Marine, Estuaries and Coastal Officer

Fixed Term / Secondment 12-Month – Maternity Cover (part time for 4 days per week (29.6 hours per week). Further negotiation possible.

We are seeking an enthusiastic and experienced Marine Estuaries and Coastal Officer to join our team on a 12-month fixed-term contract to cover maternity leave. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in managing one of the region’s most important estuarine environments.

The successful candidate will be responsible for:

• Managing the Exe Estuary Partnership, ensuring effective delivery of its objectives and maintaining strong collaboration with stakeholders.
• Line managing an Assistant Marine, Estuaries and Coastal Officer.
• Acting as the main point of contact for marine and coastal activities, providing expert advice and guidance on estuarine and coastal issues.
• Coordinating projects and initiatives that support sustainable management of marine and coastal environments and seeking new funding opportunities.
• Representing the Partnership at meetings, events, and forums, and maintaining positive relationships with local communities, statutory bodies, and partner organisations.
• Overseeing communications, including school educational sessions, newsletters, social media, and public engagement activities.

We are looking for someone who has:

• A degree (or equivalent experience) in marine science, coastal management, environmental science, or a related discipline.
• Strong knowledge of estuarine and coastal ecosystems, policies, and legislation.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Experience in project management and partnership working.
• Ability to work independently and manage competing priorities effectively.

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact the current officer Bev Phillips at [email protected] or the Head of Flood & Coastal Risk Management, Martin Hutchings at [email protected]

How to apply

Please ensure when completing your application form that you provide a supporting statement which demonstrates how you meet the essential and desirable criteria as described in the person specification of the job description. Applications may not be taken forwards if the supporting statement is not adequately completed.

Internal Applicants, please note: If you are an existing DCC employee, please use your iTrent Employee Self Service (ESS) details to log in and apply.

Closing Date: 14/12/2025
Interview Date: 06/01/2026

• DCC embraces the positive benefits of a diverse workforce and is committed to providing an environment that is inclusive and safe. We welcome applications from people who share our commitment to stop discrimination, challenge inequality and promote diversity across Devon. More information can be found on our Equality and Diversity webpages.
• Happy to Talk Flexible Working – The Council offers flexible working arrangements in terms of when and where people work e.g. hybrid working, part-time, condensed hours etc.
• We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
• This role requires the ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence and fluency in English.
• Personal data we collect from you will be processed in accordance with the Applicant privacy notice.
• For more information about Working for Devon please visit our Working for Devon page.
• We cannot consider visa sponsorship at this time. UK Right to Work is required. For further guidance on right to work in the UK, please visit: Work in the UK – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).