We’re Recruiting!
North Western IFCA is recruiting a new position. As an initial fixed term post, during which the postholder would be on secondment to Natural Resources Wales (NRW), this is a very unique opportunity. At the end of the fixed term and the secondment, there is then potential for the position to be made permanent as a new Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Officer (IFCO) in our Liverpool Office.
More details below.
Role: IFCO; immediate secondment to NRW as their Dee Estuary Cockle Fishery Management Officer.
Location: During NRW secondment, can be home-based, or office-based at NRW’s Buckley office or NWIFCA’s Liverpool office (or a hybrid arrangement working at more than one of these). On returning to NWIFCA following secondment, to be based at our Liverpool office.
Contract: Initially fixed term to 30th June 2028, with the potential to become permanent subject to the new Dee Regulating Order being confirmed and the post being fully funded. Full-time (37 hours per week).
Starting Salary: £37,594 to £41,428 (subject to future pay increments and pay awards). Local Government Pension Scheme.
Closing Date: 26th July 2026.
Interview Dates: Anticipated w/c 10th August 2026.
About the role
NWIFCA is seeking to recruit a Dee Estuary Cockle Fishery Management Officer / IFCO.
This is a unique and exciting opportunity to work at the heart of one of the most important cockle fisheries in the UK. The successful candidate will be employed by NWIFCA and, following a short induction period, will be seconded to NRW as their Dee Estuary Cockle Officer with responsibility for the day-to-day management of the existing Dee Estuary Cockle Fishery Regulating Order until 30th June 2028.
Subject to the confirmation of a new Dee Regulating Order, the role is expected to transition into a permanent NWIFCA IFCO post, based at our Liverpool office, supporting wider fisheries compliance and enforcement work across the southern part of our district.
This post offers the right candidate the chance to develop specialist knowledge of the Dee Estuary cockle fishery while working closely with both NRW and NWIFCA colleagues.
About us
NWIFCA is one of ten Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authorities in England. We are responsible for the sustainable management of sea fisheries resources within the inshore waters, and along the coast, of North West England. In managing these fisheries, we balance the needs of fishing communities, marine conservation and wider public interest.
NRW is a Welsh Government Sponsored Body tasked with ensuring the sustainable management, enhancement and use of natural resources in Wales. NRW operates under the Environment (Wales) Act 2016 and is responsible for environmental protection and regulation. Its main objectives include promoting sustainable management practises, advising on environmental issues and addressing challenges such as nature’s recovery, resilience to climate change and minimising pollution. NRW is responsible for the management of the current Dee Estuary Cockle Fishery Regulating Order, which expires in June 2028. The successful candidate will work within NRW’s operational arrangements during the secondment period, while remaining a contracted NWIFCA employee.
You can find out more about the current Dee Estuary Cockle Fishery Regulating Order here.
What you will be doing
During the initial secondment to NRW, you will support the day-to-day management, monitoring and enforcement of the Dee Estuary cockle fishery. Duties will include:
- carrying out compliance and enforcement activity within the fishery;
- working with licence holders, fishers and other stakeholders;
- supporting well-regulated, sustainable fishing activity;
- undertaking patrols, inspections and evidence gathering;
- assisting and advising fishers on licence compliance;
- contributing to operational planning and reporting;
- maintaining accurate records and case files;
- working with colleagues across NRW, NWIFCA and our partner agencies to support the transition to the new Regulating Order.
If the new Dee Regulating Order is confirmed, the post is expected to move into a permanent NWIFCA IFCO role. At that stage, the role would support NWIFCA’s responsibilities for compliance, enforcement and fishery management in relation to the Dee cockle fishery, but also across other fisheries within the southern part of the district, working under the Senior IFCO for that area.
About you
We’re looking for someone who is practical, professional and confident working in a regulatory environment. You will need to be able to work outdoors in challenging coastal and estuarine conditions, communicate effectively with fishers and other stakeholders, and apply rules fairly and consistently.
You should be able to demonstrate:
- an interest in fisheries, marine management, environmental regulation or enforcement;
- good communication and interpersonal skills;
- sound judgement and the ability to deal calmly with difficult situations;
- the ability to work independently and as part of a team;
- good written skills and attention to detail;
- confidence in keeping accurate records and preparing reports;
- willingness to work flexibly, including early mornings, evenings, and occasional weekends as operational needs require;
- a full UK driving licence, or the ability to meet the travel requirements of the role.
Previous experience in fisheries enforcement, marine regulation, environmental management, practical fisheries work, the shellfish sector, policing, military, regulatory compliance or a similar field would be an advantage. However, we are interested in candidates from any backgrounds with transferable skills and the right mindset.
Contract and future prospects
The post is initially fixed term until 30th June 2028. During this period, the postholder will be employed by NWIFCA and seconded to NRW.
The future of the post beyond that date depends on the outcome of our new Dee Regulating Order application and the availability of full cost recovery for the post through associated licence fees. If the new Order is confirmed, the post is expected to become a permanent NWIFCA IFCO role. If there is a short delay to the new Order, the fixed term contract may be extended where funding is agreed. If the new Order is not confirmed, is materially delayed, or does not provide for full cost recovery, the fixed term contract may not be renewed.
Why apply?
This is a rare opportunity to gain specialist experience in the management of a commercially important shellfish fishery, working across two public bodies and being instrumental in shaping the future regulation of the Dee Estuary cockle fishery.
You will gain direct experience of fisheries management, stakeholder engagement, compliance and enforcement, while contributing to the sustainable management of an important natural resource.
How to apply
To apply, please send:
- a completed application form (download below); and
- a current CV.
Applications should be sent to [email protected].
The deadline for submission of applications is Sunday 26th July 2026.
Application sifting will occur the following week, with interviews anticipated for the week commencing 10th August. This will either be over Microsoft Teams or in person in the Liverpool area.
For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Mark Taylor, NWIFCA CEO, on 01524 727970 or at [email protected].
NWIFCA is committed to equality of opportunity and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates.