Project Officer, Engagement & Communications

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About the Blue Hope Alliance

The Blue Hope Alliance is a cross-sector volunteer citizen science survey collaboration between marine stakeholders and community groups in the North West Highlands, built to support better management of the underwater ecosystems. BHA emerged out of an initiative started by members of the community, local fishermen and divers and is supported by volunteer marine scientists. It is now an established citizen science survey alliance. The Alliance works for an ecosystem approach to conservation, a restoration of fisheries and a more sustainable coastal economy with greater community participation.

The role

The three year project “Scotland’s Hidden Reefs: Saving Maerl, Herring and Underwater Ecosystems through Citizen Science, Advocacy and Storytelling” is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Initially centred around the Wester Ross Marine Protected Area (MPA) it now extends across the northwest Highlands. The project’s core aim is ecological as well as cultural restoration and to promote cross-sector cooperation across the Northwest to achieve this goal. This requires encouraging the sharing of knowledge, resources and expertise to survey the seabed and build community awareness and enable more participation, whilst building greater community care taking, to restore our once rich seas.

The Project Officer will manage the day-to-day delivery of the three-year BHA project, with a particular focus on community engagement and communications.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate project activities and support delivery within budget
• Develop and coordinate public engagement activities and events
• Strengthen links and capacity across community groups
• Communicate the Maerl Reports and other scientific findings to wider audiences
• Develop the BHA website, social media and other public-facing communications
• Support and coordinate citizen science surveys, and work with marine scientists, the Marine Archivist, Alliance groups and other partners

Qualifications and experience

Required

• A sound understanding of marine ecology sufficient to engage credibly with marine scientists and stakeholders. The successful candidate will not be expected to be a specialist marine scientist
• A full driving licence, because the role involves travel within the project area

Salary and benefits

GBP 27,000 per annum, plus employer pension contribution and applicable employment benefits.

Location and schedule

Based in the Northwest Highlands, Scotland. Three-year fixed-term, full-time employment at 40 hours per week, with a five month probation period, reporting to the Steering Committee for the Blue Hope Alliance. The role involves attending community events and survey activities and may require the post holder to carry project equipment and materials, including diving or survey equipment and a film projector and associated event equipment. Diving itself is not a requirement of the role. The expected start date is as soon as possible, late October to early November 2026, subject to appointment. Any offer of employment will be conditional upon satisfactory references, right-to-work checks and an occupational health assessment appropriate to the requirements of the role.

Deadline and how to apply

The closing date for applications is midnight on 8 October 2026. Further details, job specifications and the application form can be downloaded from https://www.bluehopealliance.co.uk/job-openings or requested by email from connect@bluehopealliance.co.uk. Return the completed form and application statement to connect@bluehopealliance.co.uk by the closing date.