Ascension Island Government

JOB TITLE: Conservation Marine Team Leader

TEAM: Conservation and Fisheries

REPORTS TO: Director of Conservation and Fisheries

JOB PURPOSE: To lead the Ascension Island Government’s Conservation Marine Team and deliver the Ascension Island Marine Protected Area Management Plan and Monitoring, Research and Evaluation Strategy. This post is funded by the UK Government’s Blue Belt Programme.

MAIN DUTIES:

1. Deliver the implementation of the Ascension Marine Protected Area (MPA) Management Plan and Monitoring, Research and Evaluation Strategy with support from the UK Government’s Blue Belt Programme.
2. Manage the Conservation Marine Team including the preparation of workplans and individual objective setting and professional development.
3. Develop project proposals, external partnerships and funding applications to contribute to the delivery of the marine management and monitoring plans.
4. Project management and successful delivery of externally-funded projects.
5. Contribute to the development of policy and legislation relevant to the MPA alongside the Director of Conservation and Fisheries, Crown Counsel and Policy Officer.
6. Build awareness of, and support for, marine conservation and responsible fishing practices within the local community including activities with the island school children.
7. Ensure the effective management of inshore fisheries around Ascension including the issuing of licences and coordination of fish stock assessments.
8. Coordinate the upkeep and maintenance of the Marine laboratory, DNA laboratory, Conservation boats and other equipment held by the Conservation Marine Team.
9. Develop and oversee data management processes within the Conservation Marine Team.
10. Identify, mitigate and manage health and safety risks within the Conservation Marine Team.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. To undertake the main duties of the post (detailed above) to the highest possible standard.
2. To Comply with Health and Safety at Work procedures. Conduct all work in a safe and responsible manner, including fieldwork in hazardous and remote locations. Ensure staff, volunteers and visitors working with you conduct all work in a safe and responsible manner, guided by the relevant risk assessments.
3. Work closely with AIG colleagues, external project partners and other stakeholders to complete the main duties of the post.
4. To abide by the AIGCFD data management policy with regards to responsible archiving and documentation of scientific datasets.
   

PERSON SPECIFICATION:

Essential

1. BSc in a relevant subject or significant equivalent experience in applied conservation.
2. A sound knowledge of marine biology and fisheries science.
3. Leadership and line management experience.
4. Proven ability to develop project proposals and build partnerships with academic institutions, Government Agencies and NGOs.
5. Ability to design research and monitoring programmes and translate the results into practical conservation management.
6. Strong interpersonal skills, and experience of developing partnerships and relationships with diverse stakeholders (examples may include government officials, international scientists, fishers, general public).
7. Excellent communications skills, including the ability to communicate technical issues to a wide range of audiences.
8. High level of computer literacy.
9. Scuba diving experience. Note: Ascension Island has no re-compression chamber so responsible and conservative diving is of paramount importance.
10. Full clean driving licence.

Desirable

1. Postgraduate qualification in biology, environmental science or a related subject.
2. At least three years’ experience working in marine conservation management.
3. Experience of living and working on conservation issues in remote communities and/or small islands.
4. Advanced SCUBA diving qualification (PADI Rescue Diver or equivalent) and an excellent awareness of dive safety.
5. A powerboat handling qualification and experience of operating RIBs at sea.

This Job Description indicates the main duties and responsibilities of the post. It is not intended as an exhaustive list.

The Ascension Island Government (AIG) reserves the right to amend this Job Description from time to time according to operational needs. Any changes will be discussed with you and confirmed in writing. Please note that you share with AIG the responsibility for making suggestions to alter the scope of your duties and improve the effectiveness of your post.