Senior Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Officer (Conservation & Research) x2 posts
Organisation: Sussex Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority
Location: Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex
Contract type: Full-Time Permanent
Hours of work: 37 hours per week (minimum)
Working pattern: Full Time
Grade: Grade 5 (SCP 25-29)
Applicable salary: £36,363 – £39,862 per annum + 10% (excl. allowances)
Closing date: Sunday 7th June 2026
About Sussex IFCA
The Sussex Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (IFCA) is one of ten regional IFCAs in England. We manage sea fisheries resources and Marine Protected Areas out to six nautical miles, covering the Sussex Coast and its estuaries.
Our role is to balance environmental, social and economic needs – supporting sustainable fisheries while protecting the marine environment.
We are a local government committee, funded by East Sussex County Council, West Sussex County Council and Brighton and Hove City Council.
About the role
We’re recruiting two Senior Conservation and Research Officers to join the team on a full-time permanent basis.
This is a key role in a small team, where you’ll have the chance to take real ownership of projects and contribute directly to how fisheries and conservation are managed along the Sussex coast.
You’ll be involved in a mix of project work, data analysis, reporting and stakeholder engagement.
The role is primarily desk-based however some days will be out on the water or on the shore carrying out fieldwork.
You’ll be expected to:
- Plan and deliver marine and estuarine surveys and research projects
- Manage and analyse fisheries and environmental data, including GIS
- Produce clear reports, committee papers and consultation responses
- Contribute to the development and review of management measures, including for Marine Protected Areas
- Work closely with partners, regulators, researchers and the fishing industry
- Support impact assessments, monitoring plans and wider policy work
- Help manage projects and funding opportunities
- Line manager junior officers, providing day-to-day support and guidance
You may also be required to support compliance and enforcement work from time to time, including crewing the Authority’s patrol vessels.
About you
You’ll have a background in fisheries management, marine conservation or related field, and be comfortable working both independently and as part of a team.
We’re looking for someone who can take ownership of their work, communicate clearly, and apply sound judgement when working with data, stakeholders and policy.
You should be able to demonstrate:
- A relevant degree or experience
- Experience working with environmental or fisheries data (including GIS)
- The ability to deliver projects and produce clear written outputs
- Strong communication skills, including working with a range of stakeholders
- Knowledge of fisheries management and relevant legislation
- Experience supporting or leading others
Experience in fisheries, marine conservation or a regulatory setting would be beneficial, particularly where you’ve worked with industry or external partners.
Additional requirements
The role involves a mix of office and operational work. You will need to:
- Work occasional evenings, weekends and unsocial hours (reflected in a 10% salary uplift)
- Be comfortable working in a marine environment, including physically demanding tasks
- Meet the requirements for a Seafarer’s Medical Certificate (ENG1)
- Take part in operational activity, including weekend working during the year
A full UK driving licence (or ability to meet travel requirements of the role) is required.
Further information:
For further information, please contact the IFCA office on 01273 454407 or email admin@sussex-ifca.gov.ukor visit our website at www.sussex-ifca.gov.uk/jobs
For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Robert Pearson, Chief Fisheries and Conservation Officer.
Application process:
- Application forms should be returned to: a.purcell@sussex-ifca.gov.uk
- We do not accept CV’s and will only consider fully completed application forms
- Closing date: Sunday 7th June 2026
- Interviews are expected to take place in Shoreham-by-Sea in the week commencing 29th June 2026.