Fisheries Enforcement Officer - 33827

• Excellent verbal and written communication and organisational skills;
• Experience of conflict resolution techniques is desirable but not essential; however, the successful candidate must pass mandatory conflict resolution training, which requires a suitable level of physical fitness;
• A full UK driving licence and the ability to swim are essential; boat‑handling experience or qualifications are desirable;
• Knowledge of fisheries and environmental legislation would be advantageous but is not essential;
• A proven ability to complete tasks accurately and with minimal supervision, either independently or as part of a team;
• Previous boat work at sea is desirable though not essential.
  
  
  

Job Description

The Environment Agency is fully committed to having an inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We don’t just talk about diversity; we seek it, embrace it, and live it for the benefit of our staff, our communities, and our environment.

We are looking for a Fisheries Enforcement Officer to join us in the North East Area. This exciting and unique opportunity will suit an individual with experience in tackling crime, carrying out investigations, and submitting case files. Using an intelligence‑led enforcement approach to detect and deal with fisheries offences, you will help protect and enhance fisheries habitats and stocks for current and future generations.

As a Fisheries Enforcement Officer, you will hold an authorisation under the Salmon & Freshwater Fisheries Act 1975 (SAFFA) and be empowered as a Constable to investigate fisheries offences. You will receive appropriate training in relevant legislation and be issued with specialist equipment and PPE.

This is a mostly field‑based role, involving regular fisheries enforcement patrols with colleagues, the police, and other enforcement partners. You will use your initiative to target, disrupt, and take action against fisheries crime. You will be required to work unsocial hours, attend incidents at very short notice, and work weekends when required. Fisheries Enforcement Officers must be flexible and able to plan, adapt, and respond to changing demands. You should be comfortable using computer‑based systems and be competent in keeping accurate records and inputting and retrieving data.

The successful candidate will be expected to act as a crew member on board the Fisheries Enforcement boat when required (full training will be provided).

This role is eligible for a % salary uplift due to the need to work unsociable hours.

The team

Situated within the Enforcement Team, you will work closely with and support other team members both technically and operationally in High Impact Fisheries Enforcement (HIFE) and rod licence checking. You will also enforce legislation relating to illegal fishing, fish movements, and invasive non‑native species. Where appropriate, you will attend incidents, using excellent communication skills to promote our work and manage hostile situations. The successful candidate will be expected to undertake specialist surveillance training.

Experience/skills Required

You will have experience of investigating crime and taking enforcement action against offenders, with a proven track record of tackling criminal activity. Experience of working in fisheries enforcement and knowledge of angling are desirable but not essential. You will possess:

• A keen interest in enforcement;
• Excellent verbal and written communication and organisational skills;
• Experience of conflict resolution techniques is desirable but not essential; however, the successful candidate must pass mandatory conflict resolution training, which requires a suitable level of physical fitness;
• A full UK driving licence and the ability to swim are essential; boat‑handling experience or qualifications are desirable;
• Knowledge of fisheries and environmental legislation would be advantageous but is not essential;
• A proven ability to complete tasks accurately and with minimal supervision, either independently or as part of a team;
• Previous boat work at sea is desirable though not essential.
  
  
  

Contact and additional information

You’ll have an inclusive incident management objective in your development plan. We’ll help you find a role to suit your needs. Appropriate training will be given.

We use smart tools to stay connected and reduce travel, some travel and overnights may be required.

Please read the Candidate / Additional Information Pack for information. Any queries, contact david.shears@environment-agency.gov.uk

Applications are “blind” assessed using your answers to the competency questions.

Interviews will be held in person within two weeks of the closing date.

If you consent to being held on a reserve list, we’ll hold your details for 6 months and may offer you an alternative post.

Competence 1

Works in Teams

Description

(Please note: More information on how to answer competency questions can be found in the candidate pack. Feedback is generally not available at sift stage)

Capability Description: Works co-operatively as part of a team to achieve common goals.

Question: Please describe an example of a time when you have worked co-operatively as part of a team to achieve a common goal. What challenges did you face, what was your role and how did you overcome these challenges.

Competence 2

Communicates Effectively

Description

Capability Description: Listens and questions to understand and engage. Conveys information and ideas clearly, accurately and persuasively through speech and writing.

Question: Describe how you have sued a range of communication methods to present your views in a convincing way. Tell us about the audience, what the messages were, how you communicated the messages and what you took into consideration to ensure that the message landed well. How did you alter your communication style to suit the audience.

Competence 3

Deals with Hostile Situations

Description

Capability Description: Responds appropriately and effectively to hostile individuals when carrying out enforcement work.

Question: Please describe a time when you were faced with a person who was being openly hostile towards you. Describe how you recognised this hostility developing. What techniques did you use to reduce the level of hostility or impact on you and your colleagues and how were you able to leave the area safely?

Role specific license requirements

Full UK Driving Licence

If you are applying from the Civil Service please note that the Environment Agency is not a part of HM Civil Service and you would not be a Crown Servant in the event of being appointed. Therefore, you will not be eligible for continuous service. For applicants who currently work in local government or other bodies listed in the Redundancy Payments (Continuity of Employment in Local Government etc) (Modification) Order 1999, you may be eligible for continuous service for the purpose of calculating any future redundancy payment. If you are unsure of your status then you should contact your own HR Team.

We are fully committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve. We welcome flexible working patterns for all our vacancies, including job share, so please include clearly any information regarding your preferred working arrangements on your application.

We also have a Guaranteed Interview Policy to support those with a disability who are seeking employment. We have committed to guaranteeing an interview to anyone with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post.

The Environment Agency, as a Non-Departmental Public Body, is committed to providing value for money and utilises Central Government frameworks and contracts for all external recruitment needs. For this reason, we are unable to engage with the market directly through post, email or phone calls . Should you wish to become a support supplier on one of these frameworks or contracts please visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/become-a-crown-commercial-service-supplier/becoming-a-supplier-through-the-crown-commercial-service-what-you-need-to-know for more information.