Ascension Island Government
Marine/Fisheries Scientist
2 Year Position (£11,500 p.a. plus benefits worth up to £12,000)
The Ascension Island Government Conservation Department is currently seeking applications for the
position of Marine/Fisheries Scientist from graduate marine scientists with a strong track record of
marine fieldwork, specimen preparation and data collection.
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. 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 post holder will be based at the
new Marine and Fisheries Unit at Ascension Island Government Conservation Department in
Georgetown where they will assist the Senior Marine/Fisheries Scientist in the delivery of the AIMS
project. 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 play a significant role in the development of Ascension’s
first marine fisheries unit.
The main duties of the post are:
 To participate in visual census and quadrat dive surveys, and to maintain recording and collecting
devices in the coastal marine environment around Ascension Island.
 To conduct age and growth studies on marine species around Ascension Island and to organise
the collection and circulation of reference sets of otoliths.
 To conduct studies on the reproductive biology of marine species using histology, condition,
maturity assessment and gonosomatic indices.
 To process and analyse otoliths and histological specimens.
 Management of the new Marine/Fisheries Laboratory at the Conservation Centre in Georgetown;
ensuring that it is clean, well-stocked and services the project efficiently.
 Management and analysis of data with regards to biodiversity surveys, species biology, and
catch/effort recording schemes.
 To assist in awareness raising activities in the local community.
 To produce detailed reports of work conducted.
The job description is not an exclusive or exhaustive definition of your duties. You shall undertake
such additional or other duties as may reasonable be required by AIG commensurate with your role
and grade.
The successful candidate should have:

A BSc (Hons) in marine biology or a related subject (essential). An MSc in Marine and Fisheries
Science or equivalent is highly desirable.

A sound knowledge of invertebrate biology, fisheries biology and the marine environment.

Prior experience in processing and reading otoliths/shells for age in a fisheries laboratory
and/or of processing tissue samples for histology is highly advantageous.

Experience in conducting underwater surveys (fish and invertebrates) in a tropical marine
environment would be a distinct advantage.

An advanced SCUBA qualification (PADI Divemaster or equivalent), with significant diving
experience (ideally 200+ 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 full driving license (essential). A powerboat handling qualification would be an advantage.

A good level of physical fitness and be able to work for short periods at sea.

Must be numerate and computer literate, with a sound knowledge of Microsoft Office
applications (Access, Excel, Word) and statistical procedures (ideally in R). GIS experience would
be an advantage.

Good interpersonal skills with a proven ability to work effectively in a small team.

Experience of living and working on conservation issues in small and 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 £11,500 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).
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), including the shipping of a
vehicle.
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.