Principal Fisheries Officer

NICS; Downpatrick; On-site; GBP 61,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A government department in Northern Ireland is seeking a professional for a role in fisheries management and environmental policy development. The candidate will lead a team overseeing compliance with fisheries regulations, provide technical advice, and manage data collection. An ideal candidate will have a relevant scientific degree or at least five years of experience in fisheries management, along with strong leadership skills. This permanent position offers a salary ranging from £61,673 to £64,469 per annum.

Qualifications

• Degree in environmental science, biological sciences, marine science, fisheries science, geography or environmental management.
• At least 5 years' experience in fisheries management.
• 5+ years' management experience with multi-disciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead enforcement teams for fisheries regulations.
• Provide technical advice to senior management.
• Manage operational teams and ensure compliance.
• Evaluate projects and deliver regulatory outcomes.

Skills

Environmental science knowledge

Fisheries management experience

Team management

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Degree in relevant scientific discipline

Job description

The Environment, Marine and Fisheries Group is within the Department of Agriculture Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA). The EMFG has three Divisions: Natural Environment Policy Division, Environmental Resources Policy Division and Marine and Fisheries Division (MFD) and also includes Forest Service.The main functions of the EMFG include:- Developing and delivering policy and legislation to protect, conserve andenhance the environment (including land, air, freshwaters and marine waters);- Developing and delivering policy and legislation and management to protect and ensure the sustainable use of our seas and inland fishery resourcesEMFG consists of administrative, scientific and technical staff, based at Belfast (headquarters), Lisburn, Downpatrick and a number of regional locations.

Responsibilities

• Maintaining high level of professional knowledge and understanding of the various policies and legislation which underpin and provide the vires for the work of the operational teams within the departments.
• Leading, providing advice and giving direction to enforcement teams responsible for control, compliance and enforcement of fisheries regulation stemming from all relevant legislation and in line with criminal investigation procedures.
• Leading a team of multi-disciplinary staff in processing a range of authorisations including permits/licences in line with the relevant legislation and monitoring of these to ensure compliance with relevant environmental legislation.
• Providing sound advice to the Minister and Senior Management and other authorities on the technical aspects of Sea Fisheries, Fish Health or Inland Fisheries matters.
• Leading their Branch in Windsor Framework Implementation, ensuring that the needs of their teams are met and maximising opportunities to streamline processes and procedures to meet the legislative, Departmental and customer needs.
• Ensuring accurate, robust data is collected by operational teams to sustain quality data input to the suite of IT systems supporting traceability, evidencing regulatory compliance and informing quota management.
• Leading, delivery and evaluation of the projects/programmes of regulatory work aimed at delivering significant business outcomes for MFD Regulation and Enforcement and also Departmental and PfG objectives.
• Overseeing operational standards and delivering business improvements to introduce change where required, facilitating best practice in regulation, demonstrating accountablity and meeting recommendations.
• Delivering a high quality public service, operational quality and reporting standards including management of the Public Angling Estate, Movanagher Fish Farm and the River Bush Salmon Station within the confines of budget and other resources.
• Developing and leading on conservation and protection programmes to protect wild fish stocks and putting in place all appropriate mitigation measures to meet national and international targets.
• Leading on and working in conjunction with veterinary expertise to ensure control measures are in place to prevent fish disease, leading on surveillance programmes and contingency planning.
• Developing close working relationships and networks with a range of stakeholders including, other Government departments and agencies in NI and GB, statutory advisory bodies and other NDPBs

Skills and Qualifications

• A degree in a relevant scientific discipline, defined as environmental science, biological sciences, marine science, fisheries science, geography or environmental management
• Or at least 5 years’ experience in the field of fisheries management
• At least 5 years’ management experience managing multi-disciplinary teams to deliver environmental outcomes in association with a range of external/internal stakeholders.
• Please refer to the Candidate Information Booklet.
• Should it be necessary to shortlist candidates, the Panel will carry out an objective evaluation of the depth and breadth of information provided by candidates in response to eligibility criterion 2.

Further Information

NICS Application form only, Vacancy closing date Friday 2nd January 2026 at 12 noon.Applications from females, young people (under the age of 35), people with a disability and people from minority ethnic communities are particularly welcomed for this post. All applications for employment are considered strictly on the basis of merit.The Northern Ireland Civil Service is an Equal Opportunities Employer. All applications for employment are considered strictly on the basis of merit

Application Information

Visit the recruitment service website www.nicsrecruitment.org.uk (Please quote reference number: IRC320848)

Vacancy ID 1750086 Job ref. IRC320848 Job Sector Public Sector,Environmental, Health and Safety Area All of Northern Ireland Location Belfast and Downpatrick Salary £61,673 - £64,469 per annum No. vacancies 2 Contract Type Permanent Weekly hours 37 Published date 15/12/2025 Closing date 02/01/2026 Worktime 9.00am - 5.00pm, Monday to Friday

Area: Republic of Ireland
Closing date: 20 Dec 2025