Fisheries Officer

Department of Regional NSW Careers•Eden, NC

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Fisheries Officer role is within the Fisheries Compliance Unit of the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) Fisheries. The primary purpose of this role is to ensure compliance with fisheries rules by all fishers, provide advice and education, and take compliance actions when necessary to protect fisheries and aquatic resources. The role also requires skills in resource allocation for compliance objectives, driving priorities, exercising sound judgment, preparing and presenting evidence, compiling and reviewing prosecution briefs, and generating reports in line with Fisheries Compliance policies. As a Fisheries Officer Grade 1/2, responsibilities include assisting in fisheries compliance activities using various surveillance mechanisms and evidence collection processes, preparing evidence, prosecution briefs, briefing notes, and correspondence, and presenting evidence in court. The role involves liaising with clients, the public, and external stakeholders, providing informed advice, and escalating complex issues. Additionally, it includes assisting in operational planning, participating in routine patrols and planned operations, and helping design and deliver educational programs on commercial and recreational fishing, aquaculture, and conservation. Routine maintenance of departmental equipment is also a responsibility.

Requirements

Ability to build and manage effective stakeholder relationships
Knowledge and interest in fisheries compliance
Excellent communication skills both verbal and written
Problem solving and prioritisation skills
Current manual driver’s licence, and capability to drive a manual and four-wheel drive vehicle
A current boat licence
Colour vision
Swimming ability (200m)
HSC or Equivalent

Responsibilities

Assist in fisheries compliance activities using a range of surveillance mechanisms and evidence collection processes in line with relevant work instructions to meet District/Operational Unit objectives
Prepare evidence, prosecution briefs, briefing notes and correspondence in line with the Fisheries Compliance Prosecution Work Instructions, and present evidence at court on behalf of DPIRD Fisheries
Liaise effectively with clients, members of the public and external stakeholders by exercising sound judgement and providing informed advice, and escalating more complex issues to the supervisor
Assist in the development of operational planning material and participate in routine patrol duties and planned operations to optimise compliance outputs
Assist in the design and delivery of informative educational programs associated with commercial and recreational fishing, aquaculture and conservation programs to convey a knowledge and understanding of issues and legislation to stakeholders and clients
Undertake routine maintenance of departmental equipment and materials to ensure they are kept in good operational condition