Field Researcher x5

Field Researchers – Exciting Summer Opportunity (paid)!

Looking for an adventure this summer? Dive into the dynamic world of Economics as a Field
Researcher with us – We are offering five exciting positions where you’ll
become an integral part of our bustling Economics team. Apply by 6 May.

What’s this role about?

As a Field Researcher, you’ll play a vital role in gathering data for our annual survey of the
fishing fleet throughout the UK. Picture yourself visiting different ports and harbours, some
in breath-taking locations, and interacting with fishermen, vessel owners, and skippers as you
collect socio-economic information for our fleet survey. This role is a great opportunity to
gain hands-on experience in the UK’s seafood sector and a chance for you to contribute to our
publications by sharing your insights gleaned from engaging directly with those involved in the
industry.

If you’re eager to explore different locations throughout the UK, we would love to hear from
you!

Before you embark on this thrilling journey, here’s what you need to know:

You’ll have specific targets for completing surveys, but don’t worry, we’ll support you every
step of the way.

You will need to be able to drive for this role. Our goal is to survey every single port and
harbour in the UK, which means visiting numerous locations across the country. You’ll be on the
move a lot, staying overnight in different areas. We’ll set you up with a vehicle for your
convenience.

Due to the diverse schedules of individuals you will engage with, flexibility is key. Get
ready to think outside the box to achieve your survey targets.

We’ve got you covered! Our team led by the Fleet Survey Project Manager will meticulously
plan, organise, and cover all your travel costs and accommodations, ensuring a seamless
experience for you.

We’ll offer comprehensive training to ensure you’re fully equipped with interview techniques,
industry knowledge, and safety protocols before you hit the field. This training is scheduled
to occur during the first weeks of July and will be held in Edinburgh and Peterhead, so it’s
essential that you are available during that time. Our aim is to make sure you’re well-prepared
and confident in your abilities before you begin your research activities.

UK Fishing Fleet Survey

Quick overview of the Field Researcher role

• Job status & start date: This is a temporary summer post, starting on 1 July 2024 and
  ending in mid-September 2024. The contract duration is approx. 10 to 12 weeks.
• Location: In this role, you will primarily be conducting fieldwork and travelling across
  the UK. Our Economics team is located in Edinburgh, and there will be times when you are
  required to join them at their base. However, the majority of your time will be spent on the
  road, visiting various locations. Candidates must have the right to work in the UK. 
• The salary for this post is: £22,942 per year pro rata.

What it’s like to work in the Economics, Insight and Advice Team at Seafish

Seafish is here to give the UK seafood sector the support it needs to thrive. Our work makes a
huge difference. We collaborate with a wide range of partners – from seafood businesses and
trade bodies to government, regulators, and environmental organisations – and we engage in
everything from research to campaigns, insight, and training.

The Seafish Economics, Insight and Advice team provides research and insight on a range of
topics and sectors in the seafood industry including fishing, processing, trade and retail. We
collect and analyse data on the economic performance of fishing and processing businesses,
their workforce and seafood trade and retail among other areas.

We provide key advice to Government, industry and researchers which helps inform fisheries,
labour and trade policies. Our outputs include the Economics of the UK Fishing Fleet reports,
Quay Issues magazine and our digital Enquiry Tools – have a look!

Our annual survey of the fishing fleet is one of our key pieces of research looking into the
health of the UK’s fishing sector. The survey investigates the economic performance of the
fleet and the demographics of the people who work in it. The outputs of the fleet survey allow
us to better understand the social impact the industry has on coastal communities and the
impacts of fisheries management policies.

Take a look at Seafish data on Tableau

Main responsibilities

• Data collection: Conducting in-person interviews with fishermen, fishing vessel owners and
  skippers across UK ports to gather socioeconomic and financial data.
• Engagement and communication: Building rapport and engaging with industry members to
  encourage participation in the survey. Utilising strong communication skills to facilitate
  conversations and gather relevant information.
• Data entry: Entering collected data into digital survey forms using tablets or mobile
  phones to ensure comprehensive datasets for further analysis by the economics team.
• Data quality assurance: Ensuring the quality of collected data to provide reliable raw data
  suitable for analysis.
• Organisational tasks: Organising and delivering work using digital survey forms and
  collaboration platforms like Microsoft Teams.

To be successful in this role you will need…

• Target-driven attitude: Being motivated to achieve set targets and goals in data
  collection/surveys.
• Confident communication: Being able to confidently approach industry members and engage in
  meaningful but sometimes challenging conversations.
• Ability to work under pressure: Capable of working efficiently against deadlines and
  managing workload effectively.
• Organisational skills: Ability to organise and prioritise tasks independently, seeking
  support when necessary.
• Sound judgement: Exercising discretion and good judgement during fieldwork and interviews.
• Self-motivation: Having the drive and initiative to work independently and meet agreed
  results.
• Interpersonal skills: Eager to meet new people and establish rapport with individuals in
  the fishing sector.
• A full, clean driving licence.

Qualification (desirable but not essential):

• A degree in Economics or other social sciences, preferably with a research component. While
  this is desirable, it is not essential, as candidates with relevant skills, experience, and
  alternative educational backgrounds may also be considered.

Other desirable skills:

• Competent in using Microsoft Teams & the Microsoft Office package.
• Knowledge of primary research techniques, ability to exercise critical thinking, and a good
  understanding of the importance of data quality.
• Experience working in professional project teams.

What we are offering:

• The salary for this post is £22,942 per year pro rata.
• 6.5 days of paid annual leave for the contract duration (including Bank Holidays).
• A generous employer pension scheme – Seafish will double your contribution, up to a maximum
  employer contribution of 10%.
• Access to a range of health and wellbeing benefits like private medical insurance and free
  eye tests.
• Our unlimited employee assistance scheme is a support service available 24/7 – it offers
  confidential, impartial advice on anything you need such as work, family, finance support or
  anything else personal to you.
• We have a professional development culture with plenty of learning opportunities.
• Those who exceed survey expectations could receive extra rewards.

Application process

To apply for the post you should email your application to [email protected]. Please
include ‘Field Researcher’ in the subject line of your email.

Your application should include:

• A covering letter OR a short video explaining why you are a suitable candidate.
• A recent copy of your CV so we can find out more about your skills and experience.
• A completed copy of our recruitment consent form.

The deadline for applications is 6 May 2024.

Candidates invited to interview will be given at least one weeks’ notice of proposed interview
date to allow you to prepare. At this stage you may be asked to complete a short task in
advance of interview and then answer some competency-based questions during interview.

We can’t wait to hear from you!