• Full Time, 38 hours per week 
• Ongoing Full Time
• District Fisheries Officer – salary from $ 117,212.00 to $ 125,377.00 per annum (FTE) plus super and leave loading 
• Wollongbar location

The Fisheries Compliance Unit is currently looking for suitably experienced, professional and dedicated people to join our team. We currently have multiple District Fisheries Officer positions available, based at Port Stephens (Port Stephens Great Lakes Marine Park), Eden (Far South Coast District), Maclean (Statewide Operations & Investigations Group), Narooma (Batemans Bay Marine Park) and Wollongbar (Richmond District).

You will be joining the Fisheries Compliance Unit within the Department of Primary Industries & Regional Development (DPIRD) Fisheries. This team is responsible for administering fisheries laws governing the fisheries resources of the state. The teams spend a significant number of hours on patrol, detecting and preventing illegal fishing to reduce risk to fish stocks and aquatic habitats. Have a look at some of the great work we do on YouTube and the DPIRD Fisheries Facebook Page. 

About You

To be considered for this role, in your application you need to demonstrate that you meet the following essential criteria: 

1. Experience in developing, implementing and evaluating risk-based compliance plans  
2. Experience in building and managing effective stakeholder relationships  
3. Experience in detecting, investigating and reporting offences. 
4. Experience in leading and developing staff capability and potential in a small team 
5. Participate in fisheries patrol duties (including extended and offshore) and planned operations to optimise compliance outputs.  

As a District Fisheries Officer you will be:

• Coordinating fisheries compliance activities using a risk-based approach
• Planning and managing fisheries compliance programs and operations
• Conducting compliance patrols and planned operations, land based, estuarine and offshore
• Liaising with clients, members of the public and external stakeholders
• Preparing evidence, offence reports, briefing notes and correspondence
• Presenting evidence in court
• Ensuring financial and operational efficiencies are achieved within your area,
• Leading and developing staff capability with a small team of fisheries officers
• Leading, encouraging and developing staff capability and potential
• Writing and reviewing draft media releases, prosecution briefs and Director briefs
• Maximising voluntary compliance and creating effective deterrence’s to illegal fishing within NSW.
• Detect, investigate and report on illegal fishing activity.  
• Operating in accordance with Policy and Procedure Manuals, Fisheries Compliance Work Instructions and the Code of Ethics and Conduct

In addition to the above it is critical that you have the following in line with the Crown Employees Fisheries Staff Award which includes:

• Current manual driver’s licence, and capability to drive a manual and four-wheel drive vehicle
• Current Coxswain’s certificate of competency (Grade 1 or 2 Near Coastal) or equivalent (A boat licence and Coxswain Grade 3 is not sufficient)
• Colour vision
• Swimming ability (200m)
• HSC or Equivalent

As part of the recruitment process for this role, you will be required to complete a Police check, health/medical assessment and other assessments as required.

What you need to do to apply for this fantastic opportunity:

If this position sounds like you and you would like to join one of the most attractive employers in NSW, please apply online and attach:

• Cover letter demonstrating how you meet the requirements listed in the “About You” section above
• Current resume
• A copy of your current driver’s license,
• Coxswains Certificate of Competency Grade 1 or 2 Near Coastal
• HSC or equivalent

*PLEASE NOTE – IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A CURRENT COXSWAINS CERTIFICATE AT THE TIME THIS ADVERTISMENT CLOSES, YOUR APPLICATION CAN NOT BE CONSIDERED AS IT IS A REQUIREMENT UNDER THE FISHERIES STAFF AWARD FOR A DISTRICT FISHERIES OFFICER. ANY APPLICATIONS RECEIVED WITHOUT EVIDENCE OF A CURRENT COXSWAINS CERTIFICATE WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.

We encourage you to contact us for further information about the role and your application, please contact Christine Rae at christine.rae@dpird.nsw.gov.au or 0400 839 976 or  click here to view the role description for further details. 

Why Join Us?

At DPIRD, we’re committed to protecting and growing NSW’s primary industries while supporting regional communities. When you join us, you’ll:

• Work on meaningful projects that shape the future of agriculture and biosecurity.
• Enjoy flexible work arrangements and the option to work from regional locations.
• Access professional development opportunities to grow your career.
• Be part of a collaborative, inclusive team that values diversity and innovation.

Applying is easy!

Please apply via our online portal and submit:

✅ A CV (no more than 4 pages)

✅ A cover letter (up to two pages) Tell us how your experience and skills make you a great fit for this role.

Applications close: 17^th March 2026 at 11:55pm AEST 

 After applying:

• You’ll receive a confirmation email
• We’ll review all applications once the ad closes
• If shortlisted, you may be invited to interview (in person or Microsoft Teams video)
• Further assessments will follow (e.g. writing task, skills test, psychometric test)
• Reference checks will be completed for final candidates  
• The preferred candidate for this role may be required to undergo reference checks, a national police check, bankruptcy check, health assessment and/or other assessments as required.
• A talent pool may be created for ongoing and temporary roles of the same type that may arise within the next 18 months. 

About us – together, we are DPIRD  

The New South Wales Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) protects, supports and develops primary industries and regional economies.  

Collectively we support strong and sustainable agriculture, forestry, fishing and mining industries, and regional economies. We actively manage our natural assets: our lands and soils, minerals, waterways and oceans, vegetation and forests.  

The department brings together:  

• Local Land Services  
• NSW Resources  
• Agriculture and Biosecurity  
• Fisheries and Forestry  
• Regional Development and Delivery.  

We have skilled and dedicated teams working in 200 locations across regional NSW. With nearly 5,000 employees, and 75 per cent of the DPIRD team living and working in regional NSW, we are embedded in the regions we serve. Learn more about the benefits of joining our diverse and talented DPIRD team.  

At DPIRD, we are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds – including, but not limited to, gender, age, ethnicity, cultural heritage, disability, religion and sexual orientation.  

DPIRD is a proud Disability Confident Recruiter, Family Inclusive Employer and Carer Friendly Employer

We are committed to ensuring every stage of the recruitment process is accessible and free from barriers. If you require adjustments or information in an alternative format to participate, please contact talent.advisory@dpird.nsw.gov.au   or the hiring manager listed for a confidential discussion.  

We also understand that work is just one part of life. Our Family Inclusive Employer and Carers + Employers Accreditations reflect our commitment to supporting employees to balance work and family responsibilities.