Job Description

We are looking for a Technical Fisheries Officer to join the Fisheries Operations team based in Thames, the Fisheries Biodiversity and Geomorphology department. Successful candidates will provide high‑quality fisheries advice to internal and external customers using a risk‑based approach to protect and improve the water environment and water‑dependent wildlife, focusing on significant chalk stream habitats such as the River Kennet.

Responsibilities

• Have a strong foundation in fisheries science and practical fisheries management.
• Excellent communication skills and experience of working with a wide range of people.
• Deliver environmental outcomes and build strong relationships within the team and with stakeholders.
• Be well‑organised, confident and work independently on initiative.

The role includes strong area incident response duties and requires flexible working and participation in the fisheries duty officer 24‑hour out‑of‑hours roster.

Team

The Fisheries Operations team uses a risk‑based approach to protect and improve the water environment for fisheries, providing advice on high‑risk permits, consents, licences and planning applications, raising awareness of angling opportunities, delivering the rod licence checking programme, providing incident response and undertaking river habitat enhancement work.

Requirements – Essential

• A degree in a relevant subject or equivalent professional experience.
• A good understanding of practical fisheries management techniques and excellent fish identification skills.
• A full driving licence.

Requirements – Desirable

• A good general understanding of fisheries legislation and law.
• Self‑motivated, acting independently with a pro‑active approach.
• Strong influencing skills and experience of engaging key stakeholders.
• Confident communicator.
• Excellent time management skills and the ability to manage an unpredictable workload and balance conflicting priorities.

Working Conditions

This role is office based in Farnham with hybrid working options. It requires 2 hours in‑hours and 4 hours out‑of‑hours incident response time, travel across the area, field work and a full driving licence. All Environmental Agency staff receive training to support incident response.

Contact

Interviews are expected to begin from the 11th of August. If you have any questions, please contact Team Leader Peter Gray Peter.gray@environement-agency.gov.uk.

Equal Opportunity

The Environment Agency are fully committed to an inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We embrace diversity and provide flexible working patterns for all our vacancies, including job share. We also guarantee an interview to applicants with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria.