At a Glance
- Tasks: Analyse and map fishing vessel data using advanced tools like R and GIS.
- Company: Join Natural Resources Wales, a leader in marine conservation.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, mentorship, and flexible working conditions.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities to engage with marine specialists.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on marine conservation while developing your analytical skills.
- Qualifications: Postgraduate degree in marine science or related field preferred.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
The role aims to provide robust, high-quality spatial evidence on marine fishing activity in Welsh waters to inform advisory and reporting duties. This 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, offering a collaborative work culture that prioritises ecological sustainability and community engagement. Employees benefit from professional development opportunities and a supportive environment that fosters growth, all while contributing to meaningful projects like the Teifi Fyw programme in the beautiful Teifi catchment area.
Contact Details:
Natural Resources Wales / Cyfoeth Naturiol Cymru Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Postgraduate Placement, Fishing Vessel Positional Data Analysis and Mapping in Cardiff
✨Get Involved in Sustainability Events
Join local and national environmental tech events, workshops, and seminars. These gatherings are perfect for meeting industry professionals, showcasing your enthusiasm for the sector, and possibly even catching wind of placement opportunities at companies like Natural Resources Wales / Cyfoeth Naturiol Cymru.
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✨Join Environmental Forums and Online Groups
Become an active member of online communities focused on environmental technology, such as dedicated forums or professional networks like LinkedIn groups. By engaging with others in discussions or sharing insights, you can boost your visibility and potentially snag a placement with innovative firms.
✨Showcase Your Passion Project
If you've worked on any environmentally-focused projects, whether at uni or in your downtime, make sure to showcase them! Build a portfolio or a simple website to highlight your work. This can be a game changer when applying to placements, making you memorable to companies like Natural Resources Wales / Cyfoeth Naturiol Cymru.
We think you need these skills to ace Postgraduate Placement, Fishing Vessel Positional Data Analysis and Mapping in Cardiff
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:For an Environmental Engineering Tech placement, it's essential to highlight any technical skills you’ve gained from your studies or projects. Make sure to mention specific software or tools you’re familiar with, like AutoCAD or GIS. If you've done any relevant coursework or projects, flaunt those as well to show your hands-on experience!
Passion for Sustainability Matters:In your cover letter, express your passion for sustainability and environmental issues. Dive into what motivates you to pursue this field. Whether it's a project from university or an initiative you've participated in, let that enthusiasm shine through. This is your chance to show the team at Natural Resources Wales / Cyfoeth Naturiol Cymru why you're the perfect fit!
Include Your Certifications:If you have any certifications related to environmental engineering, definitely include them! These could be anything from health and safety training to specific environmental regulations. It helps demonstrate that you're not just theoretical but also ready to hit the ground running during your placement at Natural Resources Wales / Cyfoeth Naturiol Cymru.
Tailor Your CV for the Role:When you’re putting together your CV, make sure to tailor it specifically for the Environmental Engineering Tech role. Highlight relevant modules, skills, and experiences that align with what Natural Resources Wales / Cyfoeth Naturiol Cymru is looking for. Don’t forget to add your current studies or expected graduation dates, as placements are all about finding that perfect fit while you learn!
How to prepare for a job interview at Natural Resources Wales / Cyfoeth Naturiol Cymru
✨Get Smart on Sustainability
Brush up on the latest trends in sustainable technologies and environmental policies. Being able to discuss innovations in areas like waste management or renewable energy will show that you’re not just knowledgeable but also genuinely interested in the field.
✨Master the Technical Basics
Expect technical questions that might delve into specific engineering principles or environmental assessment techniques. Be familiar with tools like AutoCAD or GIS software, as well as relevant regulations, because these could come up during the interview!
✨Show Your Learning Mindset
As this is a placement, the interviewers will be keen to see your motivation and capacity to learn. Be ready to discuss how your coursework or any projects have prepared you for this role and how you’re eager to grow in this industry.
✨Prepare Case Studies or Projects
If you've worked on any relevant projects – whether in your coursework, as part of a club, or even personal initiatives – bring those up! Being able to present real examples of your work and the thought process behind them can make you really stand out to Natural Resources Wales / Cyfoeth Naturiol Cymru.
