Senior Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Officer (Skipper)

Sussex IFCA is seeking an experienced maritime professional to join the Authority as a Senior Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Officer (Skipper).

Based in Shoreham Harbour, this role combines vessel operations, fisheries enforcement and marine conservation work across the Sussex coast. Working both at sea and ashore, you will support the management of inshore fisheries and Marine Protected Areas, undertake enforcement activities and assist with the operation of Sussex IFCA's patrol and survey vessels.

You will have experience operating vessels professionally, including RIB handling, and be confident working in an operational environment. You will possess strong seamanship, navigation and safety management skills, along with experience leading others and dealing professionally with challenging situations. You will also have an interest in fisheries management and marine conservation, excellent communication skills, and a full UK driving licence.

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.