Sussex Inshore Fisheries & Conservation Authority
Senior Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Officer (Skipper)
How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
Salary: £36,363 - £39,862 per annum (pay award pending) plus 10% uplift (excluding allowances)
Location: Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex
Contract: Full-Time, Permanent
Closing Date: Monday 31 August 2026
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.
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 offshore.
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 communities.
Reasons to use Rodeo
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
It searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
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.
Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
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.
Further Information and Applications
For an informal discussion regarding the role, please contact Rob Pearson on 01273 454407 or r.pearson@sussex-ifca.gov.uk.
Completed application forms should be returned to: a.purcell@sussex-ifca.gov.uk
Interviews: Week commencing 14 September 2026, Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex.
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
Skills