Life Science jobs

Company Overview

Do you want to work for a company with engaged and passionate employees who lean every day? Now, imagine working for a company where you can positively impact the health and growth of all living things while protecting the environment. That’s what the employees of Acadian Seaplants are proud to do every day. For more than 20 consecutive years, Acadian Seaplants Limited has secured the designation as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies!

Acadian Seaplants Limited (‘ASL’) is a fully integrated bio-tech manufacturer of premium seaweed products for plants, animals, and people. For over 40 years, we have demonstrated our commitment to science, sustainability, community and high-quality results for customers through our practices and approach to harvesting, managing, and cultivating marine resources. Our eco-friendly and eco-efficient products are exported to over 80 countries around the world, delivering excellence in every product. For more information, visit www.acadianseaplants.com.

Acadian Seaplants employs 470+ people in 20+ countries and manages five processing facilities in Atlantic Canada, Ireland and Scotland. Sustainably harvested wild and custom cultivated seaweeds are processed into technical products for global horticultural/agricultural, animal feed, health & beauty and food service industries.

Our innovative culture begins with our people who play a key role in delivering our core values of Safety, Teamwork and Value Creation! At ASL, compensation is more than just about salary. It includes benefits, performance, and recognition, as well as career opportunities and professional development. We promote a culture where people feel engaged!

Summary

The Resource Biologist is responsible for field sampling and data collection from annual seaweed surveys and intertidal field research studies related to the commercial harvest of seaweed in Scotland (mainly the Outer Hebrides). This includes maintenance of a Geographical Information System (GIS) database; conducting seaweed biomass surveys in Scotland and occasionally in the rest of Europe. This position will include a significant amount of time spent in the field and travelling to conduct field work, especially during the summer months. Experience driving boats in ocean environments is mandatory.

The Resource Biologist reports to the Manager Resource Science. Other internal contacts include the VP Technology, the VP Resource Management, and ownership of the company, as well as various Resource and Plant Managers. An important function of the role is to build strong relationships with the local scientific community and relevant government agencies.

Responsibilities

• Execute and supervise annual biomass assessment and data collection/analyses from field studies.
• Record, collate and report data from experimental field studies.
• Provide advice on resource assessments and harvest limits to the Resource Team.
• Maintain GIS database
• Interact with seaweed harvesters.
• Participate in select community and social responsibility assignments in Scotland.
• Interact with government officers and scientists.
• Interact with scientists from other scientific institutions.
• Prepare harvest reports and detailed harvest plans.
• Collaborate on scientific publications for in peer-reviewed journals.
• Complete other scientific or field-related assignments as required.
• Drive the company’s core values of safety, teamwork and value creation by displaying appropriate behaviours.

Qualifications

• B.Sc. in Marine Biology, environmental science (or related field experience)
• Minimum 3-5 years field experience – strong commitment to working in the field is a must
• Experience working on small boats and qualified to handle a boat in the inshore, marine environment
• Physically able to work extensive periods along the shore in many types of weather
• Able to work flexible hours to accommodate schedule to the prevailing tides
• GIS experience
• Knowledge of local seaweeds and invertebrates
• Must hold a clean, valid driver’s license
• Must be able to travel within Scotland and Europe in general
• Proficiency with basic MS office software
• Ability to work effectively with minimal supervision
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Willingness to learn and contribute in a team environment
• Good organizational skills with the ability to multi-task

WORKING CONDITIONS

This position requires considerable traveling and is at times physically demanding thus, the candidate must be fit to walk and work long hours in the rocky intertidal area. It also requires working some weekends and holidays, particularly during the longer daylight hours of summer and part of the autumn season.

Field work is dependent on periods of low tide and the weather; work will be required during inclement weather and early morning, and late evening tides depending on the time of low water. The nature of fieldwork and interactions is such that the Resource Biologist will be required to travel extensively within the region and in various European countries on occasions.

Note: This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties that may be required to be performed. You will be required to follow any additional instructions deemed appropriate by your reporting Manager.

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• Company car
• Company pension
• Life insurance
• Private medical insurance
• Sick pay

Work Location: In person