Research Officer (Level 6) €“ Capture Fisheries

Job Purpose

Under the direction of the Senior Capture Fisheries Research Officer, the Research Officer is responsible for undertaking research activities with special emphasis on biological, ecological, social, economic, and environmental data in order to facilitate the development of policies and projects for the management and sustainability of the Fisheries Sector. 

In particular, the incumbent: 

• Collects, tabulates analyses, classifies and interprets data for Capture Fisheries;
• Undertakes studies to acquire information and determine its applicability to selected projects and programmes; 
• Carries out analytical studies on various projects proposals to determine the level of their cost effectiveness; and
• Assists in the monitoring and evaluation of ongoing projects and programmes. 

The incumbent also participates in the development of the research agenda and budget and oversees the research facility in the absence of the Senior Research Officer. 

Key Responsibilities

Technical/Professional: 

• Collects, tabulates analyses, classifies and interprets data for capture fisheries operations by: 
  • Deciding on the manner of securing primary data 
  • Analyzing the data by statistical and other techniques 
  • Interpreting the results of classified data and presenting the findings and conclusions for practical application; 
• Implements field, laboratory and desk research with a specific focus on fish stock assessment technologies/methodologies and ecosystem based approaches to fisheries science; 
• Participates in the necessary research to determine annual levels of Total Allowable Catch for Quota based fisheries such as Queen Conch; 
• Participates in the development and implementation of fish stock enhancement programmes and projects; 
• Prepares reports and research papers on selected areas upon request;
• Provides updates on an ongoing basis to the Senior Research Officer on all matters reflected on the Work Plan; 
• Responds to queries based on research regarding the impact of management and policy decisions of the relevant fish stocks and fishery habitats; 
• Liaises with other agencies including STATIN and PIOJ to obtain relevant available data, researched documents and related literature pertaining to the area of study;
• Assists in the monitoring and evaluation of ongoing projects and programmes by:
  • Assisting to develop reporting systems to facilitate the monitoring of ongoing projects and programmes 
  • Supervising the reporting mechanism to ensure that the system is fully maintained 
  • Visiting ongoing projects to ensure that all planned activities are being implemented as scheduled and to discuss and suggest possible solutions in those areas where difficulties and problems arise 
  • Reporting findings and any action taken to the Senior Capture Fisheries Research Officer; 
• Performs any other related duties which may be assigned by the Senior Capture Fisheries Officer. 

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Competencies

Core: 

• Good interpersonal and customer relations skills 
• Good oral and written communication skills 
• Good time management skills 
• Good problem solving and conflict management skills 
• Proficiency in the use of relevant computer applications 

Technical: 

• Good knowledge of the Fisheries Act 2018 and relevant laws 
• Sound knowledge of statistical methods 
• Sound knowledge of fishery data collection methods 
• Demonstrated ability to interpret statistical information, evaluate and analyze information obtained from surveys 

Minimum Required Qualification and Experience

• First Degree in Natural/Social Sciences or related discipline; 
• Two (2) years’ experience in a comparable research environment; 
• SCUBA Certification and dive experience would be an asset.

Special Conditions Associated with the Job

• Position involves extensive field work (fishing breaches, fish landing sites island wide), including technical and research dives underwater, travelling at sea to offshore areas, such as the Pedro and Morant Cays; 
• Exposure to work in static and flowing water and exposed to regular wetting;
• May encounter predatory aquatic animals; 
• Moderate travelling island-wide and overseas; 
• Will be required to work in volatile communities; 
• Exposure to harmful chemicals; 
• Routine research diving.

Please note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.