3325 - Marine Enforcement Officer - Welsh Fisheries Monitoring Centre (WFMC)

Welsh Government; Wales; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A governmental agency in Wales seeks a professional for marine surveillance and regulatory compliance. You will monitor fishing operations to ensure they are conducted legally and sustainably. Responsibilities include data monitoring, catch certificate processing, and supporting enforcement efforts against illegal fishing. Candidates should have strong analytical skills and attention to detail, along with a valid UK driving licence. The position promotes flexible working and inclusion within the workplace.

Benefits

Flexible working options

Learning and development

Civil Service pension with employer contribution

Qualifications

• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage sensitive information securely.
• Experience in marine conservation and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

• Monitor vessel activity and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Support trade through catch certificate processing.
• Investigate breaches of fisheries legislation.

Skills

Analytical mindset

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Decision making

Team collaboration

Job description

Overview

As a member of the Welsh Fisheries Monitoring Centre (WFMC), you will play an integral role in marine surveillance and regulatory compliance. Your responsibilities will ensure that fishing operations in Welsh waters by both domestic and foreign vessels are conducted legally, sustainably, and within the required regulatory framework.

Responsibilities

• Monitoring vessel activity and statutory data across all sectors
• Supporting trade through catch certificate processing
• Preventing illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing
• Managing vessel licensing and contributing to UK-wide marine intelligence initiatives
• Providing support to Fishery Patrol Vessels, including weekend shifts as part of a rota system
• Cooperating with coastal enforcement operations on wider enforcement duties

Person Specification

• Monitoring commercial fishing activity in the Welsh Zone using Vessel Monitoring Systems and statutory data submissions
• Validating catch certificates for the export of fisheries products to the EU, ensuring compliance with international trade regulations
• Providing real‑time operational support to Fishery Patrol Vessels at sea
• Handling sensitive intelligence with appropriate security clearances
• Investigating breaches of fisheries legislation and preparing evidence and case files for enforcement action
• Managing port state control issues, including oversight of UK and foreign vessels landing in Wales or abroad
• Administering Financial Administrative Penalties and managing investigation files for the branch
• Sharing intelligence with devolved administrations and prioritising IUU fishing activity
• Analysing statutory data to inform enforcement and policy decisions
• Monitoring quota uptake by non‑UK vessels operating in Welsh waters
• Managing dispensation requests and contributing to vessel licensing processes for both domestic and foreign vessels

This role is ideal for candidates with a strong analytical mindset, attention to detail, and a passion for marine conservation and compliance. You'll be part of a collaborative team working to uphold the integrity of Wales' fisheries and marine environment.

Licences

• Full UK Driving Licence

Behaviours

• Communicating and Influencing
• Making Effective Decisions
• Working Together

The selection process is a 2‑stage process consisting of an application form and an interview. Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check and complete baseline personnel security standard checks.

Nationality Requirements

• UK nationals
• Nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• Nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• Nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre‑settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• Nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre‑settled status under the EUSS
• Individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Benefits

• Learning and development tailored to your role
• An environment with flexible working options
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
• A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%