Fisheries Stock Assessor Scientist
Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science
Apply before 11:55 pm on Monday 29th April 2024
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About the job
Job summary
The Fisheries Stock Assessor Scientist will work within the Fish and Fisheries Assessment (FFA) group to lead and support the delivery of fisheries science, fisheries stock assessment and management advice. The group delivers leading science and advice to national and international marine management organisations including Defra, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Regional Fisheries Management Organisations, the International Council for Exploration of the Seas (ICES), and a variety of research projects to provide scientific evidence and support management advice, incorporating principles of sustainable exploitation and precaution; this includes evaluating the ability of management plans to meet management objectives.
The post holder will work with senior scientists and advisors in a range of projects developing interdisciplinary research to deliver scientific evidence to address globally relevant problems and to move forward towards new national and international goals in relation to the sustainable use of marine resources, and food security.
This role provides an exciting opportunity for a motivated individual to join a team of fisheries scientists to develop highly valuable skills in fisheries science and gain an international reputation. Travel, both domestic and overseas is to be expected with the possibility of participating in sea-going field work.
Cefas is proud of a diverse and inclusive work environment, committed to fairness and the promotion of equality of opportunity for all. We know that having a range of experiences, backgrounds, ways of working and thinking, makes us a stronger organisation, better at reflecting the communities we serve. We embrace different views and experiences and value the fresh perspective that people from a variety of circumstances bring to the work we do. We welcome applications from candidates who have not previously worked for the Civil Service, mid- and late-career changers with transferable skills, people from all backgrounds and circumstances regardless of disability, gender, age, ethnicity, LGBT+ identity and socio-economic status.
Job description
Your main duties and responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:
- Implement statistical and analytical methods (including spatial modelling techniques) to assess data from marine finfish stocks and the fisheries that exploit them;
- Implement stock assessment models, including integrated models (e.g. Stock Synthesis, Casal2), and use the outcomes from these to conduct short-term forecasts and formulate management advice;
- Participate in stock assessment working groups and ad-hoc workshops to evaluate and develop assessments;
- Apply data-limited methods and mathematical models to assess the fish stock and/or exploitation status, and formulate approaches to derive management advice (e.g. developing harvest control rules);
- Contribute to the development of Management Strategy Evaluation (MSE) to assess the performance of alternative management strategies;
- Provide scientific input on the assessment of fishing impacts on the ecosystems and fisheries stock productivity;
- Provide advice on how technical measures (e.g. seasonal closures, bycatch restrictions, effort restrictions) can achieve management objectives;
- Write reports, present results to a range of national and international audiences, including stakeholders, and contribute to scientific publications of high impact; and
- Contribute to international assessment working groups and support advice on fisheries management to Cefas, Defra and other national and international bodies.
In addition, Cefas reserves the right to ask staff to take on additional duties and responsibilities which are commensurate with their grade. Team Leaders and management will have a discussion with staff to explain the changes that are to be made. A new job description will be issued if required.
Person specification
The following are essential criteria required for this role and you must be able to demonstrate your skills and experience in the following areas:
- A scientific background in mathematics, statistical modelling, marine science, quantitative ecology and/or biology, with a particular emphasis on demonstrating numerical/quantitative skills;
- Statistical knowledge and experience in programming for data analysis using R, C++, ADMB, TMB and/or other equivalent languages;
- Ability to work effectively either as part of multi-disciplinary teams or independently within a professional working environment, and experience of collaborating with other scientific organisations;
- Highly numerate, organised, and with a willingness to develop knowledge and skills in fisheries science;
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills; and ability to communicate results effectively to a wide range of audience from colleagues and collaborators to customers;
- Experience of writing reports and scientific peer-reviewed publications; and
- Academic qualification required for this vacancy is a science Bachelor’s degree with a high level of numerical and/or mathematics content. However, equivalent experience as required and shown in the person specification will be considered if demonstrated.
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Delivering at Pace
- Making Effective Decisions
- Working Together
Technical skills
We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
- Data analysis and application of statistical/mathematical approaches, including spatial data analysis, to deal with, for example, data gaps, with an understanding of how these can be applied to fisheries assessments
- Ability to configure, run and evaluate integrate assessment models (e.g. Stock Synthesis, Casal2).
- Programming in R, and/or other computer languages such as C++, ADMB, TMB.
We only ask for evidence of these technical skills on your application form:
- Data analysis and application of statistical/mathematical approaches, including spatial data analysis, to deal with, for example, data gaps, with an understanding of how these can be applied to fisheries assessments
Benefits
- Generous annual leave entitlement – Cefas offers 25 days' annual leave on entry (rising to 30 days over first 5yrs) for full-time new entrants to the Civil Service. Employees receive 8 public holidays a year, plus an additional day to mark the King's birthday
- Access to learning and development tailored to your role
- A working environment that supports a range of flexible working options
- A working culture which encourages inclusion and diversity
- Eligible to join the Civil Service Pension scheme – more information can be found on the CSP website http://www.civilservicepensionscheme.org.uk/
- Staff recognition vouchers
- In-year award scheme
Things you need to know
Selection process details
Application Process
As part of the application process you are asked to provide a CV (job history, qualifications, past skills and experience), a 750-word Personal Statement on how you meet the essential criteria as stated in the person specification section, and a 250-word statement on how you meet the advertised lead technical skill – 'Data analysis and application of statistical/mathematical approaches, including spatial data analysis, to deal with, for example, data gaps, with an understanding of how these can be applied to fisheries assessments'.
