We are currently recruiting x2 Senior Marine Enforcement Officer for our client based in Belfast. The successful candidates will be required to start once the vetting paperwork and ANI is completed.

Start date: ASAP

Rate of pay: £24.59ph

Hours of work: The post holder will be required to work 37 hours over a 5 day week. The posts will involve some work outside normal office hours including evening, weekends, and public holidays and also for short periods outside Northern Ireland. Additional hours worked may attract overtime payments, allowances or time off in lieu paid in line with the NICS HR Handbook.

Key Responsibilities:

Marine and Fisheries Division (MFD), part of the DAERA Environment, Marine and Fisheries Groupis responsible for the promotion, protection, enhancement and sustainable use of:

• all fish stocks inland and at sea (including aquaculture and fish health); and
• the marine environment

Marine and Fisheries Division provides lead policy advice to the DAERA Minister in respect of the marine environment, inland and sea fisheries, aquaculture and fish health.
The role holder will lead a specialist
enforcement unitresponsible for investigating and prosecuting serious breaches of sea fisheries regulations under relevant legislation (PACE, CPIA, Human Rights Act).

Main Duties/Responsibilities
•    Lead inspections and enforcement operations at sea and in ports, including vessel boardings and evidence collection.
•    Manage criminal investigations, prepare case files, and present evidence for prosecution.
•    Provide expert advice, mentor staff, and support senior managers with enforcement briefings and reports.
•    Coordinate with other agencies (e.g. PSNI, HMRC) on joint operations.
•    Oversee FOI/EIR responses, ministerial briefings, and legal challenges.
•    Ensure compliance with regulatory frameworks stemming from the Windsor Framework and fisheries legislation.

Decision-Making & Problem Solving:
•    Make autonomous decisions on enforcement actions, case prioritisation, and operational improvements.
•    Analyse complex scientific and enforcement data to develop evidence-based options.
•    Recommend training and process enhancements.

Management Duties:
•    Lead a regulatory team, manage resources, monitor performance, and promote innovation.
•    Maintain high standards in investigative reporting and information management.

Communication:
•    Engage with internal teams, senior managers, external agencies, industry stakeholders, and the public to promote understanding of enforcement actions and environmental protection.

Essential Criteria applicants must have:

• Minimum of 5 GCSEs (or equivalent) at grade C or above, including Maths, English, and one science-related subject.
• Proof of Degree
• A nationally recognised investigative qualification and at least 3 years of investigative experience.
• A full driving licence due to travel requirements across Northern Ireland.

Desirable experience:
•    Proven experience in investigating legislative breaches using specialist qualifications.
•    Strong background in regulation and enforcement, with in-depth knowledge of PACE (NI) 1989, CPIA 1996, and the Human Rights Act 1998.
•    Courtroom experience, including giving evidence in Magistrates and Crown courts.
•    Skilled in compiling high-standard investigative reports and managing the criminal disclosure process.
•    Ability to interpret complex and contentious situations using departmental rules.
•    Strong focus on health and safety in operational environments.
•    Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organisational skills.
•    High attention to detail, confidentiality, and discretion.
•    Capable of managing competing priorities and working flexibly under pressure.
The post may entail some travel within Northern Ireland and for this reason the individual will require a full driving licence to enable them to meet the requirements of the post in full.

If interested please apply below ASAP –