- Full Time, 38 hours per week
- ongoing Full Time
- Location: Sydney North District Office - Wollstonecraft
- Supervising Fisheries Officer – salary from $102,526 to $105,400 per annum (FTE) plus super and leave loading
As a Fisheries Officer Grade 3, you will be:
- Undertaking compliance activities including surveillance and evidence collection
- Issuing compliance outcomes where appropriate
- Providing guidance to and leading a small team during assigned work, inspections and patrols ensuring all activities are performed according to departmental policies and procedures
- Preparing evidence, offence reports, briefing notes and correspondence
- Presenting evidence in court on behalf of DPI Fisheries
- Development of Operational Plans
- Participating in patrols and larger operations often in remote areas on land and water liaising with clients, members of the public and external stakeholders
- Designing and implementing educational programs to increase knowledge and understanding of issues and legislation amongst commercial and recreational fishers, and
- Undertaking routine maintenance of equipment and materials
- Assisting with development of internal policies, programs and services
- 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
About You-what you need to apply
To be considered for this role, in your application you need to demonstrate that you meet the following essential criteria:
- Knowledge and interest in fisheries compliance, ideally with experience in natural resource management and/or compliance, including implementing operational plans to address compliance risks;
- Demonstrated high-level communication skills both verbal and written;
- Experience in managing effective stakeholder relationships;
- Experience and capability in leading a small team; and
- Participate in fisheries patrol duties (including extended and offshore) and planned operations to optimise compliance outputs.
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)
- 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 FISHERIES OFFICER GRADE 3. ANY APPLICATIONS RECEIVED WITHOUT EVIDENCE OF A CURRENT COXSWAINS CERTIFICATE WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.
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.
We encourage you to contact us for further information about the role and your application. Please contact hiring manager Christine Rae at
[email protected] or 0400 839 976. You can also view the
role description
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 (no more than 1 page) Tell us how your experience and skills make you a great fit for this role.
Applications close: Wednesday 8th July 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.
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
[email protected] 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.
