Fishery Officer

Overview:
Marine Scotland was created in April 2009 when the Scottish Fisheries Protection Agency (SFPA) and Fisheries Research Services, were merged with the Marine Directorate, within the Scottish Government. The SFPA became Marine Scotland Compliance and the FRS became Marine Scotland Science.

Marine Scotland manages Scotland’s marine and freshwater environments, dealing with issues such as sea fisheries, marine litter, offshore renewables and aquaculture. We have more than 700 staff around Scotland including scientists, mariners, enforcement officers, policy specialists, finance specialists and economists. We also currently have our own fleet of two aircraft, three Marine Protection vessels, two inshore protection vessels and two Marine Research vessels making us an exciting, unique and dynamic working environment.

Marine Scotland Compliance is responsible for deterring and detecting illegal activities through effective compliance and enforcement arrangements. We employ Marine staff that are responsible for the crewing of Marine Scotland Compliance's three Marine Protection vessels and Coastal Inspection staff, who make up the Sea Fisheries Inspectorate. The Coastal staff are located at 18 Fishery Offices around the coast of Scotland and at the Registration of Buyers and Sellers (RBS) Unit, which is based in Aberdeen.

The Compliance Headquarters is based in Victoria Quay, Edinburgh where the UK Fisheries Monitoring Centre is based.

Additional information about the MS Compliance can be found on our website - MS Compliance

Fishery Officers are warranted British Sea Fishery Officers (BSFOs) working under the supervision of Senior Officers. As warranted officers (following satisfactory completion of the first 9 months' service and completion of our BSFO training programme) they will be required to carry out enforcement duties.

Due to the remote locations of landing ports a considerable amount of driving is involved therefore a full valid driving licence is required.

Applicants should note that this role includes carrying out visits to various types of establishments in all weather conditions. A willingness to carry out these visits is a prerequisite for the posts.

**SHIFT ALLOWANCE**

Officers will qualify for either a shift allowance or flexible working allowance. Peterhead and the UKFMC will qualify for a shift allowance as they are shift ports. Either 12.5% or 21% depending on location. All other coastal location will qualify for flexible working allowance which is currently 10% of the B2 maximum. Both are paid monthly.

**Responsibilities**:

- the inspection of documentation, fishing gear and/or catches for compliance with conservation, quota management and marketing regulations,
- analysis of Master’s daily electronic logbook information,
- analysis of vessel’s transmissions via Vessel Monitoring Systems,
- providing guidance, advice and information to the fishing industry,
- officers based at our coastal locations may conduct inspections onshore in factories and on board fishing vessels whilst in harbour. Inspections of fish and documentation are conducted at the premises of fish buyers and sellers as well as in vehicles used to transport fisheries products. Inspections are conducted 24/7 in-line with the operations of the industry and officers can expect to undertake some of their duties in unsocial hours and at weekends;
- investigating offences against Scottish, UK, EU and International Fisheries Regulations, and being responsible for compiling and submitting prosecution reports to The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, which may ultimately lead to the criminal prosecution of offenders.

**Competencies**:
Self Awareness

Communications and Engagement

Improving Performance

Analysis and use of Evidence

Essential Criteria & Qualifications:
**Essential Criteria**:
1. A sound knowledge and understanding of the Scottish Fishing and Marine Industries, including the main fisheries and sectors.

2. Excellent organisational skills to manage a varied workload and to meet targets in a flexible manner so to progress tasks with mínimal supervision.

3. Ability to communicate effectively to colleagues and to a wide range of contacts, demonstrating sound judgement and reliability under pressure, and accepting responsibility for subsequent outcomes.

4. Ability to analyse, interpret and act upon evidence.

**Location**:Five locations
- Peterhead, AB42 1DN

Fraserburgh, AB43 9BR

Kinlochbervie, IV27 4RR

Ayr, KA8 0BG

**Interview and Assessment**:Dates to be confirmed

**Minimum time in post**:
You will be expected to remain in post for a minimum of three years unless successful at gaining promotion to a higher Band or Grade.

**HOW TO APPLY & ADDITIONAL INFORMATION**:
**How to apply**:
**Additional information**:
For further information, please download and review the “Person Specification” which you will find below.

**Person_Specification_Band_B_Updated_9.9.22_PDF**

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