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 currently recruiting for a Science Officer on a 1 year fixed term contract (maternity cover).
Role: Science Officer – 1 Year Fixed Term (Maternity Cover)
Location: Carnforth Office
Contract: 1 Year Fixed Term (Maternity Cover) 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: 30th September 2026
Interview Dates: Week Commencing 5th October 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
As part of the Authority’s Science Team, assisting the Senior Science Officer and Head of Science with priority work to meet the Authority’s core duties within the Annual Plan and Research Plan. Assessing the impact of fishing activities on stocks and marine protected areas (MPAs) by undertaking field surveys, stock assessments, data recording and associated analyses, GIS mapping and report writing. Contributing towards the development of fisheries management plans (FMPs) for the district, impact assessments, byelaws, administering scientific dispensations and responding to marine planning and licensing consultations.
Main Responsibilities
- Preparing and presenting reports to advise the Authority on appropriate fisheries and MPA management.
- Assisting the Head of Science and / or Senior Science Officer in intertidal and at sea surveys, data collection and analysis.
- Carrying out GIS software analyses.
- Providing advice on fisheries and marine conservation policies, byelaws and management.
- Assisting with development and implementation of MPA and fisheries management measures within the district.
- Acting as the Authority’s main point of contact for marine planning and licensing, responding to consultations in a timely manner.
- Contributing towards the authorship of HRAs and other impact assessments (e.g. fisheries, MPA, byelaw) under the direction of the Head of Science and / or Senior Science Officer.
- Maintaining a good knowledgebase of UK marine environmental and fisheries legislation and MPAs.
- Liaising and working with partner agencies such as Marine Management Organisation, Natural England, Environment Agency, Cefas, local councils and NGOs.
- Liaising with fisheries and conservation stakeholders.
- Assisting IFCOs with enforcement work as and when required.
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 30th September 2026.
For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Anna Plumeridge, NWIFCA Head of Science 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