During the summers of 2024 and 2025 Bardsey Bird Observatory will be contracting two additional staff for our new Marine Mammal Project:
· Scientific Officer – based on the island in the summer months to carry out syestematic watches, obtain images and video and develop the i.d. catalogue, incorporating images from previous studies
· Community Officer – based on mainland Pen Llŷn they will undertake community engagement both on and off the island to highlight the importance of the marine mammals in the area, talk to interest groups and schools, and recruit and train volunteers to assist with dolphin watches
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Prosiect mamaliaid morol Enlli - Cysylltu pobl â'r môr
Bardsey marine mammal project - Connecting people
with the sea
A unique opportunity has become available for a contract to work on a remote Welsh island recording cetaceans and seals, especially Risso’s Dolphins, using drones to obtain photo-id, build a catalogue of images and analyse the images.
Background
Based on Bardsey Island (Ynys Enlli) off North Wales, the Bardsey marine mammal project is facilitated by Bardsey Bird Observatory and funded by the Nature Networks Programme. It is being delivered by the Heritage Fund, on behalf of the Welsh Government. It has grown out of a pilot project using drones funded by the Ecology Matters Trust(https://vimeo.com/761242765) and builds on long-term photo-id research on Risso’s dolphins by Whale and Dolphin Conservation and Bardsey Bird Observatory. It also builds on a long term study of the seal population on the island.
The Job
Scientific Officer
Key Duties
· Undertake timed watches for cetaceans on Bardsey Island
· Obtain video and still images of Risso’s dolphins for photo id, and record behaviours using drones flown from the island
· Create a catalogue of images to identify individuals
· Merge this catalogue with existing images
· Develop or obtain automatic recognition software to enable best use of images and videos
· Help with the acquisition of seal-related data where appropriate
· Work with the Community Engagement Officer to help train volunteer observers
You will be based on Bardsey, at the Bardsey Bird Observatory for 10 weeks of the contract where basic accommodation is provided (see notes below) with some work on the mainland of Pen Llŷn. The remaining time will be for analysis and reporting.
Work will include:
Cetacean surveys using a drone
Photo-id with camera
Individual identification from video
Visual timed scans in suitable weather
Analysing photos
Developing photo id catalogue from new images and an historic archive
Process video to start identifying distinctive behaviours and build a catalogue of these behaviours to help better understand how the dolphins are using the local habitat
Research and develop computer analysis of seal and cetacean photo id images
Train volunteers and Observatory staff
Produce reports to funders and wider scientific community
Work with Community Officer to communicate findings
Participate in webinars and other media
Help produce popular articles and papers for publication in peer reviewed journals
Regular liaison will be required with Project Manager, Bardsey Bird Observatory’s Director of Operations, the project’s Scientific Advisor and other project staff. You will also work with the Project Manager to identify possible sources of funding to extend the contract.
Status
6-month contract, renewable for 2nd year. The contractor will be self-employed, self-motivated, and expected to organise their own day to day activities to meet the aims of the project.
Accommodation will be provided on the Island for 10 weeks of the contract. The Contractor will report to the Project Manager. Contract of £13500 plus accommodation as above and a number of boat crossings to and from the island
Experience required
General fieldwork experience in remote and difficult conditions
Drone pilot Skills (CAA licence operator and A2 drone pilot preferable, but training for licence can be provided)
Marine mammal fieldwork
Marine mammal identification skills
High degree of computer technical skills to help develop auto-recognition of photos
Lone working and self-reliance
Experience of report writing and presentation of findings
Use of GIS (QGIS training may be available)
References and evidence of track record required
Experience of working within a small community preferable
Good communication skills
Appreciation of the importance of the Welsh language
Qualifications: Relevant degree (though detailed experience could be acceptable)
Notes - important
You will be responsible for your own wellbeing, both mental and physical. Living on Bardsey may at first sound idyllic, but it can be hard, and if you are there for lengthy periods, experiencing the extremes both of isolation, and of having many people around you. Honesty, diplomacy and hard work will ensure that you get the most out of the experience.
As Bardsey is an offshore island, you will need to plan ahead. It is not possible to just pop off the island to the corner shop, many simple life aspects need to be planned out. There is internet at the Observatory, however phone signals are only available on certain parts of the island.
Accommodation for visiting researchers is basic and shared. You may be based for sleeping accommodation with other staff at a stone hut near the lighthouse (15 mins walk) where there is no electricity or running water, however you will have access to all the communal facilities at the Observatory Lodge for cooking, living and working, which you will share with other staff and guests. Water resources are limited on the island and therefore showers are only available on a weekly basis.
Further details will be given with any job offer but please feel free to contact the Project Manager if you have any questions or concerns before applying.
For more information about Bardsey Lodge and Bird Observatory visit
bbfo.org.uk
Application with CV and covering letter stating why you think this is the job for you to the address below by 18th May 2024.
Interviews will be around 24th May online via Teams.
Start date – around 26th June 2024
Please send applications to Mick Green, Project Manager - mick@gn.apc.org.
For informal chat or questions contact Mick on above email or on 07837253074.
We look forward to hearing from you.
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