Fishery Enforcement Officer Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the world of marine conservation, the role of a Fishery Enforcement Officer is more crucial than ever.

As our marine ecosystems face increasing threats, the demand for vigilant guardians who can manage, protect, and enforce fishing regulations grows.

But what exactly is expected from a Fishery Enforcement Officer?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the scope of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the intricacies of fisheries enforcement,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we introduce a customizable Fishery Enforcement Officer job description template, tailored for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Fishery Enforcement Officer Duties and Responsibilities

Fishery Enforcement Officers are primarily responsible for enforcing laws and regulations related to fishery activities.

This includes patrolling waters, inspecting fishing vessels and equipment, investigating potential violations, and reporting findings.

Their daily duties and responsibilities include:

• Patrolling assigned areas to monitor fishing activities and ensure compliance with regulations
• Inspecting fishing vessels, gear, licenses, catches and documentation to ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations
• Investigating reports of illegal fishing activities, such as unauthorized fishing areas, overfishing, or illegal species capture
• Writing reports detailing inspection findings, investigations, and enforcement actions taken
• Educating the public and fishermen on conservation methods and the importance of following fishing regulations
• Cooperating and sharing information with other law enforcement agencies
• Responding to and assisting in emergency situations, such as boating accidents or oil spills
• Gathering and preserving evidence for use in court, and testifying in court when necessary

 

Fishery Enforcement Officer Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated Fishery Enforcement Officer to enforce fisheries legislation and regulations.

The Fishery Enforcement Officer will be responsible for ensuring compliance with fishing laws, conducting patrols, and performing investigations.

A successful candidate should have a strong knowledge of fisheries management and law enforcement, as well as excellent communication and observation skills.

 

Responsibilities

• Conduct patrols on foot, by boat, or vehicle to enforce fishing laws and regulations
• Investigate reports of illegal fishing activities
• Collect and document evidence related to fisheries crimes
• Testify in court or at hearings regarding investigations
• Prepare and submit reports detailing patrols and enforcement activities
• Provide education and information to the public about fisheries regulations
• Work with other law enforcement agencies as necessary
• Maintain a detailed knowledge of current fisheries laws and regulations

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience in law enforcement or a similar role
• Knowledge of fisheries management and law enforcement
• Ability to work independently and make sound judgements
• Excellent observational and investigative skills
• Strong physical fitness and ability to work in outdoor conditions
• Ability to communicate effectively with the public
• High school diploma or equivalent; further education in law enforcement or environmental science is a plus

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Fishery Enforcement Officer
• Work Environment: Outdoor setting in various weather conditions. Some travel may be required for patrols and investigations.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Fishery Enforcement Supervisor or Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $35,000 minimum to $75,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Fishery Enforcement Officer Do?

Fishery Enforcement Officers, also known as Fisheries Officers, work primarily for government agencies and conservation bodies.

Their main duty is to protect and conserve fish stocks, their habitats, and the wider marine environment.

They patrol and monitor both offshore and inland waters, including rivers, lakes, and sea areas, to ensure compliance with national and international fishing laws and regulations.

Fishery Enforcement Officers carry out inspections of fishing vessels, equipment, fish processing plants, and fish markets.

They check for compliance with fishing quotas, size limits, and species restrictions, as well as ensuring that all necessary licenses and permits are held.

They are also responsible for the investigation of illegal activities such as poaching, illegal fishing methods, and black market fish sales.

In the case of any breaches, they gather evidence and may be required to give testimony in court.

Fishery Enforcement Officers play a key role in educating the public and fishery stakeholders about responsible fishing practices and the importance of conservation.

They conduct regular meetings with fishermen, fishing industry representatives, and the general public to provide advice and guidance.

Additionally, they may be involved in research and data collection, contributing to studies on fish stocks, migration patterns, and the impact of human activity on marine life.

Their role is critical to the sustainability of fisheries and the preservation of marine ecosystems.

 

Fishery Enforcement Officer Qualifications and Skills

Fishery Enforcement Officers require a unique mix of skills and qualifications to effectively monitor and protect fish populations and habitats.

These include:

• Knowledge of fisheries management, marine biology or related field to understand the ecosystem and the species they are responsible to protect.
• Strong interpersonal skills to communicate effectively with a variety of stakeholders including fishermen, community members, and other regulatory bodies.
• Detail-oriented with the ability to monitor and record relevant data about fish populations, catches, and illegal activities.
• Problem-solving skills to quickly and effectively respond to various situations that may arise, from dealing with illegal fishing activities to handling disputes between fishermen.
• Physical fitness and stamina to work in outdoor environments, often in challenging weather conditions, and to perform physically demanding tasks when required.
• Strong understanding of local, state, and federal fishing laws and regulations, and the ability to enforce these laws effectively and fairly.
• Ability to operate and navigate small boats and other equipment that may be used in patrolling water bodies.
• First aid and emergency response skills to handle potential accidents or emergencies that may occur during patrols or enforcement activities.