Further details around what this will entail are listed on the application form.
- For guidance on Civil Service Success Profiles, this video tells you what you’ll need to provide throughout the assessment process with supporting guidance on each step. Link – Success Profiles
- For guidance on how to construct your CV, you are encouraged to visit Civil Service Careers. Link - CV
- For guidance on how to construct your personal statement, you are encouraged to visit Civil Service Careers. Link – Statement
- For guidance on how to construct your lead technical skill statement, you are encouraged to visit Civil Service Careers. Link – Success Profiles - Technical (publishing.service.gov.uk)
Sift
The sift panel will use the information in your CV and Personal Statement to assess your experience and how you meet the essential criteria as stated in the person specification section. The sift panel will also assess the lead technical skill statement – 'Data analysis and application of statistical/mathematical approaches, including spatial data analysis, to deal with, for example, data gaps, with an understanding of how these can be applied to fisheries assessments'.
Should a large number of applications be received, an initial sift may be conducted using the lead technical skill – 'Data analysis and application of statistical/mathematical approaches, including spatial data analysis, to deal with, for example, data gaps, with an understanding of how these can be applied to fisheries assessments'.
Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift or, progressed straight to assessment/interview.
Sift and interview dates to be confirmed.
Interview
If successful at application stage, you will be invited to interview where you will be assessed on the three advertised behaviours, the three advertised technical skills, your experience (as stated in the person specification section) and strengths. You may also be asked to prepare a presentation or undertake an exercise. If this is the case, you will receive further information with your invitation to interview.
Please be aware that at this time, interviews will be held in-person at our site in Lowestoft.
If scores are equal following interview, an assessment of the lead technical skill – 'Data analysis and application of statistical/mathematical approaches, including spatial data analysis, to deal with, for example, data gaps, with an understanding of how these can be applied to fisheries assessments'.
Location
Please be aware that this role will be contractually based at Lowestoft.
As part of the pre-employment process for this post, successful candidate(s) will be able to agree a contractual workplace from those locations listed in this advert. The agreed contractual workplace is then the substantive and permanent place of work for the successful candidate(s)
Where the location is ‘National’ the successful appointee should discuss and agree an appropriate contractual location in line with both Defra’s location policy and site capacity, prior to proceeding with pre-employment processes.
Successful applicants currently employed by the hiring Defra organisation for this post may choose to remain in their current contractual location or may choose to change contractual location to one of those listed above. This should be discussed and agreed prior to proceeding with pre-employment processes.
The agreed amount of time spent at a workplace for this post will reflect the requirement for Civil Servants to spend at least 60% of their working time in an organisation workplace with the option to work the remaining time flexibly from home. Working time spent at a workplace may include time spent at other organisational locations including field-based operational locations, together with supplier, customer or partner locations. This is a non-contractual agreement which is consistent with common Civil Service expectations.
Travel costs to non-contractual workplaces will be subject to departmental travel and subsistence policies. Travel costs to contractual workplaces are the responsibility of the employee.
The successful candidate is required to carry out all their duties from a UK location, and cannot do so from an overseas location at any time.
Defra includes the core department, APHA, RPA, Cefas and VMD.
Reserve List
A reserve list may be held for a period of 12 months from which further appointments can be made.
Salary
New entrants are expected to start on the minimum of the pay band.
Visa Sponsorship Statement
Please take note that Defra does not hold a UK Visa & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker License sponsor and are unable to sponsor any individuals for Skilled Worker Sponsorship.
Reasonable Adjustment
If a person with disabilities is put at a substantial disadvantage compared to a non-disabled person, we have a duty to make reasonable changes to our processes.
If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should:
- Contact Government Recruitment Service via defrarecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs
- Complete the “Assistance required” section in the “Additional requirements” page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at interview, or if you’re deaf, a Language Service Professional
Accessibility
If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the 'Contact point for applicants' section.
Criminal Record Check
If successful and transferring from another Government Department, a criminal record check may be carried out.
In order to process applications without delay, we will be sending a Criminal Record Check to Disclosure and Barring Service on your behalf. However, we recognise in exceptional circumstances some candidates will want to send their completed forms direct. If you will be doing this, please advise Government Recruitment Service of your intention by emailing Pre-EmploymentChecks.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk stating the job reference number in the subject heading.
Internal Fraud Database Check
Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicant’s details held on the IFD will be refused employment.
A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5-year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government.
Childcare Vouchers
Any move to Defra from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
Security
Nationality requirements
Working for the Civil Service
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
Apply and further information
Contact point for applicants
Job contact :
- Name : Cally Wiles or Alec Wilson
- Email : resourcing@cefas.gov.uk
Recruitment team
- Email : defrarecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
Further information
Government Recruitment Services via email: defrarecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission: Click here to visit Civil Service Commission.
