The Environment Agency are fully committed to having an inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve. We don’t just talk about diversity; we seek it, embrace it and live it, for the benefit of our staff, our communities and our environment. Everyone starting in a new role will be welcomed into the team and given all the training and support needed. As part of your comprehensive induction, you will be provided with all the equipment required for your role.
This role will be enforcement focused but will also support wider fisheries delivery. Work will be profiled throughout the year with a minimum of 70% of the time spent delivering Rod licence compliance work, targeted intelligence led patrols to check for illegal fishing, investigating fish removal and byelaw offences. For this you will be required to hold a full SAFFA warrant. The Job involves both office and field-based elements, focusing on how and when to best target different activities.
You will have a good knowledge of angling, fisheries management and fisheries legislation. Excellent communication skills and experience of working with a wide range of people is essential. You will be expected to build strong relationships, both within the team and with internal and external stakeholders. You will be well-organised and have the confidence to work independently and on your own initiative. Experience in enforcement or regulation would be advantageous.
The role has an area wide incident response element. There is a need to work flexibly and take part in the fisheries duty officer out of hours roster. The successful candidate will show a willingness to support other officers when required, work pan area, deliver priority work at short notice, including weekends and evenings, respond to incidents and supporting the wider team
The team
The Fish Operations team uses a risk-based approach to protect and improve the water environment for fisheries. We provide advice on high-risk permits, consents, licences and planning applications to ensure that biodiversity, fisheries and ecosystems are protected, and where possible enhanced. Through promotion and publicity, we raise awareness of angling opportunities with our partners, deliver the rod licence checking programme, provide incident response and undertake river habitat enhancement work.
Experience/skills required
Essential:
• Good understanding of angling and practical fisheries management techniques
• An understanding of fisheries legislation and law
• Self-motivated, acting independently with a pro-active approach
• Strong influencing skills with experience of engaging key stakeholders
• Confident communicator
• Good general fish identification
• Excellent time management skills with an ability to manage an unpredictable
• workload and balance conflicting needs and priorities.
• Full driving licence
Advantageous:
• Prior experience of enforcement work
• Experience of effective partnership working