Senior Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Officer (Skipper)
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)
Grade: Grade 5 (SCP 25-29)
Salary: £36,363 – £39,862 per annum (pay award pending) + 10% uplift (excl. allowances)
Closing Date: Monday 31 August 2026
Senior IFCO (Skipper) Opportunity
We are seeking an experienced and motivated professional to join Sussex IFCA as a Senior Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Officer (Skipper).
Based in Shoreham Harbour, this role combines vessel operations, fisheries enforcement and marine conservation work across the Sussex coast. As part of a small team, you will work both at sea and ashore, supporting the management of inshore fisheries and Marine Protected Areas through patrols, inspections and engagement with stakeholders.
If you have experience operating vessels professionally, strong seamanship skills and experience working in an enforcement, compliance or operational role, we’d like to hear from you. As a senior member of the team, you’ll play a key role in vessel operations and fisheries enforcement, protecting Sussex’s marine environment and supporting compliance with fisheries and environmental legislation.
About Sussex IFCA
Sussex IFCA is one of ten Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authorities in England. We are responsible for the sustainable management of inshore fisheries and the protection of the marine environment along the Sussex coast, from Chichester Harbour through to Rye Harbour and out to six nautical miles.
About the role
As a Senior IFCO (Skipper), you will:
- Support the Vessel Operations Manager in the safe and effective operation and maintenance of Sussex IFCA’s patrol and survey vessels
- Lead crew members during patrol, enforcement and survey activities
- Undertake inspections of fishing vessels and fishing activities, gathering evidence where required
- Enforce fisheries and marine conservation legislation
- Assist with vessel maintenance and ensure high operational standards
- Collect evidence, intelligence and fisheries data to support enforcement and management activities
- Contribute to marine conservation, monitoring and survey projects
- Work closely with the fishing industry, partner organisations and local communities
About you
You will have experience operating vessels professionally, including RIB handling, and be confident working in an operational environment. You will possess strong seamanship, navigation and safety management skills, along with experience leading others and dealing professionally with challenging situations. You will also have an interest in fisheries management and marine conservation, excellent communication skills, and a full UK driving licence.
Full details of the essential and desirable criteria can be found in the Job Description and Person Specification.
Essential qualifications
- RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate or equivalent* or RYA Advanced Powerboat Certificate
- Relevant marine qualifications
- QCF Level 2 / GCSE Grade 5 or above in English and Maths
- Current Full UK driving licence
*Applicants who do not currently hold an RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate will be considered if they hold an RYA Advanced Powerboat Certificate (or equivalent). The successful candidate will be required to obtain the RYA Yachtmaster Offshore qualification within two years of appointment.
Why join us?
- A varied role combining vessel operations, enforcement, monitoring and survey work
- Opportunities for training and professional development
- Work as part of a small, professional and supportive team
- Contribute directly to the management of Sussex’s inshore fisheries and Marine Protected Areas
- Regular operational work at sea around the Sussex coast
Additional Information
- The role involves regular work at sea and on land
- A minimum of 20 weekend days per year may be required, with a maximum of 28
- The post attracts a 10% uplift on basic salary to reflect additional and unsocial hours
- Appointment is subject to passing a Seafarer’s Medical (ENG1)
- Appointment is subject to Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) clearance
- The successful candidate must be able to attend Shoreham Harbour within one hour when required for urgent operational deployments
Application process:
Application Form & Further Information: https://www.sussex-ifca.gov.uk/jobs
Application Forms are to be returned to: Ms. Angharad Purcell at a.purcell@sussex-ifca.gov.uk
Further Information
For an informal discussion regarding the role, please contact Rob Pearson on 01273 454407 or email r.pearson@sussex-ifca.gov.uk
Interviews: First round of Interviews will be held in the week commencing 14 September 2026 in person at Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex.