Our client is looking for a Fisheries Officer to Join their team in Downpatrick
Rate of Pay: £17.43
Start Date: ASAP
Location: Downpatrick
*Northern Ireland has seven designated ports and the job holder will be expected to attend the ports regularly: • Ardglass • Bangor • Belfast • Foyle • Kilkeel • Portavogie • Warrenpoint*
• Standard Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
• Additional Requirements:
May be required to work overtime on weekdays or weekends
Participation in an on-call rota scheme may be necessary
Overtime will be compensated in line with the NICS Overtime Policy
Duration: Up to March 2026
Role Details:
Marine and Fisheries Division (MFD), part of the DAERA Environment, Marine and Fisheries Group is responsible for the promotion, protection, enhancement and sustainable use of:
•all fish stocks inland and at sea (including aquaculture and fish health); and
•the marine environment
MFD provides lead policy advice to the DAERA Minister in respect of the marine environment, inland and sea fisheries, aquaculture and fish health.
The role supports the Marine and Fisheries Division in managing and enforcing sea fisheries regulations to promote sustainable fishing and protect marine resources. Based within the Sea Fisheries Inspectorate, the officer will oversee inspections, enforcement, data reporting, and stakeholder engagement.
Main Duties
• Deliver fisheries management and enforcement programmes, including vessel inspections and data collection.
• Supervise technical staff and manage operational schedules and resources.
• Provide reports, analyse data, and contribute to policy development.
• Manage health and safety compliance and financial governance.
• Liaise with industry, government departments, and stakeholders.
• Support investigations and enforcement actions, including prosecutions.
• Contribute to sustainable fisheries innovations and regulatory improvements.
• Make autonomous decisions, solve complex problems, and ensure adherence to legislation and procedures.
Provide input to FOI/EIR responses, ministerial briefings, and legal challenges.
Essential Criteria:
1. Minimum of 5 GCSEs (or equivalent) at grade C or above to include Maths, English, and one science-related subject and 2 A Levels.
2. 2 years’ experience of fisheries management, fisheries enforcement and legislation, or aquaculture regulation.
3. Must hold a full driving licence and be able to drive departmental vehicles across Northern Ireland
Desired Criteria:
· Broad understanding of departmental business, operational policy, and fisheries regulations (NI, UK, EU).
· Familiarity with fisheries data systems and aquaculture practices.
· Ability to perform inspection and enforcement duties on board fisheries protection vessels.
· Strong judgement and decision-making in complex or sensitive scenarios.
· Experience managing materials for criminal investigations and providing technical advice.
· Awareness of policy development and legislative interpretation.
· Excellent planning, organisational, analytical, and communication skills.
· Ability to identify and communicate improvements in policy or practice.
· Strong interpersonal skills for stakeholder engagement.
Candidates should be aware that the postholder will require a medical and will be required to attend an appointment provided by the Department for a satisfactory MCA Sea Farers Medical Report (ML5) or an ENG1 as appropriate prior to them being appointed.