The Ocean Conservation Trust (OCT) is a global ocean conservation charity that exists to restore and protect the Ocean. Our work is centred around people and positive action through pro-ocean behaviour and habitat restoration. We’re committed to conserving the marine environment and inspiring others to do the same.
Blue Meadows is a holistic approach to seagrass protection, regeneration and restoration at scale, delivering the UK’s largest seagrass restoration programme. Over the next 5 years our goal is to protect 700 hectares and develop a blueprint for large scale restoration of this vital habitat.
Seagrass cultivation and restoration is an exciting and expanding field of Ocean restoration. The OCT is looking to expand its team of seagrass aquaculture technicians with the addition of 2 x SAT’s to join a total team of 4. These SATs work within the Ocean Habitat Restoration team, which includes project managers, data, and fieldwork specialist. The growing facilities span from the NMA controlled facility to a polytunnel in South Devon. The OCT aims to cultivate plant stock for transplanting into subtidal restoration areas. These sites are always submerged and whilst it is not compulsory, you have the ability to dive with work is an advantage. The successful candidates will have knowledge of conservation issues, an interest or experience in aquaculture systems and a nurturing nature for the understanding of lifecycle requirements of growing aquatic plants. Seagrass cultivation is an exciting new field of aquaculture, although the team regularly experience unknowns and setbacks within their work, it is essential the successful candidates have an optimistic and resilient outlook on complications experienced.
You will be required to work closely in a team of 4, to cultivate plant stock in both facilities the NMA and in South Devon. This requires checks to ensure aquaculture systems remain functional, cleaning of work and growing areas and maintenance of plant health. With the OCT working with different field cultivation techniques, you will be required to spend time on boats and diving if you have the correct qualifications. Being comfortable getting your hands dirty and spending time on the water is essential.
It will also be essential to build solid working relationships with the team at the Ocean Conservation Trust to ensure the best success for Blue Meadows.
You will need to be self-motivated and enthusiastic to generate long-term working relationships with all stakeholders. You will need to be a self-starter, as much of the time you will be working autonomously and managing your own time. You will be provided with the necessary resources and support from the team based in Plymouth.
This is a permanent position for 37.5 hours per week. The salary will range from £23,000 – £25,500 per annum depending on experience.
The role will is lab and facility based with lots of time on the water, the role suits an active and practically mined person.
If you have any questions or wish to have an informal chat about the role, please e-mail amelia.newman@oceanconservationtrust.org
Please follow this link for Job Description and Person Specification.
To apply: Please email the following documents to Amelia Newman with the subject title in the following format. OCT/SAT24_yourname
1. Your CV
2. A cover letter to explain how you meet the essential criteria for the position (2 sides of A4 maximum), we are particularly interested to hear about your experience and skills around working with people.
The closing date for applications is 9am, Friday 19th January.
Only candidates invited for interview will be contacted.
In line with current legislation all applicants must be eligible to live and work in the UK. As part of the recruitment process you will be asked to provide documented evidence of eligibility.
The OCT operates an Equality and Diversity Policy and is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community – a place where we can all be ourselves and succeed on merit. All applications will be judged solely on merit; however, we particularly welcome applications from groups currently underrepresented in the workforce.