Supervising Fisheries Officer Far

Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development NSW; Coffs Harbour; On-site; AUD 147,000 - 151,000; Full time

Job summary

Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development NSW is seeking a Supervising Fisheries Officer for the Far North Coast region. You will lead a district team, plan risk-based compliance programs, conduct patrols, and liaise with a broad range of stakeholders to enforce fishing laws and support regional biosecurity.

The role requires managing resources, driving priorities, and presenting evidence while ensuring compliance objectives are met.

Qualifications

• Experience in developing, implementing and evaluating risk-based compliance plans.
• Experience building and managing effective stakeholder relationships.
• Experience detecting, investigating and reporting offences.
• Experience leading and developing staff, promoting teamwork and professionalism.
• Participation in fisheries patrol duties (including offshore) to optimise compliance outputs.

Responsibilities

• Oversee development and implementation of risk-based compliance plans.
• Provide guidance to Fisheries Compliance Management on priorities and resource allocation.
• Lead, mentor and develop staff capability and potential.
• Prepare, review, and publish briefs, media releases, and director materials.
• Detect, investigate and report on illegal fishing activities and ensure adherence to procedures.

Skills

Risk-based planning

Stakeholder management

Offence detection & reporting

Staff leadership

Fisheries patrol operations

Education

HSC or equivalent

Job description

Supervising Fisheries Officer Far North Coast

Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development NSW – Coffs Harbour NSW

• Location: Coffs Harbour (consideration may be given to an alternative location within the Far North Coast Zone pending operational needs)
• Supervising Fisheries Officer– salary from $147,201$ to $151,340 per annum(FTE)plus super and leave loading

About the Role

In your new role as a Supervising Fisheries Officer (SFO) within the Fisheries Compliance Unit, you will have the opportunity to lead and supervise a team of District Fisheries Officers within your designated area of responsibility Far North Coast Zone, 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.

As a Supervising Fisheries Officer, you will be:

• Overseeing the development and implementation of risk-based compliance plans
• Providing advice to Fisheries Compliance Management on operational issues, reviewing priorities and resource allocation, providing briefs and updates on projects, compliance issues, or staffing matters.
• Leading, encouraging and developing staff capability and potential
• Writing and reviewing draft media releases, prosecution briefs and Director briefs
• Maximise voluntary compliance and create effective deterrence’s to 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

About You-what you need to apply

To be considered for this role, in your application you need to demonstrate that you meet the following essential criteria:

• Demonstrated experience in developing, implementing and evaluating risk-based compliance plans and delivering outcomes in a compliance environment
• Demonstrated experience in building and managing effective stakeholder relationships
• Demonstrated experience in detecting, investigating and reporting offences.
• Demonstrated experience in leading and developing staff capability and potential, including promoting a culture of teamwork, integrity and professionalism.
• Participate in fisheries patrol duties (including offshore) and planned operations to optimise compliance outputs.

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

*PLEASE NOTE – IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A CURRENT COXSWAINS CERTIFICATE AT THE TIME THIS ADVERTISMENT CLOSES, YOUR APPLICATION CAN NOT BE CONSIDERED AS IT IS A REQUIREMENT UNDER THE FISHERIES STAFF AWARD FOR A DISTRICT FISHERIES OFFICER. ANY APPLICATIONS RECEIVED WITHOUT EVIDENCE OF A CURRENT COXSWAINS CERTIFICATE WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.

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: 10 November 2026 at 11:55pm AEST

About us – together, we are DPIRD

The New South WalesDepartment 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 benefitsof 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 toparticipate, please contact***************@dpird.nsw.gov.au 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.