Out of the Blue
Design and Communication Officer
Information for Applicants
Introduction
Salary £27,000 - £30,000 per annum (depending on skills and experience)
One day per week (7 hours) fixed term to end September 2015
Solway Firth Partnership is seeking applications for aDesign and Communication Officer to support the Out of the Blue project. Out of the Blue aims to drive the sustainable and profitabledevelopment of local fisheries and increase the social and economiccontribution the seafood sector makes to the coastal communities ofDumfries and Galloway. Actions will include fostering collaborationbetween industry, environment, science, regulatory and tourismsectors; delivering education and promotional initiatives; and creatinginterpretive material that increases understanding of local fisheries. The project will forge stronger links between the local area andnational and international initiatives that support sustainable fisheriesand promote seafood.
We are looking for an enthusiastic, positive and self-motivated personwho takes a pride in the quality of their work. An outgoing personalitywith the ability to communicate with a wide range of people isessential along with a commitment to building strong workingrelationships. Education to degree level in a related discipline ispreferable but not essential. Knowledge and experience of preparing high quality interpretive material is essential.
Out of the Blue is funded by the Scottish Government through Marine Scotland and the European Union via the European Fisheries Fund Axis 4 programme with additional funding support from Dumfries and Galloway Council.
Closing date 5pm Wednesday 30 July 2014
Solway Firth Partnership
Solway Firth Partnership works to support a vibrant local economy while respecting the distinctive character, natural features, wildlife and habitats of the Solway Firth. This is achieved by bringing people together to identify and implement actions that integrate use and help ensure an environmentally sustainable future for the marine and coastal area. Community engagement is at the heart of our work which includes marine planning and policy; sustainable fisheries management; environmental education; promotion of coastal and marine wildlife recording programmes; action on marine and coastal litter; and contribution to a wide range of partnership projects. We are an independent company and a registered Scottish charity.
Out of the Blue project location
The Design and Communication Officer will be basedat the Solway Firth Partnership office in Dumfries. The project will extend along the full length of the Dumfries and Galloway coastline with particular relevance to communities including Annan, Kirkcudbright, Isle of Whithorn, Port William, Drummore, Portpatrick and Stranraer.
Out of the Blue project background
Dumfries and Galloway’s seafood industry is valuable in local, national and international terms. At a local scale, sea fisheries make a significant contribution to the character and economic wellbeing of coastal towns and villages. Kirkcudbright ranked ninth in the UK for value of landings in 2011 with shellfish valued at £4.7 million landed into the port in the centre of town. Remote villages with limited employment opportunities including Isle of Whithorn, Port William and Drummore are the base for creel fishermen principally targeting brown crab and lobster. The majority of landings in Dumfries and Galloway are processed locally as well as shellfish transported into the region which provides jobs along the coast. Much shellfish is exported from the region to supply demand in UK cities and the European market.
Historically, there has been limited local agency support for the seafood industry. This arises from factors including scarce resources for proactive regional sea fisheries and seafood industry related initiatives. The introduction of regional Inshore Fisheries Groups in Scotland is in the early stages with the Solway part of the South West Inshore Fisheries Group.
Out of the Blue project aims
The Out of the Blue project will work with the seafood industry and partners to address issues and act on opportunities to support a sustainable and profitable future for the industry. The project aims can be summarised as:
•Support sustainable economic development
•Facilitate partnership working
•Foster education and outreach
A key aim of the Out of the Blue project is to increase understanding of the part that sea fisheries play in the culture and heritage of the region and raise awareness of modern day fisheries and the seafood that is landed locally.
Design and Communication Officer Job Description
Foster education and outreach
•Improve understanding and promotion of the seafood industry by providing interpretation at Kirkcudbright and Isle of Whithorn harbours.
•Develop promotional print and online material that describes the history of local fisheries, their place in local communities and highlights the quality of locally landed shellfish. Material will include information on where to buy local seafood, recipes with a story such as a historic background or recommendation by a local chef, profiles of local fishermen and their fishing patterns, and information about the quality of the local environment.
•Produce a series of postcards using quality photographs of subjects such as harbours and stake nets with a short message about local fisheries on the back; distribute postcards around outlets such as local hotels as a means of promoting local seafood and the scenic quality of the region.
•Develop a mobile exhibition about local fisheries using new commissioned photographs and display at coastal locations including Annan, Kirkcudbright, Isle of Whithorn, Drummore and Stranraer.
Working arrangements
•The Design and Communication Officer will be required to manage contracts in accordance with EFF programme conditions.
•Administrative support for the Out of the Blue project will be provided at a level of one day a week.
•A vehicle will be provided and fuel costs will be covered by the project.
•Working as part of Solway Firth Partnership’s small team, the Design and Communication Officer will work alongside the Project Co-ordinator to deliver the Out of the Blue project.
Personal qualities, skills, experience and qualifications
- The Design and Communication Officerwill be an enthusiastic, positive and self-motivated person who takes a pride in the quality of their work. You will be capable of working on your own, as part of a small team and as a contributor to work involving a wide range of partners.
- We are looking for an outgoing individual with the confidence to communicate with a wide range of people with a variety of interests.
- Evidence of experience in producing high quality interpretive material is essential. The ideal candidate will be confident about working with a broad range of media including web design (with additional specialist support), print material, on-site interpretation and exhibition material.
- Experience of commissioning and managing photographic and design contracts is essential.
- The Design and Communication Officer will have a clear understanding and empathy with the aims of Solway Firth Partnership.
- We are looking for someone educated to degree level in a related subject or with equivalent experience.
- A full driving licence is essential.
Many thanks for your interest in this post. Please complete and submit an application form by 5pm on Wednesday 30 July 2014 if you would like to apply. If you have any queries, or would like an informal chat about the position, please call 01387 251991.