- Full Time, 38hours per week
- Ongoing Full Time
- District Fisheries Officer– salary from$ 117,212.00 to $ 125,377.00 per annum(FTE)plus super and leave loading

About the role

In your current role as a District Fisheries Officer (DFO) within the Fisheries Compliance Unit, you will have the opportunity to lead and supervise a small team of Fisheries Officers within your designated district of responsibility with a focus on risk-based fisheries compliance activities. Duties will include planning and managing fisheries compliance programs and operations, conducting compliance patrols, and liaising professionally with a broad range of stakeholders. You will also need the skills and experience to allocate resources to meet compliance objectives, drive priorities, exercise sound judgement, prepare and present evidence, compile and review prosecution briefs, and generate reports in line with Fisheries Compliance policies.

Summary

The Fisheries Compliance Unit is currently looking for suitably experienced, professional and dedicated people to join our team. We currently have (2) District Fisheries Officer positions available, based at Coffs Harbour (Coffs Harbour District) and Dubbo (Macquarie District)

You will be joining the Fisheries Compliance Unit within the Department of Primary Industries & Regional Development (DPIRD) Fisheries. This team is responsible for administering fisheries laws governing the fisheries resources of the state. The teams spend a significant number of hours on patrol, detecting and preventing illegal fishing to reduce risk to fish stocks and aquatic habitats. Have a look at some of the great work we do on YouTube and the DPIRD Fisheries Facebook Page.

About You





To be considered for this role,in your applicationyou need todemonstratethat you meetthe following essential criteria:

1. Experience in developing,implementingand evaluating risk-basedcomplianceplans
2. Experience in building and managing effective stakeholder relationships
3. Experience indetecting,investigatingand reporting offences.
4. Experience inleadingand developing staff capability and potentialin a small team
5. Participate in fisheriespatrol duties(includingextended andoffshore)and planned operations to optimise compliance outputs.

As a District Fisheries Officer you will be:

- Coordinating fisheries compliance activities using a risk-based approach
- Planning and managing fisheries compliance programs and operations
- Conducting compliance patrols and planned operations, land based, estuarine and offshore
- Liaising with clients, members of the public and external stakeholders
- Preparing evidence, offence reports, briefing notes and correspondence
- Presenting evidence in court
- Ensuring financial and operational efficiencies are achieved within your area,
- Leading and developing staff capability with a small team of fisheries officers
- Leading, encouraging and developing staff capability and potential
- Writing and reviewing draft media releases, prosecution briefs and Director briefs




- 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

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)
- Colour vision
- Swimming ability (200m)
- HSC or Equivalent

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.

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 career development opportunities to grow your career.
- Be part of a collaborative, inclusive team that values diversity and innovation.

Applications close

10th November 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

📌 District Fisheries Officer Macquarie (Dubbo)
🏢 NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development
📍 Dubbo