City/Town
Fradley, Kidderminster
Region
East Midlands
Vacancies
1
Salary Minimum
£34,320
Post Type
Permanent
Job ID
33920
Closing date
22 Mar 2026
Published date
27 Feb 2026
Grade
Staff Grade 4
Role type
Environment & Sustainability
Security check
Basic Check
Job description
This is an exciting opportunity to work as a Technical Fisheries Officer within the Fisheries team based in the West Midlands. This is part of the area Fisheries Biodiversity and Geomorphology department.
Successful candidates will be expected to provide high quality fisheries advice to a variety of internal and external customers. