Vacancies: 3 x Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Officer (IFCO) / Crew (Whitehaven)
About the Role
The North Western Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (NWIFCA) was formed in 2011 and merged the previous Cumbria Sea Fisheries Committee and North West Sea Fisheries Committee into one district.
There are ten IFCAs along the English coast.
All Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authorities share the same vision: “to lead, champion and manage a sustainable marine environment and inshore fisheries by successfully securing the right balance between social, environmental and economic benefits to ensure healthy seas, sustainable fisheries and a viable industry”.
In this varied role, you’ll tackle a wide range of marine and fisheries management work centered on ensuring compliance with local, national and international regulations, both at sea and on land. Day-to-day, you could be doing anything from inspecting fishing vessels at sea to carrying out surveys of fish stocks and habitats. You will be trained in carrying out inspections and enforcement of fisheries and MPA legislation and you’ll ensure that anyone fishing in the North Western IFCA district, either commercially or recreationally, complies with the relevant marine environmental and sea fisheries legislation.
You will work closely with a range of contacts and stakeholders, carrying out inspections, collecting and recording data and giving advice and guidance using your knowledge and understanding of the different fisheries in our district and the issues they face. In addition to receiving training related to your enforcement duties, you will also be trained in acting as crew and boarding officer from our main patrol vessel North Western Protector and the use of small RIBs and other vessels.
About You
To join us, you must have enthusiasm for the marine environment and a knowledge of marine issues and the fishing industry together with a strong drive to enforce rules protecting fish stocks, marine habitats and marine wildlife. You’ll combine this with good communication skills, an organised approach, an aptitude for teamwork and collaboration. You must be ready to work some unsocial hours. You will also be required to tackle physically demanding duties in a challenging marine environment and as such, we’ll expect you to meet the standard required to obtain a Seafarer’s Medical Certificate (ENG1 or ML5) to be able to inspect fishing vessels both when in port and when working at sea. You must also pass BPSS screening prior to appointment.
If you are selected for an interview, you will be expected to provide a 10 minute presentation to the interview panel.
Closing date: 31st May 2023
Please submit completed application forms to [email protected].
A copy of the job description and application form can be found below: