Seagrass Aquaculture Technician/Diver

The Ocean Conservation Trust (OCT) at the National Marine Aquarium is a global Ocean conservation charity that exists to restore and protect the Ocean. We’re committed to conserving the marine environment with the world vision to support a healthy ocean to sustain all life.

The Ocean Habitat Restoration team uses a holistic approach to seagrass protection regeneration and restoration at scale, delivering the UK’s largest seagrass restoration programme. Our goal is to protect and develop a blueprint for large scale restoration of this vital habitat.and aims to restore subtidal seagrass beds within Marine Conservation zones by taking an innovative and fresh approach to seagrass restoration with the aim of benefitting fisheries and carbon sequestration.

We’re looking for aquaculture technicians to create juvenile zostera marina plants within nursery and conditions who will work with a team to create and maintain Z marina plant and to manage microalgae growth within the recirculatory aquaculture system.

This role will suit someone who has a passion for marine and coastal wildlife and habitats with knowledge or experience in ecology, plant science or horticulture, specifically aquatic plants, as well as a general understanding of nature conservation and the environment. You will be able to work well in a team, be practically minded and ‘hands on’ with tools. You will be prepared to work in all weather conditions and be passionate about producing the best quality stock of seagrass ready for re-planting in coastal waters. High standards and quantity control are essential as tight deadlines have to be met. Resilience in the face of challenge is essential for this role. A professional Scuba/Divemaster qualification and a valid driving license is a requirement for this role.

This is a permanent role working full time (37.5 hours a week). There will be a requirement to work flexibly according to crop, season and planting cycle. The salary will range between £24,000 - £26,000 per annum depending on experience. The role will involve working within a seagrass growing facility based at the Dartside Quay, Galmpton and at the National Marine Aquarium, home to the OCT.

For further information about the role please select the 'Find out more and apply' button below which will take you to our website.

To apply: Please send your full CV with a covering letter setting out yourexperience and suitability for the role to Mark Parry at; mark.parry@oceanconservationtrust.org.Please place Seagrass Aquaculture Technician/Diver in the subject field of theemail.

For an informal discussion about the role please call Mark Parry on 01752 275204.

Closing Date: 19th January 2023.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if a suitable candidate is found.

In line with current legislation all applicants must be eligible to live and work in the UK. As part of the recruitment process you will be asked to provide documented evidence of eligibility.

The OCT operates an Equality and Diversity Policy and is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community – a place where we can all be ourselves and succeed on merit. All applications will be judged solely on merit, however we particularly welcome applications from groups currently under represented in the workforce.

Only candidates invited for interview will be contacted.