Conservation and Research Officer - Sussex IFCA

Job Title: Conservation and Research Officer
Organisation: Sussex Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority
Location: Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex
Contract Type: Full Time Fixed Term 18-month Contract
Hours of work: 37 hours per week (minimum)
Working pattern: Full time (Flexible and remote working considered)
Grade: IFCO Grade 3 (SCP 11-17)
Applicable Salary: £25,979 – £28,770 per annum (pay award pending) + 10% (excl. allowances)

Closing date: Thursday 22 nd August 2024 17:00

Further information: https://www.sussex-ifca.gov.uk/jobs

About Sussex IFCA

The Sussex Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (IFCA) is one of ten regional IFCA’s in England,
responsible for managing sea fisheries resources and Marine Protected Areas out to six nautical miles. Our
district covers the entire Sussex Coast, including the estuaries.
Our vision is to lead, champion and manage a sustainable marine environment and inshore fisheries, by
successfully securing the right balance between social, environmental and economic benefits to ensure
healthy seas, sustainable fisheries and a viable industry.
The IFCA is a committee of local government, and we are funded by East Sussex County Council, West Sussex
County Council and Brighton and Hove City Council.
About the role
We are looking for a motivated and capable individual to undertake the role of Conservation and Research
Officer. In this full-time (18-month contract) role, you will assist Sussex IFCA with the management of
inshore fisheries and Marine Protected Areas along the Sussex coast, working to ensure we meet our
statutory obligations.
You will join a small team of motivated professionals based at our Shoreham-by-Sea office (flexible/remote
working options considered), where you will support our conservation and research function to ensure the
Authority is able to make appropriate, evidence-based decisions. You will be required to collate and analyse
fisheries and marine environmental data, assist in the preparation of reports, respond to consultations and
engage and communicate with stakeholders.
The successful applicant will be expected to crew Sussex IFCA’s vessels during survey work and occasional
sea patrols. They will be responsible for following survey methodologies as well as carrying out data
recording and analysis in the field. On occasion, they would be expected to carry out Fishery Officer enforcement duties, both on land and at sea.

About you

You should be enthusiastic and passionate about the marine environment, with knowledge of marine
conservation and management issues, and the fishing industry. You will have a degree in a relevant
discipline, and you will need excellent communication skills – written and oral, combined with an organised
approach and an aptitude for teamwork and collaboration. You will work as part of a team and be confident
working alone when required.
Significant experience in fisheries or marine research and/or management is desirable, and you will have
knowledge of Sussex IFCA’s work.  You will also be able to demonstrate experience using GIS, using analytical
software packages and be able to evidence a good understanding of marine environmental legislation.
You must be prepared to work some additional hours and unsocial hours (e.g. weekends and at night), for
which the post attracts a 10% uplift on basic salary. On occasion, you will also be required to tackle
physically demanding duties in a challenging marine environment and as such, we’ll expect you to meet the
standard required to obtain a Seafarers Medical Certificate (ENG1) to be able to inspect fishing vessels both
when in port and when working at sea. Officers involved in both enforcement and conservation and research
activities may be required to work a minimum of 20 weekend days per year and a maximum of 28 weekend
days. Staff shall work on average a minimum of 37 hours per week.

For further information please contact the IFCA office on 01273 454407 or email [email protected]
or visit our website at www.sussex-ifca.gov.uk

For informal advice on the recruitment process please ask for George Balchin, Conservation & Research
Manager.

Interviews will be held in the week commencing 2 nd September 2024 in Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex. If
you are selected for interview, you will be expected to complete a GIS task prior to interview and present
maps for discussion.

Application forms are to be returned to [email protected] and [email protected]
Closing date: Thursday 22 nd August 17:00