Vessel Operations Manager (Senior Skipper)

Job Title: Vessel Operations Manager (Senior Skipper)

Organisation: Sussex Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority

Location: Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex

Contract Type: Permanent

Hours of work: 37 hours per week (minimum)

Working pattern: Full Time

Grade: IFCO Grade 7 (SCP 35-39)

Applicable Salary: £43,421 - £47,420 per annum (pay award pending) + 10% (excl. allowances)

Closing date: 6^th November 2024 17:00

Further information: https://www.sussex-ifca.gov.uk/jobs

About Sussex IFCA

The Sussex Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (IFCA) is one of ten regional IFCA’s in England, responsible for managing sea fisheries resources and Marine Protected Areas out to six nautical miles. Our district covers the entire Sussex Coast, including the estuaries.

Our vision is to lead, champion and manage a sustainable marine environment and inshore fisheries, by successfully securing the right balance between social, environmental and economic benefits to ensure healthy seas, sustainable fisheries and a viable industry.

The IFCA is a committee of local government, and we are funded by East Sussex County Council, West Sussex County Council and Brighton and Hove City Council.

About the role

Are you enthusiastic about protecting our marine environment and ensuring sustainable fishing practices? Do you have a strong maritime background, enjoy working at sea and have great leadership skills? If so, this might be the perfect opportunity for you!

Sussex Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (IFCA) is seeking a dedicated and motivated Vessel Operations Manager (Senior Skipper) to support the management and conservation of inshore fisheries within the Sussex coastal area. As Vessel Operations Manager (Senior Skipper) you will be a vital part of our team of motivated professionals based at our Shoreham-by-Sea office, working to safeguard our coastal waters.

You will be responsible for the safe and efficient management and operation of the Authority’s fishery patrol vessels, including management and development of crew, and the compliance and enforcement of fisheries and conservation regulations in the inshore waters of Sussex, ensuring the Authority meets its vision.  You will be trained to conduct enforcement of regulations relating to fisheries and Marine Protected Areas and you’ll ensure that anyone fishing in the Sussex IFCA district complies with the Marine & Coastal Access Act and other marine, environmental and sea fisheries legislation. You will conduct inspections, collect and record data, and give advice and guidance using your knowledge and understanding of the different fisheries and fishing methods in our district.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Leading in the operation and maintenance of our patrol vessels
• Conducting fishery inspections and enforcement activities to ensure compliance with regulations
• Participating in data collection and research to support marine conservation efforts
• Leading and mentoring crew members to ensure efficient and safe operations

About you

You should be enthusiastic and passionate about the marine environment, with knowledge of marine issues, and the fishing industry. You should have a strong drive to enforce rules protecting fish stocks, marine habitats, and marine wildlife. You will have had demonstratable experience of operating as a Skipper in a professional capacity, including fast craft and RIB handling. You will combine this with effective communication skills both written and oral, combined with an organised approach and an aptitude for teamwork and collaboration. You will work as part of a team and be confident working alone when required. You must be prepared to work additional hours and unsocial hours (weekends and at night), for which the post attracts a 10% uplift on basic salary. You will be required to tackle physically demanding duties in a challenging marine environment and as such, we will expect you to meet the standard required to obtain a Seafarers Medical Certificate (ENG1). Officers involved in both enforcement and conservation and research activities may be required to work a minimum of 20 weekend days per year and a maximum of 28 weekend days. Staff shall work on average a minimum of 37 hours per week.

For further information please contact the IFCA office on 01273 454407 or email [email protected] or visit our website at www.sussex-ifca.gov.uk

For informal advice on the recruitment process please ask for Robert Pearson, Chief Fisheries and Conservation Officer.

The first round of the two-stage interview process will be held in the week commencing 18^th November 2024 in Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex.  

Application forms are to be returned to [email protected]

Closing date: 6^th November 2024 17:00