Kent and Essex Inshore Fisheries and
Conservation Authority
Job Description
Job title:
Chief Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Officer
Location: Main location Ramsgate, Kent with some working time based at Brightlingsea,
Essex (to be determined)
Reports to: Chairman and Authority
Grade: KR 13 circa £48,00 per annum
General Description:
The Chief Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Officer is responsible for ensuring that the
requirements of the Authority are implemented. The post carries responsibility to ensure
the effective and efficient management and operation of staff, infrastructure, and marine
conservation sites, reporting of relevant matters to the Authority and implementation of
instructions given. There is a responsibility to fulfill the Authority’s visions and defined
objectives. The post also includes responsibility for ensuring the Authority is kept informed
and advised properly on delivery of KEIFCA duties and responsibilities including, the
enforcement of EU, National and local fisheries and environmental legislation so as to
safeguard the sustainability of marine resources and environment within the Authority’s
district, within budget and to time.
Duties and Responsibilities
o To provide positive and motivational leadership to all the Authority’s Officers.
o To consult, and take instructions, from the Clerk of the Authority regarding
procedural matters.
o To consult the Authority’s Financial Advisor regarding budgetary expenditure and
financial management.
o To ensure that expenditure is within budgetary allocations.
o To be accountable for the formulation and implementation of the Authority’s
fisheries enforcement and environmental management strategies in line with legal
requirements.
o To be accountable for the development and delivery of the Authority’s annual plans
and reports.
o To be held responsible for the continued development of a PR and Communications
strategy.
o To be accountable for the implementation of the Authority’s Health & Safety policy
and that it is promoted and amended as required to reflect the nature of the tasks
undertaken by all staff.
o To ensure that staff are adequately trained for their work and that legislative
requirements are complied with.
o To be answerable for the efficient policing of the Authority’s district in respect of
the Authority’s byelaws and any other relevant sea fisheries/conservation
legislation.
o To report all incidents of non-compliance to the Authority and oversee the
implementation of Fixed Administrative Penalties or legal proceedings against
alleged offenders.
o To oversee a review of local fisheries management and byelaws followed by
implementation of new byelaws as required by the Authority.
o To be accountable for the formulation, promotion and adoption of the Authority’s
research programme and to enable adequate forward planning and resources are
available.
o Seek to influence, at all levels, proposed fisheries and other legislation in line with
the Authority’s policy.
o To generate an environment where productive liaison across the stakeholder
community is fostered and collaborative ventures are adequately planned,
structured, funded and implemented.
o To be accountable for the seaworthiness and safe operation of the Authority’s
vessels and equipment ensuring they are safe to operate including design,
technology, maintenance & manning.
o To report all relevant matters to the Authority and its sub-committees together with
all necessary supporting evidence including, scientific, technical and legal advice, to
enable sound, lawful and inform decision making.
o To ensure that the survey and management of Thames Estuary Cockle Fishery
Order 1994 is undertaken in an effective manner.
o To ensure that staff are aware of their work tasks and that staff assessment and
appraisals are undertaken.
o To undertake other duties that may be required by the Chairman or Authority.
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Key requirements
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Officers of the Authority are aware of what is required of them and that this is
carried out with competence and professionalism.
There is an up to date knowledge of environmental matters and legislation
requirements.
The Authority’s work is promoted positively with the public and all correspondence
and queries from the public are dealt with professionally and on time.
Representation of the authority at IFCA meetings, Association of IFCAs (Director
Duties) and other related local and national bodies.
Maintain positive relationships and joint working with other Authorities and
stakeholders such as the Environment Agency, Marine Management Organisation,
Natural England Department of the Environment, Food & Rural Affairs and coastal
authorities.
To keep up to date with issues within the district which may affect matters which
are the responsibilities of the Authority?
Budget Monitoring
o To oversee expenditure and ensure it remains within budgetary allocation. Advise the Authority
of recommended actions regarding budget. Authority income circa £0.9M/annum.
Planning
o Required to produce an annual plan and report to meet KEIFCA and Defra requirements with
assistance of other officers.
o Implement planning actions so as to achieve success criteria and high level objectives set by
Defra.
o Ensure scientific evidence supports planning actions to enhance the Conservation Zones and
Fishery
Complexity
o Working across the area of 2 Local Government Counties and 3 Unitary Authorities balancing
the requirements of each.
o Diverse range of key stakeholders with often conflicting requirements.
o Need to understand and comply with the relevant legislation and operating procedures.
o Engage in local meetings and with national government departments.
Key relationships
o All Authority officers
o Members of the Authority
o UK government departments
o Environment Agency
o Marine Management Organisation
o Coastal authorities
o Crown estates
o Natural England
o CEFAS
o Local fishing population – both commercial and recreational
o Other environmental and conservation organisations
Decisions & Actions
o To report all major issues for decision to the Authority. Minor decision making is required on a
day to day basis and is required to follow Authority policy. Decisions regarding sensitive issues
should be made after consultation with the Chairman or Vice Chairman.
o The Authority or Chairman are consulted regarding delivery of success criteria and high level
objectives set by Defra.
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Authorises the opening and closing of fisheries in accordance with legislation / delegate
responsibility/consultation with Chairman or Vice Chairman.
Freedom to make operational decisions in line with Authority agreement/delegate responsibility.
Experience, knowledge & skills
Essential
o Graduate calibre with at least 2 years’
experience at managerial level
o Significant leadership experience
working with a diverse team
o At least 5 years’ experience in marine
fisheries management
o Demonstrable experience of financial
planning and budgetary control
o Good communication skills both verbal
and written
o Organisational change management
experience
o Ability to travel
o Right to work in the UK
Preferred
o Degree in a marine fisheries or coastal
management discipline
o Knowledge of local government and
committee structures
o Track record in senior grade management of
inshore fisheries
o Experience of enforcement and legal
processes
o Knowledge of fisheries/marine environmental
legislation
o Experience of working with the fishing industry
or recreational fishing sector
o Holds a current full UK driving licence
Personal qualities required
o Empathy with environmental factors affecting inshore fisheries and protection
o Integrity
o Good communicator
o Openness & honesty
o Resilience
o Attention to detail
o Motivator
o Good interpersonal skills
o Sense of humour