The Fisheries Compliance Unit is currently looking for suitably experienced, professional and dedicated people to join our team. We currently have two Fisheries Officer Grade 3 positions based at Tumut and another at Sydney South (Sans Souci).

You will be joining the Fisheries Compliance Unit within the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Fisheries. This team is responsible for administering fisheries laws governing the fisheries resources of the state. The teams spend a significant number of hours on patrol, detecting and deterring illegal fishing to reduce risk to fish stocks and aquatic habitats. Have a look at some of the great work we do on YouTube and DPI Fisheries Facebook Page.

Details to note

• Excellent chance to join a team protecting the fisheries resources and aquatic habitat of the state.
• Ongoing full-time role.
• Current vacancies are attractively located in Tumut and Sydney South (San Souci).
• Both positions are full-time ongoing opportunities offering a salary from $95,459 pa + super, including shift loadings prescribed by the Fisheries Staff Award.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) is the department dedicated to growing primary industries and supporting regional economic development to deliver long term benefits to the state. Our focus is to protect, support and develop our primary industries, mining sector, and regions.

The department brings together Agriculture & Biosecurity; Forestry & Fishing; Local Land Services; NSW Resources; Regional Development & Delivery; the Regional Growth NSW Development Corporation; NSW Public Works and Soil Conservation Service.

We have nearly 5,000 employees, with almost 80 per cent of us living and working in regional NSW.

Diversity and inclusion are core values of the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development. The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development is a workplace where everyone is able to contribute and participate to their full potential, and we are proud to have a team that reflects the richness and complexity of the regional NSW communities we serve.

About the Role

In your new role as a Fisheries Officer Grade 3 (FO3) within the Fisheries Compliance Unit, you will have the opportunity to lead and supervise a small team of Fisheries Officers within your designated district of responsibility with a focus on risk-based fisheries compliance activities. Duties will include planning and managing fisheries compliance programs and operations, conducting compliance patrols, and liaising professionally with a broad range of stakeholders.

You will also need the skills and experience to allocate resources to meet compliance objectives, drive priorities, exercise sound judgement, prepare and present evidence, compile and review prosecution briefs, and generate reports in line with Fisheries Compliance policies.

As a Fisheries Officer Grade 3 you will be:

• Undertaking compliance activities including surveillance and evidence collection.
• Issuing compliance outcomes where appropriate
  • Providing guidance to and leading a small team during assigned work, inspections and patrols ensuring all activities are performed according to departmental policies and procedures.
• Preparing evidence, offence reports, briefing notes and correspondence.
• Presenting evidence in court on behalf of DPI Fisheries.
• Development of Operational Plans
  • Participating in patrols and larger operations often in remote areas on land and water liaising with clients, members of the public and external stakeholders.
  • Designing and implementing educational programs to increase knowledge and understanding of issues and legislation amongst commercial and recreational fishers, and.
• Undertaking routine maintenance of equipment and materials.
• Assisting with development of internal policies, programs and services.
• Maximising voluntary compliance and creating effective deterrence's to illegal fishing within NSW.
• Detect, investigate and report on illegal fishing activity.
  • Operating in accordance with Policy and Procedure Manuals, Fisheries Compliance Work Instructions and the Code of Ethics and Conduct.

About YOU - What You Need to Apply

To be considered for this role, in your application tell us how you meet each of the following essential criteria:

1. Knowledge and interest in fisheries compliance, ideally with experience in natural resource management and/or compliance, including implementing operational plans to address compliance risks.
2. Demonstrated high-level communication skills both verbal and written.
3. Experience in managing effective stakeholder relationships.
4. Experience and capability in leading a small team; and.
5. Participate in fisheries patrol duties (including extended and offshore) and planned operations to optimise compliance outputs.

In addition to the above, it is critical that you provide documentation to demonstrate that you meet the following essential criteria under the Crown Employees Fisheries Staff Award.

1. Current manual driver's licence, and capability to drive a manual and four-wheel drive vehicle.
2. Current Coxswain's certificate of competency or equivalent (A boat licence is not sufficient).
3. Colour vision.
4. Swimming ability (200m).
5. HSC or Equivalent.

As part of the recruitment process for this role you will be required to complete a Police check, health/medical assessment and other assessments as required.

A recruitment pool may be created for ongoing and temporary roles of the same role or role type that may become available for filling over the next eighteen months.