Job Description

Staff based at Newforge Lane and staff at River Bush Salmon Station
37hrs p/w 5 days per week
The Fisheries and Aquatic Ecosystems Branch (FAEB) of the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) conducts research and development, monitoring and technology transfer in support of sustainable management of fisheries and aquatic resources, focusing particularly on the needs of Northern Ireland. The post involves working outside and onboard small vessels.
Main Duties:
Assistance with field surveys of fish populations, including some or all of the following:
Electric fishing surveys of fish populations in rivers
Survey of fish in lakes including coarse fish netting and gill and fyke nets
Recording of data in the field, and entering data to electronic formats
Laboratory work including analysis of fish samples
Work from small boats in freshwater locations
Other laboratory, office, and field duties as allocated by supervisors when scientific fieldwork is affected by weather
Qualifications and aptitudes required:
GCSE/GCE 'O' level grades A, B or C in English and Maths.
At least 6 months experience on some aspect of aquatic science data collection, including demonstrated ability to work in challenging environmental conditions
Must have a full driving license that enables them to undertake the responsibilities of the role
Successful applicants must:
Be sufficiently fit, able and willing to carry out fieldwork by wading in rivers, on riverbanks, in small boats, occasionally in inclement conditions.
If necessary, applicants will be required to pass a medical examination to meet the health and safety requirements of electrofishing.
Other aptitudes which will be an advantage include:
Experience of electric fishing techniques
Previous experience of similar employment, particularly with AFBI
Knowledge of scientific methods in a field and/or laboratory environment
Training and/or certification in first aid procedures
Computer literacy specific experience in use of excel spreadsheets for data analysis
Proven relevant experience of working on or by water.