District Fisheries Officer – Macquarie and Coffs Harbour in Dubbo

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 new 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.

About You

To be considered for this role, in your application you need to demonstrate that you meet the following essential criteria:

• Experience in developing, implementing and evaluating risk-based compliance plans
• Experience in building and managing effective stakeholder relationships
• Experience in detecting, investigating and reporting offences
• Experience in leading and developing staff capability and potential in a small team
• Participate in fisheries patrol duties (including extended and offshore) 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
• Writing and reviewing draft media releases, prosecution briefs and Director briefs
• Maximising voluntary compliance and creating effective deterrents to illegal fishing within NSW
• Detecting, investigating and reporting 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
• 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 professional 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 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.

We have skilled and dedicated teams working in 200 locations across regional NSW. With nearly 5,000 employees, and 75 per cent of the DPIRD team living and working in regional NSW, we are embedded in the regions we serve. 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 us for a confidential discussion.