Overview
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. As an organisation we strive to reflect the communities we serve and continue to develop diversity throughout our workforce. We welcome applications from all backgrounds regardless of race, sexual orientation, or religion.
Ready to lead one of the UK’s most unique and high-profile aquaculture operations? We’re offering an exceptional opportunity to manage the National Coarse Fish Production Facility in Nottinghamshire — a flagship centre delivering vital support to fisheries across England. In this high-impact role, you’ll take ownership of a national programme that breeds and supplies over half a million high-quality coarse fish annually to restore and enhance rivers and lakes across the country. Your leadership will directly benefit biodiversity, boost angling opportunities, and support healthier water ecosystems.
As a confident communicator, you’ll represent the service to key national stakeholders, the media, and senior figures in the angling and environmental sectors. Your ability to build strategic relationships will help raise the profile of our work and open up exciting partnerships — including with research institutions exploring the future of fisheries science. You’ll also play a key role in our East Midlands Water, Land & Biodiversity Board, contributing to wider environmental leadership and strategy. This is more than a management role — it’s a chance to shape the future of our fisheries and make a real difference to angling and wildlife in England’s waters.
The team and role context
We deliver the National Coarse Fish Production Service to 14 Operational Areas and a broad network of external clients including fisheries, angling groups, and environmental partners across England. Each year, the facility produces 500,000+ healthy, diverse coarse fish (across 9 species), managed through a sustainable 2-year breeding cycle. The team also supports the wider organisation by advising on production planning and working closely with Area Fisheries, Biodiversity, and Geomorphology teams to meet national fishery demands.
Responsibilities
Lead and motivate a skilled team and manage a cutting-edge aquaculture facility to deliver national services and outcomes. Represent the service to national stakeholders, media, and senior figures in the angling and environmental sectors. Build strategic relationships to raise the profile of our work and foster partnerships, including with research institutions. Contribute to environmental leadership and strategy via the East Midlands Water, Land & Biodiversity Board. Ensure excellence in delivery and continuous improvement in operations that support biodiversity and fisheries across England.
Experience/Skills / Qualifications
* Strong leadership skills, with the ability to support and guide a high-performing team
* Excellent communication skills, able to engage effectively with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders
* Good understanding of Health and Safety requirements within operational and aquaculture environments
* Good understanding of Aquaculture Science, with an interest in sustainable production practices
* Preferably, experience in managing operational facilities and fish production systems
Role specifics: full UK driving licence; role-specific professional membership requirements; desirable from a relevant body. If applying from Civil Service, note that the Environment Agency is not part of HM Civil Service. Flexible working patterns are welcomed, including job share. A Guaranteed Interview Policy supports applicants with a disability. All applicants should review the candidate pack for additional information.
Interviews will be face to face in the week commencing 10 November. Your base location will be Calverton, Nottingham, and the role is predominantly site-based at the fish farm. For more information about the role please contact Steve Lawrie – Area Environment Manager.
Artificial intelligence note: The Environment Agency aligns with Civil Service guidance on the use of AI. All examples and statements should be truthful and taken from your own experience. Plagiarism may lead to withdrawal of applications.
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