At a Glance
- Tasks: Analyse and map fishing vessel data to support marine conservation efforts.
- Company: Natural Resources Wales, a leading environmental body.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, mentorship, and develop marketable skills in GIS and data analysis.
- Other info: Flexible work environment with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on marine conservation while working with top specialists.
- Qualifications: Postgraduate degree in marine science or related field, analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
The role requires robust, high-quality spatial evidence on marine fishing activity in Welsh waters to inform advisory and reporting duties. This new, fixed-term postgraduate placement has been created to deliver a high-priority evidence project for Natural Resources Wales (NRW): the analysis and mapping of a four-year dataset of fishing vessel positional data collected through Vessel Monitoring Systems (VMS).
This is an opportunity for a recent postgraduate (or someone completing a PhD/postdoc), preferably in marine or marine fisheries science, to:
- Apply advanced analytical skills to a nationally important marine evidence project
- Produce outputs that will directly influence marine conservation in Wales
- Work with leading marine specialists in a supportive, flexible environment
- Build on your comprehensive and highly marketable skills in R and/or FME, GIS, and spatial data workflows
- Gain experience inside a major environmental body with a strong mentoring culture
Key Tasks and Responsibilities
- Analyse and map fishing vessel positional data using R and/or FME and GIS tools, producing high-quality datasets and maps.
- Develop repeatable workflows for processing and analysing the data so that future datasets can be handled efficiently.
- Apply postgraduate-level technical training to a real-world marine evidence challenge, using judgement, creativity and problem-solving.
- Present findings at internal and external meetings, contributing to NRW's marine evidence and advisory work.
- Manage and interpret large datasets, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and clear documentation.
- Work independently and proactively, adjusting priorities where needed and meeting deadlines.
- Engage with Project Managers, including bi-weekly project meetings to interrogate data and refine analysis.
You will join NRW's Marine and Coastal Ecosystems Advice Team, working closely with the Project Managers Lead Specialist Advisor for Marine Species (Fish) and the Lead Specialist Advisor for Marine Fisheries. You will interact with a range of teams across Strategy, Policy and Evidence, as well as external partners. You will be mentored, included in marine meetings, and connect with specialists across NRW. The role is largely desk based, requiring a good internet connection; driving is not essential.
Postgraduate Placement, Fishing Vessel Positional Data Analysis and Mapping in Cardiff employer: Natural Resources Wales (Cyfoeth Naturiol Cymru)
Natural Resources Wales is an exceptional employer for recent postgraduates, offering a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of marine science in a supportive and collaborative environment. With a strong focus on mentorship and professional development, employees can expect to grow their skills while contributing to vital conservation efforts in Welsh waters. The vibrant work culture fosters innovation and teamwork, making it an ideal place for those passionate about marine ecosystems.
Contact Details:
Natural Resources Wales (Cyfoeth Naturiol Cymru) Recruitment Team
