Senior Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Officer (Skipper)

Senior Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Officer (Skipper) in Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex.

About Sussex IFCA

The Sussex Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (IFCA) is one of ten regional IFCA’s in England, responsible for managing sea fisheries resources and Marine Protected Areas out to six nautical miles. Our district covers the entire Sussex Coast, including the estuaries.

Our vision is 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.

The IFCA is a committee of local government, and we are funded by East Sussex County Council, West Sussex County Council and Brighton and Hove City Council.

About the role

Do you have a strong maritime background, enjoy working at sea and have great leadership skills? Are you passionate about protecting our marine environment and ensuring sustainable fishing practices? If so, this might be the perfect opportunity for you!

Sussex Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (IFCA) is seeking a motivated and capable Senior Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Officer (IFCO) (Skipper) to support the management and conservation of inshore fisheries within the Sussex coastal area.
As Senior IFCO (Skipper) you will be a vital part of our team of motivated professionals based at our Shoreham-by-Sea office, working to safeguard our coastal waters. You will support the Vessel Operations Manager (Senior Skipper) in ensuring the safe and efficient management and operation of the Authority’s fishery patrol vessels, including the development of crew, and the compliance and enforcement of fisheries and conservation regulations in the inshore waters of Sussex.
You will be trained to conduct enforcement of regulations relating to fisheries and Marine Protected Areas and you’ll ensure that anyone fishing in the Sussex IFCA district complies with the Marine & Coastal Access Act and other marine, environmental and sea fisheries legislation. You will conduct inspections, collect and record data, and give advice and guidance using your knowledge and understanding of the different fisheries and fishing methods in our district. Your responsibilities will include:
• Assisting the Vessel Operations Manager (Senior Skipper) in the operation and maintenance of our patrol vessels
• Conducting fishery inspections and enforcement activities to ensure compliance with regulations
• Participating in data collection and research to support marine conservation efforts
• Leading and mentoring crew members to ensure efficient and safe operations

About you

You should be enthusiastic and passionate about the marine environment, with knowledge of marine conservation and management issues, and the fishing industry. You should have a strong drive to enforce rules protecting fish stocks, marine habitats and marine wildlife. You will have had proven experience in handling boats and RIBs at sea with the confidence and ability to do so in the absence of the Senior Skipper. You’ll combine this with good communication skills – written and oral, combined with an organised approach and an aptitude for teamwork and collaboration. You will work as part of a team and be confident working alone when required. You must be prepared to work some additional hours and unsocial hours (e.g. weekends and at night), for which the post attracts a 10% uplift on basic salary. You will 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 Seafarers Medical Certificate (ENG1). Officers involved in both enforcement and conservation and research activities may be required to work a minimum of 20 weekend days per year and a maximum of 28 weekend days. Staff shall work on average a minimum of 37 hours per week.

For further information please contact the IFCA office on 01273 454407 or email hidden link - please login or visit our website at www.sussex-ifca.gov.uk/jobs where you will find an application form and the job description and person specification

For informal advice on the recruitment process please ask for Robert Pearson, Chief Fisheries and Conservation Officer.

The first round of the two-stage interview process will be held in the week commencing 17th February 2025 in Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex.

Application forms are to be returned to hidden link - please login

Closing date: Sunday 9th February 2025 

Job Description

Purpose of the role:

The Sussex Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (IFCA) is a regulatory body responsible for the sustainable management of inshore fisheries and the conservation of the marine environment along the Sussex coast. The vision of Sussex IFCA is 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.

As a Senior IFCO (Skipper), you have a crucial role in supporting the safe and efficient operation of Sussex IFCA fisheries patrol and survey vessels, and the enforcement of fisheries and conservation regulations in the inshore waters of Sussex. At the front line of inshore fisheries management, the roles’ responsibilities cover duties both at sea and on land, working as part of a small team on a fisheries patrol and survey vessel as a lead member of the crew, undertaking boarding operations of fishing vessels and shore-based enforcement of fisheries legislation, as well as assisting with survey and project work.

The post holder will be issued with an Inshore Fisheries and Conservation warrant card and may also be joint warranted with relevant authorities that manage the marine environment.

Main duties and responsibilities:

1. Assist the Senior Skipper in the operation, navigation and maintenance of fisheries patrol vessels and RIBs, including taking command of vessels.

2. Deputise for the Senior Skipper in their absence.

3. Perform routine maintenance and inspections of Sussex IFCA vessels and their equipment.
4. To meet the Health, Safety and Wellbeing responsibilities for the role, as set out in the Sussex IFCA’s Health and Safety Policy Statement and Safety Management System. Including safety checks of all vessel safety equipment.

5. Take a proactive role in the training and development of staff and crew, including scheduling and supervision of training exercises, safety drills and other operational activities.

6. Under the direction of the Vessel Operations Manager (Senior Skipper) and Senior IFCO (Operational) to assist with the planning of patrol activity and enforcement planning on both shore and sea.

7. When not in command of a vessel, act as the senior deck officer for on-deck operations from the patrol vessels including the deployment and retrieval of fishing gear, scientific equipment, and other tools as required.

8. Take a proactive and leading role in monitoring compliance with fisheries regulations, enforce fishing and conservation legislation, leading the conduct of inspections on vessels, gear, and catch to ensure adherence. This will involve both sea-based and shore-based inspections.

9. To undertake the duties of a Senior Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Officer, including enforcement of fisheries conservation measures, conducting investigations into breaches of regulations, and the creation of standard operating procedures for activities supporting the management of fisheries.

10. To assist Senior Skipper and Conservation and Research Manager with the planning, scoping and undertaking of extensive stock surveys and minor research projects from either in-house sources or other marine agency partners such as Environment Agency, Natural England, Marine Management Organisation.

11. To proactively engage and liaise with the fishing industry and other key stakeholders, regarding fisheries and conservation management and associated issues, to foster positive relationships, address concerns, and promote understanding of conservation measures.

12. To lead and monitor the general maintenance and management of Sussex IFCA vehicles, including organisation of servicing and repairs.

13. To respond to internal and external enquiries and prepare correspondence.

14. To attend on request, meetings with other bodies as a representative of the Chief Fisheries Officer or Authority.

15. Undertake available training opportunities and show a commitment to continuous development, to maximise your potential and ensure efficient and effective delivery of services.

This job description sets out the duties of the post at the time when it was drawn up. Such duties may vary from time to time without changing the general character of the duties or the level of responsibility entailed. Such variations are a common occurrence and cannot of themselves justify a reconsideration of the grading of the post.