Field Researcher x3

Looking for a summer adventure? Dive into the world of Economics with us – we’re hiring three Field Researchers for our bustling Economics team!

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 breathtaking locations, and interacting with fishermen, vessel owners, and skippers as you collect socio-economic information for our fleet survey. This role is 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. 

Quick overview of the Field Researcher role 

• Job status & start date: This is a temporary summer post, starting on 30th June 2025 and ending in mid-September 2025. The contract duration is approx. 10 to 12 weeks.
• Location: In this role, you will primarily be conducting fieldwork and traveling 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.
• The salary for this post is £24,728 per year. 

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. 

At Seafish we operate a Trust and Performance working environment which focuses on performance - both what you do and how you go about achieving it. We don’t measure time in our Trust and Performance culture, instead we measure delivery. Working in this way means you have autonomy and accountability in equal parts and working in a way that is most effective for you, as long as your work gets delivered to agreed standards.