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Job description

Thank you for your interest in this post of Deputy Principal Fisheries Officer within the Northern Ireland Civil Service. The current vacancies are in the Marine and Fisheries Division (MFD) of DAERA. MFD is part of DAERA’s Environment, Marine and Fisheries Group (EMFG). The Division is responsible for managing the sustainable use of the marine environment and the promotion, protection, enhancement and sustainable use of all fish stocks, inland and at sea (including aquaculture and fish health). The EMFG has a wide range of policy, scientific, professional and technical skills and expertise among its staff. This skills and experience base allows us to manage and protect human health, as well as our landscapes, waters and their wildlife, and to maintain a healthier environment benefiting people, nature and the economy. Success for Marine and Fisheries Division will see us deliver on the Department’s purpose of ‘delivering a net zero nature positive future, supporting sustainable agriculture and thriving rural communities’.

Responsibilities

• Co-ordination and implementation of EMFG Health and Safety in Sea Fisheries operational activities and compliance with them by operational staff.
• Responsible for the implementation of NI’s aquatic animal health regime under Animal Health Law and Windsor Framework (WF).
• For more information please see page 10 of the Candidate Information Booklet (CIB).

Skills and Qualifications

Essential Skills

• Applicants must have, by the closing date for applications: 1a. A degree in a relevant scientific discipline.
• OR 1b. 5 years’ experience in the field of fisheries management.
• AND 2. At least 2 years’ leadership and management experience.

Desirable Skills

• In addition, should it be necessary to shortlist candidates to go forward to interview, the panel will carry out an objective evaluation of the depth and breadth of information provided by candidates in response to eligibility criterion 2.

Further Information

NICS Application form only, vacancy closing date Friday 27th February 2026 at 12 noon. Applications from females, young people (people under the age of 35), people with a disability and people from minority ethnic communities are particularly welcomed for this post. The Northern Ireland Civil Service is an Equal Opportunities Employer. All applications for employment are considered strictly on the basis of merit

Application Information

Visit the recruitment service website www.nicsrecruitment.org.uk (Please quote reference number IRC322756).