Seagrass Aquaculture Technician

The Ocean Conservation Trust (OCT)is a global ocean conservation charity that exists
to restore and protect the Ocean. Our work is centred around people and positive action through
pro-ocean behaviour and habitat restoration. We’re committed to conserving the marine
environment and inspiring others to do the same. 

Blue Meadows is a holistic approach to seagrass protection, regeneration and restoration at
scale, delivering the UK’s largest seagrass restoration programme. Over the next 5 years our
goal is to protect 700 hectares and develop a blueprint for large scale restoration of this
vital habitat. 

The Role 

Seagrass cultivation and restoration is an exciting and expanding field of Ocean restoration.
The OCT is looking to expand its team of seagrass aquaculture technicians with the addition of
2 x SAT’s to join a total team of 4. These SATs work within the Ocean Habitat Restoration team,
which includes project managers, data, and fieldwork specialist. The growing facilities span
from the NMA controlled facility to a polytunnel in South Devon. The OCT aims to cultivate
plant stock for transplanting into subtidal restoration areas. These sites are always submerged
and whilst it is not compulsory you have the ability to dive with work it is advantageous. The
successful candidates will have knowledge of conservation issues, an interest or experience in
aquaculture systems and a nurturing nature for the understanding of lifecycle requirements of
growing aquatic plants. Seagrass cultivation is an exciting new field of aquaculture, although
the team regularly experience unknowns and setbacks within their work, it is essential the
successful candidates have an optimistic and resilient outlook on complications experienced.

You will be required to work closely in a team of 4, to cultivate plant stock in both
facilities the NMA and in South Devon. This requires checks to ensure aquaculture systems
remain functional, cleaning of work and growing areas and maintenance of plant health. With the
OCT working with different field cultivation techniques, you will be required to spend time on
boats and diving if you have the correct qualifications. Being comfortable getting your hands
dirty and spending time on the water is essential.

It will also be essential to build solid working relationships with the team at the Ocean
Conservation Trust to ensure the best success for Blue Meadows.

You will need to be self-motivated and enthusiastic to generate long-term working relationships
with all stakeholders. You will need to be a self-starter, as much of the time you will be
working autonomously and managing your own time. You will be provided with the necessary
resources and support from the team based in Plymouth.

This is a permanent position for 37.5 hours per week. The salary will range from £23,000 –
£25,500 per annum depending on experience. 

The role is lab and facility based with lots of time on the water, the role suits an
active and practically mined person.

If you have any questions or wish to have an informal chat about the role, please e-mail
[email protected] 

Please follow this link for Job Description and Person Specification. 

To apply: Please email the following documents to Amelia Newman with the subject title in the
following format. OCT/SAT24_yourname 

1. Your CV
2. A cover letter to explain how you meet the essential criteria for the position (2 sides of
   A4 maximum), we are particularly interested to hear about your experience and skills around
   working with people.

The closing date for applications is 9am, Friday 19th January 2024. 

Only candidates invited for interview will be contacted.

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 underrepresented in the workforce.