Marine Project Manager (Coastal Management Project)

St Helena National Trust

The St Helena National Trust (the Trust) was founded in 2002 to promote and protect the unique and internationally significant built, cultural and natural heritage of St Helena. We do this through evidence-based proactive management, strategic partnership, and collaboration. We are a membership-based public charity that is regulated by Ordinance and governed by a volunteer board of Trustees.

The people who make up the Trust are considered to be the Trust’s greatest asset. Whether they are volunteers tirelessly giving their time and energy or paid staff, each plays an important part. Since the Trust’s inception, it has grown from strength to strength, with around 20-30 staff working on the Peaks, in the forests, on the coastlines, and in the water that surrounds the island.

Purpose of the Position

The Trust requires a Marine Project Manager to lead the DPLUS223 – Integrated Coastal Monitoring and Habitat program on a fixed-term basis until September 2028, monitoring and carrying out coastal conservation for key marine species, and assisting with other aspects of the Marine Section's work.

Main Duties

The primary duties are sub-categorised as follows:

Project Management

1. Coordinate and supervise staff, volunteers, apprentices and work experience students for completion of project activities.
2. With support from the Finance Manager, track finances to ensure the project is delivered on budget.
3. Produce timely reports to partners and Actors on the project, including the Project Steering Committee.
4. Procure research equipment, obtain research permits, liaise with project partners and coordinate field work for the Coastal Management Project.
5. Develop and manage work plans to ensure the project is delivered on time.
6. Develop, update and maintain risk management plans, including risk assessments and a project risk register.
7. Assist the Head of Marine Conservation with establishing a programme for local capacity building for the management of birds, including bird handling and ringing via the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO).
8. Develop coastal management strategies with the support of the Head of Marine Conservation and partners of the DPLUS223 project.

Ecological Monitoring

• Establish protocols for long-term baseline monitoring of key coastal marine species, including Masked Boobies, Red-billed Tropicbirds, Storm Petrels, and green turtles, using a variety of methods, including drone data and camera traps.
• Collect and collate population demographics, behavioural observations, and environmental factors from key sites along St Helena’s coast, including shorelines, beaches, and islets, surveying habitats and coastal erosion.
• Survey key sites to identify significant threats to the key coastal marine species, developing mitigation plans and heat maps based on the evidence collected to inform St Helena’s National Conservation Management Plans.
• Trial the use of artificial nesting boxes for the most threatened species to enhance nesting success
• Maintain accurate databases and ensure data is managed in accordance with best-practice standards.

Education and Outreach

• Engage positively with the international and local community on St Helena’s unique marine environment and conservation issues, particularly coastal habitats protection.
• Develop best-practice guides with key stakeholders to ensure the safety of sensitive habitats.
• Develop engaging materials to promote best practices, such as signage at key sites and media.
• Assist with the delivery of education and engagement activities to a range of audiences.
• Support the Education and Outreach Manager in project outputs

Other

• Assist the Marine Section where required, including monitoring of marine species (whale sharks, etc.)
• Assist the Head of Marine Conservation with identifying research and conservation ‘gaps’ on St Helena and develop appropriate work programmes to address the gaps.
• Assist the Head of Marine Conservation with identifying funding streams and developing applications to support future work programmes.
• Any other duties as relevant to the role and requested by the Head of Marine Conservation

Key Working Relationships

• Senior Management Team
• Project Managers and Senior Officers
• Wider Trust Staff
• Volunteers
• Apprentices and work experience students
• St Helena Government
• Donor
• RSPB
• British Trust of Ornithology (BTO)
• Suppliers
• Private Sector and contractors
• Trust Members
• Customers

Essential and Desirable Criteria

Essential

• Recognised grades in GCSE or equivalent in Maths and English (Grade 4/Grade C)
• Experience in marine conservation
• Experience leading and working in a team
• Excellent time management skills and ability to multitask and prioritise work
• Attention to detail and problem-solving
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Office
• Good level of physical fitness

Desirable

• Qualification in Marine Science-related subjects
• Specific conservation qualifications such as BTO, PADI, etc.
• Competent in statistical packages RStudio and QGIS.
• Good understanding of St Helena’s coastal and marine environment and the species within it.
• Good working knowledge of St Helena’s Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category VI) and its needs to remain sustainable

International package includes flights, a £2000 allocation, and a £2400 international supplement per annum.