 

Fishery Enforcement Officer Experience Requirements

For entry-level Fishery Enforcement Officer roles, candidates should have at least 1-2 years of experience in a related field such as marine biology, law enforcement, or natural resource management.

This can be gained through internships, part-time roles, or volunteer work with conservation organizations or government agencies.

Candidates should have a comprehensive understanding of fishing regulations and conservation principles, and ideally some practical experience in the enforcement of these regulations.

This may include hands-on experience in patrolling water bodies, conducting surveillance, and collecting and analyzing data.

Fishery Enforcement Officers with more than 3 years of experience often have developed skills such as handling fishing gear and equipment, proficiency in navigation and maritime safety, and advanced knowledge of fish species and habitats.

They may also have experience in carrying out investigations, preparing reports, and presenting evidence in court.

Those with more than 5 years of experience may have demonstrated leadership skills and could be ready for managerial roles or supervisory positions.

This may include leading a team of officers, coordinating enforcement activities, and liaising with other law enforcement agencies and stakeholders.

 

Fishery Enforcement Officer Education and Training Requirements

Fishery Enforcement Officers typically have a high school diploma or equivalent, although a bachelor’s degree in fisheries science, biology, or a related field is often preferred.

They also need a sound knowledge of conservation laws and regulations, and a strong background in law enforcement procedures.

Familiarity with fishing techniques, species identification, and safe boating practices is also important.

Prior experience in a related role or field, such as law enforcement, fishery management, marine biology, or environmental conservation, is highly beneficial for this role.

In addition, several states require Fishery Enforcement Officers to be Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) certified, which includes completing a POST-certified basic law enforcement training program and passing a written examination.

This certification focuses on topics such as patrol procedures, criminal law, community policing, investigative procedures, report writing, defensive tactics, firearms, leadership, ethics, community disaster preparedness, and more.

Fishery Enforcement Officers also need to have a valid driver’s license, and in some cases, a boating license.

They may also be required to complete a physical fitness test and a psychological evaluation.

Ongoing training and professional development are also essential in this role, as it helps officers stay up-to-date on new laws and regulations, changes in fishing practices, and advancements in law enforcement techniques and technologies.

 

Fishery Enforcement Officer Salary Expectations

A Fishery Enforcement Officer earns an average salary of $50,000 (USD) per year.

However, this figure can fluctuate based on factors such as years of experience, level of education, and the specific location of the job.

Additionally, working for government agencies or large conservation organizations may offer more competitive salaries.

 

Fishery Enforcement Officer Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Fishery Enforcement Officer need?

Fishery Enforcement Officers should possess strong observation skills to enforce laws and regulations pertaining to fish and wildlife.

They should also have good physical fitness for outdoor work and potentially strenuous activities.

Excellent communication skills are necessary for interaction with the public, fishers, and other law enforcement agencies.

They should also have solid problem-solving abilities to handle situations that may arise while on duty.

 

Do Fishery Enforcement Officers need a degree?

Although not all agencies require a degree, some prefer candidates with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, environmental science, wildlife management, or a related field.

However, all Fishery Enforcement Officers must undergo extensive training and must be able to pass physical, written, and psychological exams.

 

What should you look for in a Fishery Enforcement Officer resume?

A Fishery Enforcement Officer resume should show experience in law enforcement, fishery or wildlife management, or a related field.

Look for evidence of physical fitness, such as participation in outdoor activities or sports.

Any certifications, such as in CPR or first aid, are also beneficial.

Additionally, they should have a clean criminal record and a valid driver’s license.

 

What qualities make a good Fishery Enforcement Officer?

A good Fishery Enforcement Officer is highly observant and dedicated to protecting fish populations and their habitats.

They need to have a firm understanding of fisheries laws and regulations, and the ability to enforce them.

They should be approachable and communicative, as educating the public is a big part of their job.

They also need to be physically fit and comfortable working outdoors in all types of weather.

 

Is it difficult to hire Fishery Enforcement Officers?

The process of hiring Fishery Enforcement Officers can be challenging as it demands candidates who are physically fit, knowledgeable about fisheries laws and regulations, and willing to work in outdoor environments.

Therefore, recruiting may take longer to find the right candidate.

However, the role offers a unique opportunity for those with a passion for conservation and law enforcement.

 

Conclusion

There you have it.

Today, we delved into the depths of what it truly means to be a Fishery Enforcement Officer.

And you know what?

It’s not just about patrolling the waters.

It’s about safeguarding our aquatic resources, one inspection at a time.

With our comprehensive fishery enforcement officer job description template and real-world examples, you’re fully equipped to embark on this new journey.

But don’t drop anchor yet.

Plunge further with our job description generator. It’s your next navigational aid for crafting precise job listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every inspection is a step towards a sustainable future.

Let’s safeguard that future. Together.

How to Become a Fishery Enforcement Officer (Complete Guide)

Work-Life Balance Win: Easy Jobs That Pay More Than You Think!

The Fun-Loving Work: Enjoyable Careers That Are Never Dull

Sky’s the Limit: Top High-Paying Careers That Can Change Your Life!

Tech’s Takeover Targets: Jobs Where AI is Making Moves