• Full Time, 38 hours per week
• Ongoing role
• Primary Work Location: Dubbo
• District Fisheries Officer – Salary from $112,704 per annum plus super

Diversity, equity and inclusion are central to the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development. We are committed to fostering a workplace where everyone can thrive, reflecting the rich diversity of the communities we serve. We actively encourage individuals of all backgrounds – including but not limited to; gender, age, ethnicity, race, cultural heritage, disability, religion and sexual orientation to apply. We strive to ensure that every stage of the recruitment process and overall employee experience is accessible, welcoming and free from barriers.  Learn more about the benefits of joining our diverse and talented DPIRD team.

The Fisheries Compliance Unit is currently looking for suitably experienced, professional and dedicated people to join our team. We currently have a District Fisheries Officer position available based Dubbo.

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 DPI Fisheries Facebook Page. 

About the Role
In your new role as a District Fisheries Officer (DFO) within the Fisheries Compliance Unit, you will have the opportunity to lead and supervise a small team of Fisheries Officers within your designated district of responsibility with a focus on risk-based fisheries compliance activities. Duties will include planning and managing fisheries compliance programs and operations, conducting compliance patrols, and liaising professionally with a broad range of stakeholders.

You will also need the skills and experience to allocate resources to meet compliance objectives, drive priorities, exercise sound judgement, prepare and present evidence, compile and review prosecution briefs, and generate reports in line with Fisheries Compliance policies.

Your role leads a team to plan and manage risk-based fisheries compliance operations, including patrols, to detect and investigate illegal fishing across land, estuarine, and offshore areas. You'll also prepare and present evidence in court, liaise with stakeholders, and maximise voluntary compliance in NSW, all while ensuring operational efficiency and staff development.

About You
As our ideal candidate, you will have:

• Proven experience in developing and implementing risk-based compliance plans.
• Strong leadership skills in guiding and developing small teams.
• Demonstrated ability to detect, investigate, and report offences.
• Experience in building and managing stakeholder relationships.
• Capability to participate in diverse fisheries patrol duties (including offshore).
• Holds a Coxswain's certificate and manual driver's licence.

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.

Applying is easy!
Submit your current Resume/CV and a Cover Letter (max. 2 pages) outlining your relevant skills and experience, and why you’re our ideal candidate.

If you’d like to know more about the role, please click here to view the role description.

For a confidential discussion about this opportunity, please contact Christine Rae on 0400 839 976 or email christine.rae@dpi.nsw.gov.au.

EOI Applications close: Monday, 30 June 2025 at 11:55pm AEST

If you require adjustments in completing your application, interviewing, completing any pre- employment testing, require information in an alternative format, or otherwise participating in the recruitment process, please let us know so we can assist. Send an email to talent.advisory@dpird.nsw.gov.au or contact the hiring manager listed above for a confidential discussion.

Additional Information
This is an internal EOI opportunity. To be considered for an appointment for over 12 months or ongoing, applicants must be ongoing at either an equivalent or higher grade than this advertised vacancy (District Fisheries Officer) OR on a current and valid talent pool at this grade or higher. Alternatively, if you do not meet the requirement for an ongoing appointment, you may only be considered for a temporary appointment of up to 12 months.

DPIRD is committed to providing an inclusive candidate experience and through the Disability Confident Recruiter program, identify and remove unintended barriers for candidates.