Resource Biologist

The Resource Biologist is responsible for field sampling and data collection from annual seaweed surveys and intertidal field research studies related to the commercial harvest of seaweed in Scotland (mainly the Outer Hebrides). This includes maintenance of a Geographical Information System (GIS) database; conducting seaweed biomass surveys in Scotland and occasionally in the rest of Europe. This position will include a significant amount of time spent in the field and travelling to conduct field work, especially during the summer months.

Experience driving boats in ocean environments is mandatory.

Uist Asco, located about five miles from Lochmaddy on the Island of North Uist, is a seaweed processor that has been drying seaweeds since 2014. This region of Scotland has a long and proud history of harvesting seaweed and creating jobs and economic growth from this renewable marine resource.

The Resource Biologist reports to the Manager Resource Science. Other internal contacts include the VP Technology, the VP Resource Management, and ownership of the company, as well as various Resource and Plant Managers. An important function of the role is to build strong relationships with the local scientific community and relevant government agencies.

• Execute and supervise annual biomass assessment and data collection/analyses from field studies.
• Record, collate and report data from experimental field studies.
• Provide advice on resource assessments and harvest limits to the Resource Team.
• Maintain GIS database
• Interact with seaweed harvesters.
• Participate in select community and social responsibility assignments in Scotland.
• Interact with government officers and scientists.
• Interact with scientists from other scientific institutions.
• Prepare harvest reports and detailed harvest plans.
• Collaborate on scientific publications for in peer-reviewed journals.
• Complete other scientific or field-related assignments as required.
• Drive the company’s core values of safety, teamwork and value creation by displaying appropriate behaviours.

• B.Sc. in Marine Biology, environmental science (or related field experience)
• Minimum 3-5 years field experience – strong commitment to working in the field is a must
• Experience working on small boats and qualified to handle a boat in the inshore, marine environment
• Physically able to work extensive periods along the shore in many types of weather
• Able to work flexible hours to accommodate schedule to the prevailing tides
• GIS experience
• Knowledge of local seaweeds and invertebrates
• Must hold a clean, valid driver’s license
• Must be able to travel within Scotland and Europe in general
• Proficiency with basic MS office software
• Ability to work effectively with minimal supervision
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Willingness to learn and contribute in a team environment
• Good organizational skills with the ability to multi-task

This position requires considerable traveling and is at times physically demanding; thus, the candidate must be fit to walk and work long hours in the rocky intertidal area. It also requires working some weekends and holidays, particularly during the longer daylight hours of summer and part of the autumn season.

Field work is dependent on periods of low tide and the weather; work will be required during inclement weather and early morning, and late evening tides depending on the time of low water. The nature of fieldwork and interactions is such that the Resource Biologist will be required to travel extensively within the region and in various European countries on occasions.