Senior Marine Enforcement Officer - Investigations Officer in Belfast

Our client (A High Public Sector Organization) is looking for a Senior Marine Enforcement Officer to join their team in Belfast.

Rate of Pay: £24.59ph (Weekly Pay)

Start Date: ASAP

Location: Clare House, 303 Airport Road West, Sydenham Intake, Belfast BT3 9ED

Please note there is flexibility; the branch will consider hybrid working and alternative DAERA office locations.

Hours: 9 to 5 Monday to Friday. Successful candidates may be required to work outside conditioned hours as dictated by operational requirements. This may include weekends and bank holidays. The successful candidate will be required to work an on-call rota. The post holder will be required to work 37 hours over a 5-day week. The posts will involve some work outside normal office hours including evenings, weekends, and public holidays, and also for short periods outside Northern Ireland. Additional hours worked may attract overtime payments, allowances or time off in lieu paid in line with the NICS HR Handbook.

Duration: At least 6 months with possibility of extension.

Role Details: Marine and Fisheries Division (MFD), part of the DAERA Environment, Marine and Fisheries Group, is responsible for the promotion, protection, enhancement and sustainable use of:

• all fish stocks inland and at sea (including aquaculture and fish health); and
• the marine environment.

Marine and Fisheries Division provides lead policy advice to the DAERA Minister in respect of the marine environment, inland and sea fisheries, aquaculture and fish health. The role holder will lead a specialist enforcement unit responsible for investigating and prosecuting serious breaches of sea fisheries regulations under relevant legislation (PACE, CPIA, Human Rights Act).

Main Duties/Responsibilities:

• Lead inspections and enforcement operations at sea and in ports, including vessel boardings and evidence collection.
• Manage criminal investigations, prepare case files, and present evidence for prosecution.
• Provide expert advice, mentor staff, and support senior managers with enforcement briefings and reports.
• Coordinate with other agencies (e.g. PSNI, HMRC) on joint operations.
• Oversee FOI/EIR responses, ministerial briefings, and legal challenges.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory frameworks stemming from the Windsor Framework and fisheries legislation.

Decision-Making & Problem Solving:

• Make autonomous decisions on enforcement actions, case prioritisation, and operational improvements.
• Analyse complex scientific and enforcement data to develop evidence-based options.
• Recommend training and process enhancements.

Management Duties:

• Lead a regulatory team, manage resources, monitor performance, and promote innovation.
• Maintain high standards in investigative reporting and information management.

Communication:

• Engage with internal teams, senior managers, external agencies, industry stakeholders, and the public to promote understanding of enforcement actions and environmental protection.

Essential: Minimum of 5 GCSEs (or equivalent) at grade C or above, including Maths, English, and one science-related subject. A nationally recognised investigative qualification and at least 3 years of investigative experience. A full driving licence due to travel requirements across Northern Ireland. Access NI check.

Desired:

• Proven experience in investigating legislative breaches using specialist qualifications.
• Strong background in regulation and enforcement, with in-depth knowledge of PACE (NI) 1989, CPIA 1996, and the Human Rights Act 1998.
• Courtroom experience, including giving evidence in Magistrates and Crown courts.
• Skilled in compiling high-standard investigative reports and managing the criminal disclosure process.
• Ability to interpret complex and contentious situations using departmental rules.
• Strong focus on health and safety in operational environments.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organisational skills.
• High attention to detail, confidentiality, and discretion.
• Capable of managing competing priorities and working flexibly under pressure.

The post may entail some travel within Northern Ireland and for this reason the individual will require a full driving licence to enable them to meet the requirements of the post in full. Candidates should be aware that the postholder will require a medical and will be required to attend an appointment provided by the Department for a satisfactory MCA Sea Farers Medical Report (ML5) or an ENG1 as appropriate prior to them being appointed.