District Fisheries Officer Macquarie

NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development; Dubbo; On-site; AUD 117,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work arrangements

Regional locations

Job summary

NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development is seeking a District Fisheries Officer to lead a small team within the Fisheries Compliance Unit. The role focuses on risk-based fisheries compliance activities, planning programs, conducting patrols and coordinating resource allocation to achieve compliance outcomes.

Based in the Macquarie Districts (Dubbo) with ongoing full-time employment, you will engage with a wide range of stakeholders, prepare evidence, and drive priorities

Qualifications

• Experience in developing, implementing and evaluating risk-based compliance plans.
• Experience in building and managing effective stakeholder relationships.
• Experience in detecting, investigating and reporting offences.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate fisheries compliance activities using a risk-based approach.
• Plan and manage fisheries compliance programs and operations.
• Conduct compliance patrols and planned operations (land, estuarine and offshore).
• Liaise with clients, the public and external stakeholders.
• Prepare evidence, offence reports and briefing notes; present in court.

Skills

Risk-based planning

Stakeholder management

Investigation & reporting

People leadership

Education

HSC or Equivalent

Job description

• Full Time, 38hours per week
• Ongoing Full Time
• District Fisheries Officer– salary from$ 117,212.00 to $ 125,377.00 per annum(FTE)plus super and leave loading

About the role

In your new role as a District Fisheries Officer (DFO) within the Fisheries Compliance Unit, you will have the opportunity to lead and supervise a small team of Fisheries Officers within your designated district of responsibility with a focus on risk-based fisheries compliance activities. Duties will include planning and managing fisheries compliance programs and operations, conducting compliance patrols, and liaising professionally with a broad range of stakeholders. You will also need the skills and experience to allocate resources to meet compliance objectives, drive priorities, exercise sound judgement, prepare and present evidence, compile and review prosecution briefs, and generate reports in line with Fisheries Compliance policies.

Summary

The Fisheries Compliance Unit is currently looking for suitably experienced, professional and dedicated people to join our team. We currently have (2) District Fisheries Officer positions available, based at Coffs Harbour (Coffs Harbour District) and Dubbo (Macquarie District)

You will be joining the Fisheries Compliance Unit within the Department of Primary Industries & Regional Development (DPIRD) Fisheries. This team is responsible for administering fisheries laws governing the fisheries resources of the state. The teams spend a significant number of hours on patrol, detecting and preventing illegal fishing to reduce risk to fish stocks and aquatic habitats. Have a look at some of the great work we do on YouTube and the DPIRD Fisheries Facebook Page.

About You

To be considered for this role,in your applicationyou need todemonstratethat you meetthe following essential criteria:

1. Experience in developing,implementingand evaluating risk-basedcomplianceplans
2. Experience in building and managing effective stakeholder relationships
3. Experience indetecting,investigatingand reporting offences.
4. Experience inleadingand developing staff capability and potentialin a small team
5. Participate in fisheriespatrol duties(includingextended andoffshore)and planned operations to optimise compliance outputs.

As a District Fisheries Officer you will be:

• Coordinating fisheries compliance activities using a risk-based approach
• Planning and managing fisheries compliance programs and operations
• Conducting compliance patrols and planned operations, land based, estuarine and offshore
• Liaising with clients, members of the public and external stakeholders
• Preparing evidence, offence reports, briefing notes and correspondence
• Presenting evidence in court
• Ensuring financial and operational efficiencies are achieved within your area,
• Leading and developing staff capability with a small team of fisheries officers
• Leading, encouraging and developing staff capability and potential
• Writing and reviewing draft media releases, prosecution briefs and Director briefs
• Maximising voluntary compliance and creating effective deterrence’s to illegal fishing within NSW.
• Detect, investigate and report on illegal fishing activity.
• Operating in accordance with Policy and Procedure Manuals, Fisheries Compliance Work Instructions and the Code of Ethics and Conduct

In addition to the above it is critical that you have the following in line with the Crown Employees Fisheries Staff Award which includes:

• Current manual driver’s licence, and capability to drive a manual and four-wheel drive vehicle
• Current Coxswain’s certificate of competency (Grade 1 or 2 Near Coastal) or equivalent (A boat licence and Coxswain Grade 3 is not sufficient)
• Colour vision
• Swimming ability (200m)
• HSC or Equivalent

As part of the recruitment process for this role, you will be required to complete a Police check, health/medical assessment and other assessments as required.

Why Join Us?

At DPIRD, we’re committed to protecting and growing NSW’s primary industries while supporting regional communities. When you join us, you’ll:

• Work on meaningful projects that shape the future of agriculture and biosecurity.
• Enjoy flexible work arrangements and the option to work from regional locations.
• Access professional development opportunities to grow your career.
• Be part of a collaborative, inclusive team that values diversity and innovation.

Applications close

10th November 2026 at 11:55pm AEST

After applying

• You’ll receive a confirmation email
• We’ll review all applications once the ad closes
• If shortlisted, you may be invited to interview (in person or Microsoft Teams video)
• Further assessments will follow (e.g. writing task, skills test, psychometric test)
• Reference checks will be completed for final candidates
• The preferred candidate for this role may be required to undergo reference checks, a national police check, bankruptcy check, health assessment and/or other assessments as required.
• Atalentpool may be created for ongoing and temporary roles of the same type that may arise within the next18 months.

About us – together, we are DPIRD

The New South Wales Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) protects,supportsand develops primary industries and regional economies.

Collectively we support strong and sustainable agriculture, forestry, fishing and mining industries, and regional economies. We actively manage our natural assets: our lands and soils, minerals, waterways and oceans,vegetationand forests.

The department brings together:

• Local Land Services
• NSW Resources
• Agriculture and Biosecurity
• Fisheries and Forestry
• Regional Development and Delivery.

We have skilled and dedicated teams working in 200 locations across regional NSW. Withnearly 5,000employees, and 75 per cent of the DPIRD team living and working in regional NSW, we are embedded in the regions we serve. Learn more about the benefits of joining our diverse and talented DPIRD team.

At DPIRD, we are committed to fostering a diverse,equitableand inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds – including, but not limited to, gender, age, ethnicity, cultural heritage, disability,religionand sexual orientation.

DPIRD is a proudDisability Confident Recruiter,Family Inclusive EmployerandCarer Friendly Employer

We are committed to ensuring every stage of the recruitment process is accessible and free from barriers. If you require adjustments or information in an alternative format to participate, please contact [e-mail] or the hiring manager listed for a confidential discussion.

We also understand that work is just one part of life. Our Family Inclusive Employer and Carers + Employers Accreditations reflect our commitment to supporting employees to balance work and family responsibilities.