Job Description
We’re looking for a Fisheries Enforcement Officer (FEO) to join us in Cumbria and Lancashire. This is an exciting and rare opportunity, which will suit an individual with a willingness to work in the natural environment as part of a specialist team.
The role covers fisheries enforcement and fisheries technical work. Activity will be profiled throughout the year with a minimum of 60% of the time spent delivering rod licence compliance work, targeted intelligence‑led patrols to interdict illegal fishing activity and investigating both fish removal and byelaw offences. You will be required to hold a full SAFFA warrant. The job is primarily field‑based, focusing on how and when to best target different activities. Timely reporting of activities, results and addressing enforcement‑related customer enquiries are integral to this role.
You’ll also have a good foundation in fisheries science and practical fisheries management. Excellent communication skills and experience of working with a wide range of people is essential. You’ll be expected to deliver environmental outcomes and build strong relationships, both within the team and with Environment Agency colleagues and external partners/stakeholders. You’ll be well‑organised and confident, able to use your initiative and work independently.
The role includes an area‑wide incident response element, requiring flexible working and participation in the fisheries duty officer standby roster. The successful candidate will show a willingness to support other officers when required, work pan‑area, deliver priority work at short notice, including weekends and evenings and respond to incidents.
Team
The Fisheries Operations and Enforcement Team operates across Cumbria and Lancashire, employing a risk‑based approach to protect fish. Officers work independently, support colleagues, and with enforcement partners/other agencies. Responsible for both fishery enforcement and fisheries management, team tasks are varied and comprise High Impact Fishery Enforcement, rod licence compliance, advice on keeping/movement of fish, and non‑native species. In addition, team members have an incident role in support of the Agency.
Experience/skills Required
Essential
* Passionate about the environment combined with a willingness to learn about environmental regulation and enforcement.
* Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
* Excellent organisational skills.
* A full UK driving licence.
* Information technology literate: competent with MS Office applications.
* Proven ability to complete tasks accurately, with minimum supervision, working individually or part of a team.
Desirable
* Experience of investigating crime and taking enforcement action would be advantageous.
* Experience in conflict resolution techniques would be advantageous; officers are expected to pass mandatory conflict resolution training, which demands a level of physical fitness.
* Knowledge of fisheries and environmental legislation would be advantageous.
* Boat handling experience / qualifications would be beneficial.
You’ll have a range of development opportunities and appropriate training will be provided.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
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.
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