Job description
As part of the Marine Species Team in JNCC, we provide expert advice on the impacts of fishing on marine biodiversity in UK waters and beyond. JNCC is responsible for the provision of clear, evidence-based advice to fisheries policy makers and managers to all countries in the UK on environmental impacts of fishing in the offshore. Our work is particularly focused on supporting implementation of Fisheries Management Plans as laid out in the 2020 UK Fisheries Act.
We are seeking a Senior Fisheries Advisor to work closely with colleagues, across JNCC and partner agencies, responsible for advice on conservation of marine ecosystems and mobile species. The post holder will provide advice on the implementation of fisheries measures in UK offshore MPAs, assessing the effectiveness of those measures and to assist in the implementation of wider policy ambition to deliver a more ecosystem-based approach to fisheries management. The post-holder will be expected to work very closely with partners in its sister statutory nature conservation bodies, with other scientists, with regulators and with UK and Devolved Governments. It is also expected that they will routinely engage with industry representatives.
The post-holder will work collaboratively with existing senior fisheries advice staff but will also be expected to lead on certain issues.
Post Duties:
The postholder will carry out a range of functions with the overall objective of contributing to the provision of advice on the impacts of fishing in UK offshore waters, such as:
- Support the implementation of UK fisheries management plans including advising managers on effectiveness of plans as part of FMP review process.
- Continue to develop scientific understanding of the effects of different fishing gears on marine habitats and species, including leading on fisheries impact R&D projects as required.
- Ensure that all fisheries advice work produced by JNCC is well-informed, relevant and meets evidence quality standards.
- Act as line manager for Marine Species Team colleagues as needed.
- Support the Marine Species Team in the identification of opportunities and development of bids for externally funded income
The post-holder may be required to carry out other work to support JNCC’s marine programmes as necessary.
Technical skills
We’ll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
- Educated to degree level or equivalent qualification in a relevant subject and/or relevant recent practical work experience.
- Knowledge of the main provisions of UK fisheries legislation and management.
- Detailed knowledge of the main provisions of UK and Devolved Government marine conservation policy.
- The ability to critically review scientific information, appraise and effectively communicate uncertainty and provide high quality, risk- based, impartial advice.
- Knowledge of the UK fishing industry.
- General knowledge of UK marine biodiversity.
Salary: £41,525
Application deadline: August 2, 2026
