North Western IFCA is recruting for a fixed-term Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Officer (IFCO) to join our Whitehaven office.

Role: IFCO (Crew)

Location: Whitehaven Office

Contract: Fixed-Term until March 2030; full-time (37 hours per week).

Salary: £34,811 – £40,444 (subject to future pay increments and pay awards); Local Government Pension Scheme.

Closing Date: 1st November 2026

Interview Dates: Week commencing 9th November 2026

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.

Purpose 

Undertaking enforcement duties both on land and at sea, working as part of an operational team within a designated geographical patch within the Authority’s district, both shoreside and aboard patrol vessels as a member of the crew. Undertaking risk-based and intelligence-led compliance assurance activities and enforcement of fisheries legislation, as well as assisting with surveys and project work, recording and submitting intelligence, replying to consultations, liaising with partner organisations and stakeholders, and attending meetings.

Main Responsibilities 

• Ensuring compliance with, and enforcement of, fisheries conservation measures through the undertaking of routine inspections of fishing and other marine-based activities, both from shore and at sea.
• Acting as crew on the Authority’s fisheries patrol vessels and helping to maintain the vessels in good working order.
• Recording fishing activity by location, numbers of fishers, vessels and types of fishing activity and collecting and submitting intelligence.
• Taking consistent, risk-based enforcement action to prevent illegal fishing activity, collecting evidence when offences are detected in accordance with relevant legislation for regulators and submitting to the Head of Enforcement for further investigation.
• Assisting with investigating fisheries offences by providing witness statements, interviewing suspects, analysing data and producing evidence.
• Assisting with environmental monitoring both at sea and during intertidal surveys with Science Team colleagues.
• Liaising with the fishing industry and other key stakeholders regarding marine fisheries / conservation management and associated issues and, where necessary, writing reports regarding the outcomes of consultations.
• Maintaining an overview of the Authority’s regulatory framework to ensure a contemporary understanding of the legislation to be enforced.
• Working with partner agencies on coordinated operational and enforcement activities and sharing information accordingly.
• Operating all operational assets (i.e. vessels, vehicles and equipment) in a safe and effective manner and liaising with the Senior Operational Support Officer to ensure they are appropriately maintained.
• Representing the Authority at external meetings as and when required.

How to apply

To apply, please send a completed application form (download below).

Applications should be sent to [email protected].

The deadline for submission of applications is 1st November 2026.

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Joe Moulton, NWIFCA Head of Enforcement on 01524 727970 or at [email protected].

NWIFCA is committed to equality of opportunity and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates.

Application Form