Marine Enforcement Officer (MEO)

Purpose of post

Join a dynamic national team working at the heart of Wales’ marine environment. This role offers a unique opportunity to make a real impact by protecting our seas and supporting sustainable fisheries. You’ll deliver statutory services on behalf of the Welsh Government, supporting the Welsh fishing community, carrying out inspection and, where necessary, enforcement activities across the fishing industry and marine construction within Wales.

What You’ll Do

• Protect Wales’ marine resources by enforcing fisheries legislation.
• Monitor fish landings at local ports for compliance and verify logbooks and landing declarations.
• Investigate and gather evidence for potential prosecutions, including preparing case files and, where required, giving evidence in court.
• Plan and enforce intertidal fisheries (e.g., hand gathering of cockles, shore netting).
• Spend time at sea on one of the Welsh Government’s Fisheries Patrol Vessels, conducting enforcement activities and safeguarding marine habitats.

Why This Role is Exciting

• Variety and challenge – no two days are the same, from port inspections to patrols at sea.
• Impactful work – play a key role in protecting Wales’ marine environment and supporting sustainable fishing practices.
• Professional development – gain specialist enforcement experience and work alongside experts in marine and fisheries management.
• Team culture – be part of a supportive, national team committed to high standards and collaboration.

Key tasks

What You’ll Be Doing

This is a hands-on, varied role where you’ll play a key part in protecting Wales’ marine environment and supporting sustainable fisheries. Your work will combine technical expertise, enforcement duties, and collaboration with a wide range of partners.

Key Responsibilities

• Shape and enforce fisheries plans – Implement strategies for commercial fisheries and ensure compliance both at sea and ashore.
• Protect marine environments – Enforce regulations to safeguard habitats and biodiversity.
• Gather intelligence and evidence – Monitor fishing activities, collect data, and, where required, conduct investigations under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act. Prepare case files and, when required, give evidence in court.
• Provide expert advice – Offer technical guidance to policy teams on fishing operations, fish distribution, processing, and marine issues.
• Engage and collaborate – Work closely with the fishing industry, Welsh Government teams, Law Enforcement, Natural Resources Wales, and other statutory bodies.
• Patrol and enforce at sea – Undertake seagoing patrols on Welsh Government Fisheries Patrol Vessels and operate shore-launched craft for coastal enforcement.

Development opportunities

This role offers a clear pathway to becoming a fully warranted Marine Enforcement Officer. You’ll receive comprehensive training and close supervision over approximately 12 months, including intensive courses covering a wide range of enforcement and marine activities. This is a fantastic opportunity to gain specialist skills and qualifications that are highly valued in the maritime sector.

What We Provide

• Structured training programme – Learn from experienced officers and industry experts.
• Hands-on experience – Combine classroom learning with practical enforcement duties.
• Professional qualifications – Achieve recognised certifications essential for marine enforcement.

What You’ll Need

• Ability to pass an ENG1 Seafarers Medical within your 6-month probation period.
• Ability to complete STCW Personal Survival Techniques training as well as a number of other training courses within the same timeframe.

Other vacancy related information

Post holders will be expected to work unsocial hours (during the evening, night and at weekends to align with fishing activity) and onboard Welsh Governments Fisheries Patrol Vessels for periods of up to 3 days. Boarding Officers are eligible for Captive Duty Allowance, as well as additional payments for working unsocial hours and weekends. The successful candidate must be comfortable working at sea.

The role will require individuals to board fishing vessels to conduct inspections and therefore requires a degree of physical fitness.

Applicants will be eligible to apply for Essential Car Users Allowance if utilising own vehicle to carry out role and captive duties allowance for time spent overnight on Fisheries Patrol Vessels

This role is based in Carmarthenshire, but we may have future opportunities in Aberystwyth and Anglesey. The successful candidate will work in Carmarthenshire; however, we encourage candidates near these locations to apply. A reserve list may be held for this opportunity. Any candidate who is successful in being offered a reserve status, will remain on the reserve list for 12 months. You have a full driving licence.