Senior Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Officer (Skipper)
Location: Shore, Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex
Opening Date: 27 January 2025
Closing Date: 9 February 2025
The Sussex Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (IFCA) is seeking a motivated and capable Senior Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Officer (Skipper) to support the management and conservation of inshore fisheries within the Sussex coastal area.
About Sussex IFCA
The Sussex Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (IFCA) is one of ten regional IFCAs in England, responsible for managing sea fisheries resources and Marine Protected Areas out to six nautical miles. Our district covers the entire Sussex Coast, including the estuaries.
Our vision is to lead, champion, and manage a sustainable marine environment and inshore fisheries, by successfully securing the right balance between social, environmental, and economic benefits to ensure healthy seas, sustainable fisheries, and a viable industry.
The IFCA is a committee of local government, and we are funded by East Sussex County Council, West Sussex County Council, and Brighton and Hove City Council.
About the role
Do you have a strong maritime background, enjoy working at sea, and have great leadership skills? Are you passionate about protecting our marine environment and ensuring sustainable fishing practices? If so, this might be the perfect opportunity for you!
As Senior IFCO (Skipper), you will be a vital part of our team of motivated professionals based at our Shoreham-by-Sea office, working to safeguard our coastal waters. You will support the Vessel Operations Manager (Senior Skipper) in ensuring the safe and efficient management and operation of the Authority’s fishery patrol vessels, including the development of crew, and the compliance and enforcement of fisheries and conservation regulations in the inshore waters of Sussex.
You will be trained to conduct enforcement of regulations relating to fisheries and Marine Protected Areas, ensuring compliance with the Marine & Coastal Access Act and other marine, environmental, and sea fisheries legislation. Your responsibilities will include:
* Assisting the Vessel Operations Manager (Senior Skipper) in the operation and maintenance of our patrol vessels
* Conducting fishery inspections and enforcement activities to ensure compliance with regulations
* Participating in data collection and research to support marine conservation efforts
* Leading and mentoring crew members to ensure efficient and safe operations
About you
You should be enthusiastic and passionate about the marine environment, with knowledge of marine conservation and management issues, and the fishing industry. You should have a strong drive to enforce rules protecting fish stocks, marine habitats, and marine wildlife. You will have proven experience in handling boats and RIBs at sea with the confidence and ability to do so in the absence of the Senior Skipper. You’ll combine this with good communication skills – written and oral, along with an organized approach and an aptitude for teamwork and collaboration. You will work as part of a team and be confident working alone when required. You must be prepared to work some additional hours and unsocial hours (e.g., weekends and at night), for which the post attracts a 10% uplift on basic salary. You will be required to tackle physically demanding duties in a challenging marine environment, and as such, we’ll expect you to meet the standard required to obtain a Seafarers Medical Certificate (ENG1). Officers involved in both enforcement and conservation and research activities may be required to work a minimum of 20 weekend days per year and a maximum of 28 weekend days. Staff shall work on average a minimum of 37 hours per week.
For informal advice on the recruitment process, please ask for Robert Pearson, Chief Fisheries and Conservation Officer.
The first round of the two-stage interview process will be held in the week commencing 17th February 2025 in Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex.
Company Name: Sussex Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority
Address: Riverside Business Centre, 12a, Brighton Rd, Shoreham-by-Sea BN43 6RE
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