Job Description

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title:

Scientific Support Officer

Salary: Starting at 27,000 to 29,000 depending on experience

Working arrangements: Full-time.

Primarily remote working with occasional requirement for office/site visits.

Responsible to: Chief Executive

Office location: Westbury, Wiltshire.

Deadline for applications: 15 August 2025, 16:00. PLEASE DO NOT APPLY THROUGH INDEED. SEE APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS AT THE END. YOUR APPLICATION WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED IF YOU DO NOT SUPPLY THE 1 PAGE PAPER REQUESTED.

The Ornamental Aquatic Trade Association (OATA) seeks a highly motivated individual able to work independently and proactively. As Scientific Support Officer you will work closely with OATA's Scientific and Technical Adviser to provide the Chief Executive and OATA team with the scientific and technical support and assistance needed for OATA's guidance to members and non-members, its training programmes, its work representing the industry and its marketing activities. This is primarily an internal support role, concentrating on collaborations with the OATA team and the production of member-facing materials.

Key Functions and Responsibilities

You will undertake a wide variety of work, including but not limited to:

Continually reviewing and updating existing industry standards and guidance and identifying knowledge gaps to assist in the production of new information for industry that promotes good welfare, biosecurity, sustainability and adherence with current regulations as appropriate. Analyse and manage complex data sets relating to matters of interest to the industry and support input to the development of OATA policy, guidance and publications. For example, you will be responsible for the production and development of the annual trade statistics report. Provide scientific support to the Scientific and Technical Adviser on matters related to fishkeeping, welfare, sustainability, biodiversity, biosecurity, invasive species, animal and plant health, conservation, relevant legislation and other matters affecting the ornamental aquatics industry. Support the Scientific and Technical Adviser in evaluating complex and extensive scientific, technical and legal information, and assist in producing comprehensive literature reviews and summary briefings for specialist and non-specialist audiences and responses to external consultations. Be an assessor on OATA 's City and Guilds accredited training programs and assist the Scientific and Technical Adviser on continual updating of the training materials and assessments. Support the Scientific and Technical Adviser in the delivery of OATA's practical training courses for local authority inspectors. Respond to members' enquiries relating to scientific and technical issues. As necessary, represent OATA at meetings, conferences and trade shows and deliver presentations as required, including the potential opportunity for international travel. Assist the PR & Parliamentary Officer in identifying and communicating relevant industry news, scientific advances and related topics to assist our members and the industry at large. Contribute towards effective and pro-active horizon scanning activities. Assist the OATA team on projects and activities as required.
Competencies you will be expected to demonstrate in the performance of your duties:

Positive and proactive attitude. Demonstrable knowledge of fish biology, fishkeeping and fish husbandry, (preferably relating to ornamental aquatics). Ability to present scientific and technical information to specialist and non-specialist audiences in a range of formats. Excellent written and verbal communication and presentation skills. Proficiency in MS Office programmes, as well as data/statistical analysis and handling - experience in R software would be preferred as it has previously been used at OATA. Ability to formulate and present the views of the aquatic industry clearly and coherently, both verbally and in writing, including the preparation of technical and non-technical reports. Excellent time management skills and the ability to work independently and proactively with minimal or no supervision and to adapt to rapidly changing priorities, deal with a wide subject portfolio and to deliver projects on time to strict deadlines.

Information for applicants

The Ornamental Aquatic Trade Association (OATA) represents more than 800 members from across the ornamental aquatic industry, from importers and wholesalers to suppliers and retailers. Its core mission is to protect and promote the ornamental aquatic industry, driving high welfare and biosecurity standards and sustainability in the trade, and promoting education and training to encourage and support responsible pet ownership.

The position is offered on a full-time basis although applications for part-time working will be considered. The successful applicant will be subject to a 6-month probationary period. The role is primarily expected to be remote with visits to our Westbury (in Wiltshire) office every 3-4 weeks.

Leave allowance is 22 days a year plus Bank Holidays. In addition, the OATA office closes during the period between Christmas Eve and New Year's Day so you will not be required to work this period - this does not affect your annual leave entitlement.

A company pension is available through the Government's NEST scheme.

Interviews will be carried out over Zoom during the week beginning 8 September 2025.

To apply

To apply please send by 4pm on the closing date of Friday 15 August:

Your CV (including references); A covering letter (1 page maximum) outlining your suitability for the role; and A 1 page paper (A4, font Arial 11) on the relative benefits and impacts of sourcing pet fish through captive breeding vs wild collection, making recommendations for future industry standards for each (a reference list can be included on a separate page).
Applications without the accompanying 1 page paper will not be considered.

Applications should be submitted to Dr Matthew Bond at info@ornamentalfish.org

Further information about the role is available in the first instance from Emily Maunder on 07908 169353 or email emily@ornamentalfish.org.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: 27,000.00-29,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Company pension Free parking On-site parking Work from home
Schedule:

Monday to Friday
Application question(s):

To complete your application you need to submit a 1 page paper (A4, font Arial 11) on the relative benefits and impacts of sourcing pet fish through captive breeding vs wild collection, making recommendations for future industry standards for each (a reference list can be included on a separate page). Without this your application will not be considered.
Education:

Bachelor's (preferred)
Work Location: Remote

Application deadline: 15/08/2025