Ascension Island Government
Senior Marine/Fisheries Scientist
2 Year Position (£15,000 p.a. plus benefits worth up to £15,000)
The Ascension Island Government Conservation Department is currently seeking applications for the
position of Senior Marine/Fisheries Scientist from experienced post-doctoral researchers with a
demonstrably strong track record of marine fieldwork, data collection and analysis.
Background: Ascension Island harbours globally important marine biodiversity, potentially representing
a unique assemblage of western and eastern Atlantic flora and fauna. The Island also supports a
commercially valuable pelagic tuna fishery, and an inshore recreational fishery. Currently, however, a
paucity of baseline scientific data from the marine environment and a lack of capacity in marine and
fisheries science within Ascension Island Government (AIG) are major barriers to the effective
management and conservation of the Island’s marine resources. Data on the abundance, distribution
and biology of endemic and commercially exploited species is particularly lacking. Addressing these
issues has been identified as a strategic priority for AIG and is the objective of the new ‘Ascension Island
Marine Sustainability (AIMS)’ project funded by the Darwin Initiative. The AIMS project will be delivered
through a partnership between AIG and fisheries scientists at the Falklands-based South Atlantic
Environment Research Institute (SAERI), with support from the RSPB (Royal for the Protection of Birds),
BAS (British Antarctic Survey) and the Shallow Marine Surveys Group (SMSG). The Senior Marine
Scientist will be responsible for coordinating the AIMS project and helping to establish a new Marine
and Fisheries Unit within AIG Conservation Department, with facilities including a fully equipped
fisheries laboratory, RIB and SCUBA centre (compressor, wash facilities etc.). This is an exciting
opportunity to join a small but growing conservation team working in one of the world’s most unusual
environments and to be instrumental in the development of Ascension Island’s marine and fisheries
science infrastructure.
The main duties of the post are:
 To development and implement a strategy for the on-going monitoring and management of
Ascension’s in shore line and vessel fisheries
 The examination of resource dynamics in the offshore fishery from catch and effort data and
through the deployment of pop-up archival satellite tags.
 To coordinate by-catch risk assessments for seabirds, turtles and sharks in the commercial fishing
fleet.
 To organise and carry out age and growth studies on near shore and offshore resources and to
establish reference sets of otoliths and shells.
 To lead studies on the reproductive biology of near shore and offshore faunal resources.
 To catalogue and map Ascension Island’s shallow marine biodiversity, with a view to informing
marine spatial planning.
 To build awareness of, and support for, marine conservation and responsible fishing practices
within the local community.
 To manage and mentor two marine biologists/technicians within the Marine and Fisheries Unit.
 To produce detailed reports of work conducted for donors, project partners and non-specialist
audiences and to produce peer reviewed publications and presentations.
 To prepare a long term strategy for the sustainable management of Ascension Island’s marine
biodiversity and to assist in the development of fisheries policy and legislation.
The job description is not an exclusive or exhaustive definition of your duties. You shall undertake
such additional duties as may reasonably be required by AIG commensurate with your role and
grade.
The successful candidate should have:
 A PhD in a fisheries or marine ecology related subject.
 At least 3 years post-graduate experience working in marine fisheries ecology is highly desirable.
 A proven ability to lead and deliver work programmes.
 A high level of computer literacy with a sound knowledge of statistical techniques and model
building, ideally using R.
 GIS experience (preferably QGIS) and strong geo-statistical skills.
 Proficiency in the management and analysis of large ecological databases (SQL). Prior experience
of handling ICAAT and VMS data would be a distinct advantage.
 A sound knowledge of fisheries biology, invertebrate biology and the marine environment.
 Experience working in a fisheries or zoological laboratory, with a broad range of associated
practical skills, including the processing and reading of otoliths and the preparation of tissue
samples for histology.
 Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to convey complex concepts to a
variety of audiences, including government officials, international scientists, fishing industry
leaders and the general public. A proven track record of engaging fishermen and the wider
community in marine conservation is highly desirable.
 Advanced SCUBA diving qualification (minimum PADI Divemaster or equivalent) with ideally at
least 300 logged dives and an excellent awareness of dive safety. Note: Ascension Island has no
re-compression chamber so responsible and conservative diving is of paramount importance.
 A powerboat handling qualification and experience of operating RIBs at sea would be a distinct
advantage.
 A full driving license (essential).
 A track record of publishing in the peer-reviewed literature.
 Experience of managing and mentoring fieldworkers.
 Experience of living and working on conservation issues in remote communities and/or on small
islands would be an advantage.
 The successful candidate will be self-motivated, happy working both independently and in a team
setting, and willing to sometimes work extended hours and on projects outside of core duties if
required. A 2 year minimum commitment to the post is expected.
The successful candidate will receive:
 A salary of £15,000 per annum (taxed locally), with a gratuity at the end of the contract.
 An on-island food allowance of up to £2835 per annum.
 Rent free accommodation. The contract status for the position is ‘single status’ (i.e. no
dependents), although ‘accompanied status’ may be considered for exceptional candidates.
 Utility allowances (approx. £1500 per annum).




Personal use of a project vehicle (including the provision of fuel).
Flights at the start and end of the contract and also a mid-tour flight.
Free medical and primary dental treatment.
Generous baggage (54kg) and shipping allowances (3 cubic metres).
Informal enquiries should be directed to Dr Nicola Weber, Head of Conservation: Telephone: +247
6359 or email: nicola.weber@ascension.gov.ac. If you would like to apply for this post then please
contact the Human Resources Adviser, Alan Nicholls for an application pack, via email:
alan.nicholls@ascension.gov.ac
The deadline for applications is: Friday 28th February 2014 at 5pm. We anticipate that interviews will
be carried out in early March and we would ideally like to see the suitable candidate in position in
April 2014.