Ascension Island Government
Marine/Fisheries Scientist (Technician)
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 Technician from experienced divers with a background in marine biology
and/or fisheries management.
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 (MFU) 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.
 Management and maintenance of the Marine & Fisheries Unit’s scientific equipment.
 Maintenance of the Marine & Fisheries Unit’s dive equipment and facilities. Ensuring all of the
equipment is in service date and kept in the best of condition; this includes a compressor,
cylinders, regulators and BCDs.
 Maintenance of the MFU’s survey vessel (RIB).
 To assist the Marine/Fisheries Biologist in age, growth and reproductive biology studies on
marine species around Ascension Island.
 To assist the Marine/Fisheries biologist with the preparation and analysis of biological specimens,
particularly otoliths and histological specimens.
 To act as the MFU’s Dive Officer ensuring dive safety and dive planning.
 Entering and managing data with regard to marine biodiversity surveys, species biology and
catch/effort recording schemes.
 To collect and manage marine photographic imagery.
 To assist in awareness raising activities.
The job description is not an exclusive or exhaustive definition of your duties. You shall undertake
such additional duties as may be reasonably required by AIG commensurate with your role and
grade.
The successful candidate should have:
 BSc (Hons) in marine biology/zoology/environmental science (or similar), and/or 3 years’
experience working in the field of marine conservation or fisheries management.
 An advanced SCUBA qualification (PADI Divemaster or equivalent), with considerable dive
experience (ideally 300+ logged dives) and an excellent understanding of dive safety and rescue
techniques. Note: Ascension Island has no re-compression chamber so responsible and
conservative diving is of paramount importance.
 Power boat qualification (Advanced RYA or equivalent) and significant experience of handling
RIBs at sea.
 Mechanical and technical skills, especially in relation to the maintenance and servicing of 2
stroke/4 stroke outboard engines, dive equipment and compressors, are highly desirable.
 Underwater photographic skills using digital SLR cameras are highly desirable.
 Prior experience of preparing otolith and histological specimens in a fisheries laboratory would be
an advantage, but not essential as full training will be given.
 Experience carrying out marine biodiversity surveys in a tropical environment would be an
advantage.
 A full driving license (essential).
 Computer literate, particularly Microsoft Office applications.
 Good interpersonal skills and the proven ability to work in a small team.
 Should be physically fit and able to work for short periods at sea.
 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.