Senior Inshore Fisheries & Conservation Officer (Marine)

Lead Marine Operations and Protect the Inshore Environment

Eastern IFCA is seeking a Senior Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Officer (Marine) to play a key leadership role in marine enforcement and vessel operations across its District.

Covering Lincolnshire, Norfolk and Suffolk, Eastern IFCA works at the forefront of sustainable fisheries and marine conservation. This role offers a unique opportunity to combine operational leadership, vessel command, and environmental protection.

About the Role

As part of the management team, the successful candidate will lead the delivery of marine operations while ensuring the effective and safe use of Authority vessels.

Key responsibilities include:

• Acting as lead Skipper, including command of FPV Protector IV.
• Managing the operation, maintenance and readiness of vessels in line with regulations and budgets.
• Leading and developing a small team, including vessel-based training and mentoring.
• Delivering fisheries enforcement at sea and ashore, including investigations and case preparation (training provided).
• Ensuring safe vessel operation, navigation, and sea-going activity in line with legal requirements.
• Building effective relationships with stakeholders, including the fishing industry.
• Supporting wider IFCA work, including research and intelligence gathering.

This is a demanding but rewarding role combining leadership, operational delivery, and enforcement.

What We're Looking For

Eastern IFCA is looking for an experienced and capable professional with strong marine and leadership skills.

Essential

• Commercially endorsed RYA Yachtmaster (or equivalent).
• Experience skippering vessels and leading crew.
• Ability to lead a team.
• Knowledge of MCA workboat requirements.
• Strong communication and organisational skills.
• Ability to work across disciplines in a small team.
• Ability to obtain an ENG1 or ML5 medical.

Desirable

• Previous fisheries or enforcement experience.
• Experience supervising staff.
• Knowledge of fisheries legislation.
• Experience working with the fishing industry.
• Experience of report writing.

Why Join Us?

• Lead frontline marine operations with real environmental impact.
• Combine skippering, enforcement, and leadership in one role.
• Work across a varied district with significant marine interest.
• Be part of a small, skilled and committed team.
• Opportunities for development and progression.
• Add to your skill set by undertaking enforcement and leadership training which is provided as part of the post.
• Benefit from membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme, offering a high-quality, secure pension as part of a strong overall employment package.

Additional Information

This role includes some unsocial hours (early mornings, evenings, weekends) and occasional offshore work. A salary supplement of 7.5% is included in recognition of this.

The successful candidate will be required to:

• Pass a Baseline Personnel Security Standard check.
• Obtain an ENG1 or ML5 medical certificate.

How to Apply

Please review the Job Description and apply using the application form, available via: https://www.eastern-ifca.gov.uk/current-vacancies/

The deadline for applications is: 31 July 2026.

For an informal discussion: Jon Butler (ACO, DD) – 07798 588 861.