4
Specialist (Lab) Band 4
Not Applicable
FS0102
Details Specific to the Post
Background and Context
The Institute of Estuarine and Coastal Studies (IECS) is a semi-autonomous institute within
the School of Biological, Biomedical and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science and
Engineering. IECS is a multi-disciplinary research and consultancy organisation, set up to
utilise the facilities and expertise in coastal margin science and management within the
University of Hull. IECS covers a wide range of specialism’s within the coastal environment
ranging from biological and physical environments (topography, vegetation, ornithology,
benthic and pelagic fauna) to coastal planning, environmental quality, marine law and
environmental impact assessment.
IECS employs 24 staff, 8 PhD/MSc students, and members of the institute lecture on
undergraduate.
Specific Duties and Responsibilities of the post
The role holder will be a member of a survey team undertaking a range of ornithological
surveys, including European Seabirds At Sea (ESAS) surveys, radar ground truthing /
calibration surveys at offshore wind farms, and estuarine waterbird surveys.
The role will specifically require to undertake visual seabird surveillance using optics and to
man radar at offshore wind farm sites, primarily at the Thanet Offshore Wind Farm (Kent) but
monitoring at other locations around the UK may be possible. The role holder is expected to
undertake visual bird surveys to a high degree of accuracy and assist the survey team in postsurveys tasks (e.g. data input, data processing and reporting). The post holder will be
expected to lead surveys and assist the IECS survey team in other ornithological surveys.
Specialist (Lab) Band 4 (Generic)
4 June 2011
Version 4
GENERIC JOB DESCRIPTION
The job duties and responsibilities listed below are intended to describe the general nature
of the role. The duties and responsibilities and the balance between the elements in the role
may change or vary over time depending on the specific needs at a specific point in time or
due to changing needs in the department. Candidates should note that there may not be an
immediate requirement to carry out all the activities listed below.
Overall Purpose of the Role
The role holder:
 Will provide routine laboratory support to staff, students and more senior colleagues.
 Will involve maintaining systems and/or undertaking routine tasks that support the
working of teams, processes and/ or projects.
 Requires relevant knowledge gained through experience and on-the-job training.
 Will work within established processes and procedures, with minimum day to day
supervision under the guidance of a team leader.
Main Work Activities
Communication
 Dealing with senior colleagues with regard to tenders, projects and reports
 Dealing with clients and contractors with reference to projects in progress or completion
Teamwork
 Under the guidance of a team leader, where necessary provided day-to-day support to
other members of staff and members of staff new to the work area
Service Delivery
 Preparation of tender documentation
 Preparation of reports
 Co-ordination and preparation of survey work
o Arranging surveyors
o Certification of surveyors
o Equipment – hire or purchase
o Travel and accommodation
 Survey work
o Ornithological
o Benthic
o Epifaunal
 Supervision of PSA (particle size analysis) and LOI (loss on ignition)
 Taxonomy
o Benthic
o Epifaunal
 Organising and arranging samples
 In-situ ID work (e.g.) trawl surveys, crustacean stock assessment work
Planning and Organisation
 Plan and prioritise own work activities.
Analysis/Data Inputting
 Analysis of data sets using statistical software looking for trends and information in the
aid of the production of reports.
Specialist (Lab) Band 4 (Generic)
4 June 2011
Version 4
Additionally the post holder will be required to:
 Fulfil the employees’ duties described in the University’s health and safety policies
and co-operate with the health and safety arrangements in place within the department.
May be required to undertake specific health and safety roles on request e.g. Display
screen equipment assessor, departmental safety officer, fire warden
 Show a commitment to diversity, equal opportunities and anti-discriminatory practices
This includes undertaking mandatory equality and diversity training
 Comply with University regulations, policies and procedures
Specialist (Lab) Band 4 (Generic)
4 June 2011
Version 4
COMPETENCY SPECIFICATION
To fulfil your role, you will need certain knowledge, skills and competencies. The following
competency specification provides a framework within which your performance will be
assessed. The interview assessment may include, for example, testing on IT skills.
The Competencies set out below are essential and are core requirements needed to
perform the role and any candidate who fails the requirement will not be taken forward for
further assessment or to interview.
Competency
Identified by
Knowledge and Experience
Has bird identification skills
Interview
Is accredited to undertake European Seabirds At Sea (ESAS)
surveys
Application
Application/Interview
Has experience in bird radar studies e.g. seabird visual
surveillance and radar tracking.
Application
Has undertaken Global Wind Organisations Basic Safety training
for working in offshore turbines.
Communication (Oral)
Can demonstrate the ability to exchange basic information
promptly and in a courteous and effective manner to students,
colleagues, line managers and external contacts.
Application/Interview
Communication (Written)
Can demonstrate the ability to summarise information accurately,
in a well structured, clear and concise form.
Application/Interview
Teamwork and Motivation
Can demonstrate the ability to work effectively as part of a team. Is
willing to provide cover for colleagues and acts in a supportive
manner.
Application/Interview
Service Delivery
Has knowledge and understanding of services available to users of
this and related areas of work and ensures that the experience of
each customer is positive and satisfactory.
Application/Interview
Initiative and Problem Solving
Can demonstrate the ability to solve standard, predictable
problems in accordance with procedures and precedent.
Application/Interview
Work Environment
Can demonstrate the ability to work with others to improve safe
working practice and the environment. Ensures that follow up
action is taken to remove identified hazards or risks.
Application/Interview
Specialist (Lab) Band 4 (Generic)
4 June 2011
Version 4