* APS Level 6 ($100,690 - $111,345 salary range)
* Darwin Operations Section | Fisheries Operations Branch
* Darwin | Ongoing
APS Level
Fisheries Operations BranchDarwin
About the branch
The Fisheries Operations Branch provides high level deterrence for illegal, unreported & unregulated fishing activities. It does so by providing leadership, contract & project management & policy development.
About the team
The International Compliance Operations Section assists in the delivery of AFMA's National Compliance and Enforcement Program and AFMA's International Compliance and Engagement Program.
Nationally, the section develops and implements measures aimed at preventing and deterring illegal foreign fishing activities within waters subject to Australian jurisdiction. The section provides comprehensive management of apprehension and prosecution processes for illegal fishing under the Fisheries Management Act 1991, Maritime Powers Act 2013, and the Torres Strait Fisheries Act 1984. This includes investigating suspected breaches of Australian fisheries laws, managing the seizure, maintenance, and disposal of foreign vessels, and travelling overseas to develop, educate and encourage improved fisheries compliance practices in countries seeking our assistance or with an identified need for outreach programs.
Internationally, the team supports the management of Commonwealth Fisheries by providing operational Monitoring Control and Surveillance (MCS) expertise on land, in the air and at sea through participation in international enforcement activity. The team is responsible for the delivery of capacity building programs to foreign states and their agencies and are involved in the delivery of fisheries management and compliance education under the AFMA International Compliance and Enforcement Program.
About the role
The Senior Fisheries Officer assists the Managers of International Capacity Building and Operations (ICBO) and Darwin Operations (DO) teams to deliver services to combat domestic non-compliance and IUU fishing regionally and internationally, through:
* Undertaking compliance action within the international and domestic environment, including the ability to investigate domestic and/or foreign fishers.
* Ensuring that investigations are conducted in accordance with the Commonwealth Fraud Control Guidelines and the Australian Government Investigation Standards (AGIS).
* Working with team members to design, implement and deliver capacity building programs that are designed to enhance and upskill fisheries officers across the region.
* Provide MCS advice to other nations, regional and international organisations.
* Proactively support AFMA's International and National Compliance and Enforcement Programs.
In addition to meeting the work level standards (WLS) of the position classification, as an APS 6, Senior Fisheries Officer, you will:
* Assist in combating illegal foreign fishing in the Australian Fishing Zone and Torres Strait Protected Zone.
* Travel across the Northern Australia, the Pacific and Southeast Asia in support of AFMA's National Compliance and Enforcement Program and International Compliance and Engagement Programs.
* Provide expert advice, once obtained, on the application of legislative and policy guidelines relating to foreign and domestic fisheries compliance matters. Advise on procedures and issues relating to the apprehension and prosecution of foreign and domestic fishing vessels in the Australian Fishing Zone (AFZ)
* After a period of on-the-job training, undertake enforcement activities in accordance with priority areas established through risk assessments, including in-port fishing vessel inspections, fish receiver inspections and at-sea boarding and inspections of fishing vessels
* Once qualified, prepare briefs of evidence for the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions and act as complainant and witness in court hearings. As required, prepare affidavits for inclusion in investigation reports.
* Gather evidence, including forensic examination once trained, in accordance with the Australian Government Investigation Standards
* Undertake disposals of seized foreign fishing vessels, fishing equipment and abandoned fishing equipment
* Represent AFMA's interests at meetings and briefings with other government agencies.
Our ideal candidate
Our ideal candidate will:
* be prepared and willing to travel both internationally and/or domestically as required
* be able to deploy to sea and remote marine parks predominantly upon Australian Navy and Australian Border Force patrol assets (including at short notice)
* possess excellent communication and liaison skills and has the skill set needed to liaise, educate, and negotiate with a range of stakeholders, including partner agencies and regional partners or the ability to demonstrate an excellent verbal and written skillset
* possess excellent teamwork and interpersonal skills, including active listening, demonstrating respect, and encouraging others in the work environment.
* demonstrate high level verbal and written skills to share information to a range of stakeholders and audiences of varying backgrounds.
* have the ability to interpret and apply, or willingness to learn to interpret and apply, statutory or regulatory frameworks in a range of circumstances or demonstrated similar skillset
* have the ability to collect and collate information and communicate it clearly in written format with attention to detail
* have relevant experience in investigation and inspection activities (or similar skillset or willingness to learn) and making risk-based decisions in accordance with relevant frameworks, legislation, and policies
* have relevant demonstrated experience in teaching or training others.
In addition to the capabilities & experience outlined above, it is desirable that applicants have:
* An understanding of regional fisheries management organisations and other international fisheries management bodies, or the motivation to obtain
* Experience in the design and delivery of Monitoring, Control and Surveillance (MCS) and other fisheries compliance programs or demonstrated experience in producing training including the use of PowerPoint and online training platforms, or willing to learn how to design and deliver an engaging training program.
* A relevant second language, or willingness to undertake language training if required
* Experience with vessels both in port and at sea, or willingness to deploy and obtain an understanding of commercial fishing vessel techniques, construction and design, or motivation to obtain.
* Attention to detail and familiarity with databases, working within multiple administrative programs and proficient in the use of Microsoft Office suite (including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc)
Eligibility
To be eligible for this role applicants must:
* be an Australian citizen
* have the ability to obtain, and maintain, a Negative Vetting 1 security clearance
* satisfy the requirements of an Australian Federal Police Check.
* either possess or be willing to obtain the following:
* Certificate IV of Government (Investigation)
* Certificate IV in Training and Evaluation
Be advised that:
* Prior to interview, shortlisted applicants must undertake a psychometric assessment.
* Prior to employment successful applicants are required to undertake a medical and functional fitness assessment. Ongoing employment is also subject to fisheries officers being able to meet AFMA's medical/fitness standards including periodic medical and functional fitness assessment prior to undertaking any field duties.
Applications for this role close at 11:59pm, Monday 26 January 2026.
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