Fisheries Officer Career Profile

What the role involves

Fisheries officers help manage, conserve and protect fishery resources. Their role is to support sustainable fishing, reduce illegal activity, educate the public and ensure that fisheries laws and regulations are followed.

The work may involve boat or land-based patrols, checking licences and catches, inspecting fishing gear, monitoring habitats, responding to reports of illegal fishing, collecting data and working with fishers, communities, agencies and compliance teams.

Typical employers

Fisheries officer roles in Australia may be found with:

• state and territory fisheries departments
• marine parks authorities
• fisheries compliance and enforcement teams
• government research and monitoring agencies
• coastal and regional councils
• Commonwealth fisheries and aquatic resource agencies
• marine conservation and aquatic habitat programs
• recreational fishing management programs
• compliance, education and community engagement units

Key tasks

• monitoring fishing activity and checking compliance with fisheries laws
• inspecting licences, catches, fishing gear, vessels or shore-based fishing activity
• conducting patrols on land, at boat ramps, on waterways or at sea
• collecting fisheries, habitat or species data
• educating recreational and commercial fishers about rules and sustainable practices
• assisting with investigations into illegal fishing or habitat damage
• preparing reports, statements, records and compliance documentation
• working with police, marine safety, environment or biosecurity agencies where required
• supporting fisheries management, conservation and public awareness programs

Skills and qualities

Fisheries officer roles suit people who are practical, observant and comfortable working with regulations, communities and aquatic environments. Useful qualities include:

• strong interest in marine, coastal and freshwater environments
• good knowledge of fish, aquatic habitats and conservation issues
• confidence working on or near water
• strong observation, record-keeping and report-writing skills
• communication and public education ability
• confidence dealing with conflict or non-compliance calmly and professionally
• ability to work in variable weather and field conditions
• teamwork with compliance, marine, police or environment staff
• integrity, sound judgement and respect for safety procedures

Qualifications and pathways

Entry requirements vary between states and employers. Some fisheries officer roles may not require a specific degree, but training in natural resource management, fisheries, marine science, environmental science or compliance can be helpful. Your original document notes that a Certificate-level course in Natural Resource Management is well regarded.

• Certificate-level study in Natural Resource Management, Conservation or Fisheries Compliance
• Diploma or degree in Fisheries Science, Marine Biology, Environmental Science or Natural Resource Management
• training in compliance, investigation, regulation or enforcement
• boat licence, marine radio, first aid, swimming or water safety training where required
• diving, four-wheel-drive or remote-area training for some field roles
• strong understanding of fisheries legislation, marine parks and aquatic habitat protection

With experience, fisheries officers may progress into senior fisheries officer, fisheries compliance officer, fisheries management officer, marine park officer, fisheries scientist, program coordinator or fisheries management roles.

Salary and job outlook

Fisheries officer salaries can vary depending on the state or territory, employer, classification level, allowances, field requirements, roster arrangements and whether the role is focused on compliance, science, education or management. Salary information changes over time, so it is best to check current Australian salary, occupation and government career resources before applying or negotiating pay.

Where jobs are usually found in Australia

Fisheries officer jobs are often found in coastal and inland regions where fisheries, waterways, estuaries, marine parks, boat ramps, aquaculture operations or recreational fishing activity are significant. Roles may be based from state fisheries offices, coastal towns, regional centres, ports, inland waterways or marine park areas.

Tips for getting started

• build knowledge of fisheries rules, marine parks, aquatic habitats and sustainable fishing
• consider study in natural resource management, fisheries, marine science or environmental science
• gain experience around boats, waterways, marine safety, fieldwork or compliance environments
• develop strong communication skills for public education and conflict management
• look for volunteer or casual work in conservation, aquatic monitoring, citizen science or marine programs
• obtain useful licences such as driver, boat, first aid or marine radio where relevant
• be open to coastal, inland, regional or remote locations where fisheries roles are based

Related environmental careers

• Aquaculture Farmer / Technician
• Marine Biologist
• Conservation Officer
• Park Ranger
• Natural Resource Officer
• Fresh Water Technician
• Environmental Scientist
• Biodiversity Officer