An exciting opportunity has arisen for the position of Senior Biologist for the Spey Fishery Board (SFB), based in Moray, North-East Scotland.
The SFB is a Statutory Body, responsible for the conservation, protection and enhancement of Atlantic salmon and sea trout fisheries throughout the Spey catchment, which extends to over 3,000 square kilometres. The Senior Biologist reports to the Board’s Director and has responsibility for the executive implementation of the board’s scientific and research strategies and activities.
Key roles and responsibilities include:
- Identifying, quantifying and prioritising issues affecting riverine and riparian habitat quality for fish and other indigenous species present in the Spey catchment. Subsequently designing and implementing appropriate research and mitigation actions;
- Carrying out monitoring, research and analysis of fish stocks and their habitat in the Spey catchment, including the operation of smolt traps, smolt tagging and an extensive annual programme of electro-fishing on the mainstem River Spey and its tributaries, with subsequent reporting as required;
- Overseeing and undertaking an extensive programme of contract work, involving electrofishing, fish rescues, easement of barriers to fish passage, adult fish sampling, report writing and other monitoring as required;
- Advising on and contributing to the planning and implementation of fisheries habitat enhancement and restoration projects, in concert with the Spey Catchment Initiative;
- Overseeing and undertaking a programme of water quality monitoring and invertebrate sampling and analysis to inform the Board of fishery management options;
- Management of the Assistant Biologist and any seasonal research personnel, as well as the Project Officer for the Scottish Invasive Species Initiative;
- Undertaking educational and publicity projects run by the Spey Foundation and Spey Fishery Board;
- Monitoring, analysing, developing and subsequently implementing the Spey Fishery Board’s stocking policy, including the submission of all data necessary to obtain the required permissions, the collection of broodstock for hatcheries, the operation of hatcheries and the stocking of subsequent eggs and juvenile fish.
Further details regarding the role can be found in the Job Description (here).
Applications, including Curriculum Vitae and covering letter, should be submitted to the Director, Roger Knight, at [email protected] no later than the 12th November 2021.
Interviews will be held in late November and it is anticipated that the successful candidate will be available to start early in the New Year.