Vacancies
Job Vacancies
North Western IFCA is currently recruiting for a Fisheries Manager on a fixed term basis until March 2030.
Role: Fisheries Manager – Fixed Term until March 2030
Location: Head Office (Carnforth)
Contract: Fixed-term until March 2030, full-time (37 hours per week)
Starting Salary: £48,738-£55,224 (subject to future pay increments and pay awards); Local Government Pension Scheme.
Closing Date: 25th October 2026
Interview Date: 5th and 6th November 2026
About the role
NWIFCA is seeking to recruit a new Fisheries Manager.
This is a newly created senior role which will enable NWIFCA to further improve its fisheries management strategies and practises, primarily through the development of new byelaws and fisheries management plans (FMPs).
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.
What you will be doing
In your capacity as the Fisheries Manager, you will lead the development review of local fisheries and conservation measures, including byelaws, permit schemes, FMPs, voluntary measures and associated policies needed to support these.
You will bring together scientific evidence, enforcement experience, legal advice and stakeholder feedback to create clear options for the Authority. You will then lead approved measures through drafting, consultation, confirmation, implementation and review.
About you
We are looking for someone who can demonstrate:
- strong interest in, and experience of, fisheries / marine management, or wider environmental regulation or enforcement;
- excellent communication and interpersonal skills;
- experience of assessing evidence from a range of sources (quantitative and qualitative), translating complex technical information into clear recommendations;
- excellent written and analytical skills and attention to detail;
- ability to work independently and as part of a team;
- willingness and ability to work outdoors and at unsocial hours from time to time.
Previous experience in fisheries enforcement, marine regulation, environmental management, legal drafting, 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.
Essential Criteria
- Degree, postgraduate qualification or equivalent professional experience in fisheries management, marine science, environmental science, ecology, natural resource management, marine policy, law or another relevant discipline.
- Evidence of continuing professional development relevant to fisheries, marine conservation, environmental management, regulation or public sector decision making.
Desirable Criteria
- Postgraduate qualification in fisheries science, marine resource management, marine conservation, environmental law / policy or a related subject.
How to apply
To apply, please send a completed application form to [email protected] by 25th October 2026.
Application sifting will occur the following week, with interviews anticipated for the week commencing 2nd November. These will be in our Head Office in Carnforth.
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.
Job Description – Fisheries Manager
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.
Member Vacancies
There are currently vacancies for members of the NWIFCA Committee.
If you wish to apply, please follow the link below.
Opportunity to manage inshore fisheries and conservation – GOV.UK