Fisheries Operations Manager for the Beauly District Salmon Fishery Board
The Board is responsible for the protection, monitoring and improvement of wild salmon and sea trout populations and their habitats within its catchment. This encompasses the River Beauly, Glass, Farrar and their tributaries, as well as the lochs within the catchment, and the coastal areas of the Beauly district.
Our rivers and their tributaries are significantly affected by hydro power production, and increasingly by other electricity generation, distribution and storage developments. The Board has an important relationship with SSE Renewables, the generator.
The Fisheries Operations Manager will be an excellent communicator, liaising with a range of stakeholders including SSE, fishery owners and ghillies, the Ness and Beauly Fisheries Trust, neighbouring District Salmon Fishery Boards, the Beauly Angling Club and the local community as a whole, as well as external bodies such as FMS, SEPA, NatureScot and Marine Directorate.
Key responsibilities will include:
1. Updating and implementing the Board’s Fisheries Management Plan, taking account of relevant statutory requirements and guidance.
2. Maintaining a detailed and up to date understanding of the status of salmon and sea trout populations within the catchment, including the delivery of annual electrofishing surveys and other fieldwork, site visits and practical environmental activities.
3. Advising the Board on and delivering fisheries management projects and activities to protect and enhance those populations, including predation control, habitat improvement, non-native species control and smolt survival improvement. This may include arranging and overseeing related contract work where appropriate.
4. Sourcing and supervising contractors, volunteers and seasonal personnel.
5. Supervising and managing the fisheries officer/bailiff and the seasonal bailiff.
6. Supervising the implementation of Health and Safety procedures during field and operational activities.
7. Identifying opportunities for contract work and other revenue streams including grants, partnerships and other external project funding.
8. Regular reporting to the Board and the Clerk to the Board.
9. Maintaining accurate records and project documentation.
10. Keeping abreast with significant publications by relevant external bodies as well as pertinent political developments.
Skills and experience will ideally include:
1. Experience in wild fisheries management, and/or environmental and conservation management.
2. Educational qualification to degree level; a background in Biology beneficial but not essential.
3. Strong organisational and communication skills with a desire to lead and shape.
4. Experience in habitat and electrofishing surveys.
5. Evidence of self-motivation as well as a positive and proactive approach to the role.
6. Full UK driving license.
Other details:
- The position is full time at 35 hours per week.
- Alternative formats such as a position shared with nearby Fishery Boards or Trusts may be considered.
- Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience.
Qualified candidates are encouraged to submit their details to [email protected]
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Muir of Ord
