Jobs & Vacancies

Working for Us and Current Vacancies

Sussex Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority employs people in a range of full-time roles including enforcement officers, research officers and office support staff.

Sussex IFCA receives many requests for work experience, volunteer opportunities, and university student placements. This page will be updated as and when positions become available. In the meantime, we welcome expressions of interest regarding future roles or voluntary opportunities. Volunteers can spend time with the Compliance and Enforcement Team or the Conservation and Research Team. Enforcement volunteers may join road, drone, or sea patrols to collect intelligence on compliance with regulations in the district. Research volunteers may assist with data analysis, report writing, surveying and fieldwork, depending on skills and experience. Please contact us to enquire about current or upcoming opportunities.

Current Vacancies

SENIOR INSHORE FISHERIES AND CONSERVATION OFFICER (SKIPPER)

Closing Date: Monday 31 August 2026
Interviews will be held in the week commencing 14 September in person, in Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex, BN43 6RE

Sussex IFCA is seeking an experienced maritime professional to join the Authority 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. Working both at sea and ashore, you will support the management of inshore fisheries and Marine Protected Areas, undertake enforcement activities and assist with the operation of Sussex IFCA's patrol and survey vessels.

Recruitment
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Job Description/Person Specification
 

Application Form
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Application Form
WORD

The Role

As a Senior IFCO (Skipper), you will:
- Assist with the operation, maintenance and deployment 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
- Enforce fisheries and marine conservation legislation
- Collect evidence, intelligence and fisheries data
- Contribute to monitoring, survey and conservation projects
- Work closely with the fishing industry, partner organisations and local communitie

About You

You will have:
- Experience operating vessels professionally, including RIB handling
- Strong seamanship, navigation and vessel safety knowledge
- Experience leading staff or small teams
- Good communication and interpersonal skills
- The ability to work confidently in challenging situations
- Knowledge of, or interest in, fisheries management and marine conservation
- A full UK driving licence

Applicants should hold an RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate (or equivalent) . Applications will also be considered from candidates who hold an RYA Advanced Powerboat Certificate (or  equivalent) and are willing to work towards the Yachtmaster Offshore qualification within two years of appointment.

Full details of the essential and desirable criteria can be found in the Job Description and Person Specification.

Why Join Sussex IFCA?

- A varied role combining vessel operations, enforcement, monitoring and survey work
- Opportunities for training and professional development
- Work as part of a small team with significant operational responsibility
- Contribute directly to the management of Sussex's inshore fisheries and Marine Protected Areas
- Regular vessel operations throughout the Sussex IFCA district

Additional Information

- The role involves regular work at sea and on land.
- Weekend working is required as part of operational duties.
- The post attracts a 10% uplift on basic salary to reflect operational and unsocial hours requirements.
- Appointment is subject to a Seafarer's Medical (ENG1) and BPSS clearance.
- The successful candidate must be able to attend Shoreham Harbour within one hour for urgent operational deployments.

Current Vacancies

GENERAL AUTHORITY MEMBER

The MMO have been given the responsibility by Defra to manage the process of making appointments of General Members to IFCA Committees. These voluntary roles require candidates who can take a balanced approach to caring for our seas, assessing the priority and importance of all users and stakeholders. It is essential that candidates have a good local knowledge of the IFCA area for which they are applying. The members of the IFCA contribute their knowledge and experience to provide sustainable management of their IFCA district. 

For more information and to apply visit the MMO website via the link below.

More information on General Member to IFCA Committees
 

Our Address

Sussex IFCA
12A Riverside Business Centre
Brighton Rd
Shoreham-by-Sea
West Sussex
BN43 6RE

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