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33827 - Fisheries Enforcement Officer
| Posting date: | 12 May 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £34,320 per year |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 01 June 2026 |
| Location: | Darlington |
| Remote working: | Hybrid - work remotely up to 5 days per week |
| Company: | Environment Agency |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | 33827 |
Summary
The Environment Agency is fully committed to having an inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We don’t just talk about diversity; we seek it, embrace it, and live it for the benefit of our staff, our communities, and our environment.
We are looking for a Fisheries Enforcement Officer to join us in the North East Area. This exciting and unique opportunity will suit an individual with experience in tackling crime, carrying out investigations, and submitting case files. Using an intelligence‑led enforcement approach to detect and deal with fisheries offences, you will help protect and enhance fisheries habitats and stocks for current and future generations.
As a Fisheries Enforcement Officer, you will hold an authorisation under the Salmon & Freshwater Fisheries Act 1975 (SAFFA) and be empowered as a Constable to investigate fisheries offences. You will receive appropriate training in relevant legislation and be issued with specialist equipment and PPE.
This is a mostly field‑based role, involving regular fisheries enforcement patrols with colleagues, the police, and other enforcement partners. You will use your initiative to target, disrupt, and take action against fisheries crime. You will be required to work unsocial hours, attend incidents at very short notice, and work weekends when required. Fisheries Enforcement Officers must be flexible and able to plan, adapt, and respond to changing demands. You should be comfortable using computer‑based systems and be competent in keeping accurate records and inputting and retrieving data.
The successful candidate will be expected to act as a crew member on board the Fisheries Enforcement boat when required (full training will be provided).
This role is eligible for a % salary uplift due to the need to work unsociable hours.
The team
Situated within the Enforcement Team, you will work closely with and support other team members both technically and operationally in High Impact Fisheries Enforcement (HIFE) and rod licence checking. You will also enforce legislation relating to illegal fishing, fish movements, and invasive non‑native species. Where appropriate, you will attend incidents, using excellent communication skills to promote our work and manage hostile situations. The successful candidate will be expected to undertake specialist surveillance training.
Experience/skills required
You will have experience of investigating crime and taking enforcement action against offenders, with a proven track record of tackling criminal activity. Experience of working in fisheries enforcement and knowledge of angling are desirable but not essential. You will possess:
A keen interest in enforcement;
Excellent verbal and written communication and organisational skills;
Experience of conflict resolution techniques is desirable but not essential; however, the successful candidate must pass mandatory conflict resolution training, which requires a suitable level of physical fitness;
A full UK driving licence and the ability to swim are essential; boat‑handling experience or qualifications are desirable;
Knowledge of fisheries and environmental legislation would be advantageous but is not essential;
A proven ability to complete tasks accurately and with minimal supervision, either independently or as part of a team;
Previous boat work at sea is desirable though not essential.
We are looking for a Fisheries Enforcement Officer to join us in the North East Area. This exciting and unique opportunity will suit an individual with experience in tackling crime, carrying out investigations, and submitting case files. Using an intelligence‑led enforcement approach to detect and deal with fisheries offences, you will help protect and enhance fisheries habitats and stocks for current and future generations.
As a Fisheries Enforcement Officer, you will hold an authorisation under the Salmon & Freshwater Fisheries Act 1975 (SAFFA) and be empowered as a Constable to investigate fisheries offences. You will receive appropriate training in relevant legislation and be issued with specialist equipment and PPE.
This is a mostly field‑based role, involving regular fisheries enforcement patrols with colleagues, the police, and other enforcement partners. You will use your initiative to target, disrupt, and take action against fisheries crime. You will be required to work unsocial hours, attend incidents at very short notice, and work weekends when required. Fisheries Enforcement Officers must be flexible and able to plan, adapt, and respond to changing demands. You should be comfortable using computer‑based systems and be competent in keeping accurate records and inputting and retrieving data.
The successful candidate will be expected to act as a crew member on board the Fisheries Enforcement boat when required (full training will be provided).
This role is eligible for a % salary uplift due to the need to work unsociable hours.
The team
Situated within the Enforcement Team, you will work closely with and support other team members both technically and operationally in High Impact Fisheries Enforcement (HIFE) and rod licence checking. You will also enforce legislation relating to illegal fishing, fish movements, and invasive non‑native species. Where appropriate, you will attend incidents, using excellent communication skills to promote our work and manage hostile situations. The successful candidate will be expected to undertake specialist surveillance training.
Experience/skills required
You will have experience of investigating crime and taking enforcement action against offenders, with a proven track record of tackling criminal activity. Experience of working in fisheries enforcement and knowledge of angling are desirable but not essential. You will possess:
A keen interest in enforcement;
Excellent verbal and written communication and organisational skills;
Experience of conflict resolution techniques is desirable but not essential; however, the successful candidate must pass mandatory conflict resolution training, which requires a suitable level of physical fitness;
A full UK driving licence and the ability to swim are essential; boat‑handling experience or qualifications are desirable;
Knowledge of fisheries and environmental legislation would be advantageous but is not essential;
A proven ability to complete tasks accurately and with minimal supervision, either independently or as part of a team;
Previous boat work at sea is desirable though not essential.