Location:  Aberdeen. Under current circumstances we can be flexible around remote working options until such time that we are able to return to the JNCC office. The successful candidate would then be expected to be able to work from Aberdeen for the first six months of their employment. Flexible and remote working options can then be considered after this period. The post-holder will be required to attend meetings at various localities in the UK involving overnight stays away from home.

Looking for an opportunity to have an impact in seabird conservation and best practice in sustainable marine industry growth? Then JNCC is the employer for you.

Who are JNCC?

Established in 1990, we’re the UK’s statutory advisor on issues affecting the natural environment across the UK and internationally. Our primary role is advising all four Governments of the UK. We also work with private sector organisations to support decision making on the sustainable use of marine waters and natural resources around the UK. JNCC is led by the Joint Committee, which brings together members from the nature conservation bodies for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and independent members appointed by the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs under an independent Chair. Support is provided to the Committee by almost 200 people who bring together scientific and technical expertise, extensive knowledge of policy at global, European and national levels, and skills in working with other organisations. Staff are based in two main offices in Peterborough and Aberdeen.

What’s the role?

The Marine Species Team is responsible for delivery of JNCC’s advice on the conservation of marine species and has a leading role in providing evidence and advice to support UK seabird conservation. JNCC’s marine ornithologists provide advice to a range of stakeholders, including industry, on the potential impacts of marine industries on seabird populations. We synthesise existing evidence, broker engagement between different sectors and, typically through collaboration, facilitate acquisition of the most relevant new evidence required to fulfil conservation ambitions whilst increasing confidence in potential environmental impacts of offshore development. We work in collaboration to progress useful, applied research, develop models and decision support tools, and advise on the adoption of new evidence and practices.

We are seeking a seabird ecologist with experience of assessing the potential impact of offshore wind development on marine birds, strong relationship development skills and an ability to effectively represent JNCC with a range of partners and stakeholders. The focus of this post will be working with industry partners to identify, facilitate initiation of and deliver research projects. The post holder will strengthen our strategic approach to evidence provision and develop new partnerships to add to our portfolio of projects.

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for an experienced seabird ecologist who understands the interaction between Government nature conservation, net zero target and green-growth goals, the regulatory frameworks relevant to marine industries, and can confidently represent JNCC with private and public sector organisations. You will have experience of working in collaboration with partners from multiple sectors, can effectively identify evidence needs to support sustainable management decisions, and initiate and effectively manage new projects. 

Why JNCC?

We’re small enough (c.200 staff) that your voice is heard by everyone including the CEO, but big enough that we have all the skills, resources and people you’ll need to get the job done. All our staff are passionate about conservation and making a difference to the world we live in. We have a very flexible, inclusive and welcoming organisational culture. Our Executive Management provides advisers with the freedom and tools you will need, and our friendly team will assist you in your role. You will benefit from our supportive workplace culture, excellent holiday and pension benefits, as well as an exciting job in a unique environment.

Assessment

We will assess you against the Behaviours listed below, and the Experience and Technical requirements outlined in the Post Details.

Behaviours

Leadership

Making Effective Decisions

Working Together

Managing a Quality Service

Communicating and Influencing

Presentation

If you successfully reach the interview stage, you will be asked to give a 5-minute presentation (details of this will be sent to candidates before interview).

Interviews

The closing date for this post is 09:00 on 26 October 2020

Interviews are expected to take place on 10 November 2020.

To apply please visit our website at https://jncc.gov.uk/about-jncc/careers/ where you can download the Application Form, Equality & Diversity Form and Job Description, and find further information on How to apply.

Please be aware that at this time interviews are likely to take place by video conference. We will aim to give you a minimum of 5 days’ notice before inviting any candidate for interview but please be aware that this may not be possible, and interviews may have to be changed at short notice.