Benthic Taxonomist Vacancies

Marine Ecological Surveys Limited (MESL) is a well-established marine and intertidal survey and consultancy company with an unsurpassed reputation for delivering the highest quality marine ecological services to a prestigious, multi-sectorial client base. Across a company life span of over 40 years we have been involved in developing some of the largest and most significant marine industrial and research projects and programmes to have occurred in UK and international waters. We have broad experience across all of the major marine industries including the marine minerals extraction sector, the ports sector, the offshore renewable energy industry and the oil and gas industry. The company has also made a significant contribution to researching the impacts of anthropogenic activities on the marine environmental and also provides key Governmental bodies with survey and consultancy support on a regular basis.

Examples of projects with which we have been involved include:

• Contributing to all of the Defra funded Regional Environmental Characterisation projects
• Delivery of all marine ecological surveys for the London Gateway Port development across 15 years
• Delivery of regional marine aggregates studies across the Thames, Anglian and Humber regions
• Assisting with the development of Marine Protected Area guidance
• Investigating the sensitivity and recoverability of marine fauna to anthropogenic and natural disturbance.

Hence, successful applicants will have the opportunity to work on an exciting mix of different projects covering marine conservation, marine renewables, marine aggregates, ports and more. MESL is part of the international Gardline Group of companies, through which we have access to major international projects, offices across the globe and a broad array of industry-leading corporate services.

The geographical footprint of MESL's experience runs from the Arctic, through the North Sea, across the waters of the British Isles to the Mediterranean and the coasts of Africa, Mexico and beyond. The company is forward-thinking, staff-oriented, friendly and ambitious.

MESL is a leading participant in the NMBAQC scheme and the successful applicants at Senior Marine Benthic Taxonomist level will be expected to take part in all the modules in which MESL participate.

SENIOR MARINE BENTHIC TAXONOMISTS

Expert skills in the following areas will be a pre-requisite of the application:-

• Accurate identification and verification of benthic fauna found in marine & estuarine grab samples collected around the UK
• Accurate identification and verification of epibenthic fauna found in marine & estuarine trawl samples collected around the UK
• An appreciation  of the need to work quickly and efficiently within a commercial laboratory
• Efficient and accurate recording of data
• Participation in surveys of intertidal, marine & estuarine environments
• Acknowledgement of the diversity of colleagues and their different needs and the ability to treat each person in a fair and appropriate manner
• The preferred candidate will be a self-starting individual with experience in all of the above tasks

The successful candidate must have a degree in marine biology (or equivalent). Candidates must be able to demonstrate advanced knowledge of the identification of UK marine benthic fauna from all major groups and be comfortable supervising and checking work carried out by staff at lower levels. Experience in video analysis would be preferable, but is not essential.

Short-listed candidates will be required to demonstrate their skills in the following aspects of the work:-

• Breadth of knowledge
• Speed and accuracy of identification of taxa
• Enthusiasm for the subject

The position may include options to contribute to reference collections, publish taxonomic information, modify taxonomic keys and to become involved in training and mentoring of junior laboratory staff.

Posts are offered with a competitive salary package commensurate with experience, pension, health insurance and flexible working hours.

Please send your CV with covering letter to mes-lab@mesltd.co quoting Ref No 025.

MARINE BENTHIC TAXONOMISTS

Knowledge of and skills in the following areas will be a pre-requisite of the application:-

• Identification of benthic fauna found in marine & estuarine grab samples collected around the UK
• Experience of sample sieving, processing and sorting
• An appreciation  of the need to work quickly and efficiently within a commercial laboratory
• Efficient and accurate recording of data
• Participation in surveys of intertidal, marine & estuarine environments
• Acknowledgement of the diversity of colleagues and their different needs and the ability to treat each person in a fair and appropriate manner
• The preferred candidate will be a self-starting individual with experience in all of the above tasks

The successful candidate must have a degree in marine biology (or equivalent). Candidates must possess the ability to identify the majority of benthic fauna from around the UK. Training will be provided where appropriate. Experience in video analysis would be preferable but not essential.

Short-listed candidates will be required to demonstrate their skills in the following aspects of the work:-

• Breadth of knowledge
• Speed and accuracy of identification of taxa
• Enthusiasm for the subject

Posts are offered with a competitive salary package commensurate with experience, pension, health insurance and flexible working hours.

Please send your CV with covering letter to mes-lab@mesltd.co quoting Ref No 025.

All enquiries pertaining to this post should be sent to the same address.

Candidates for both positions must be eligible to work in the UK.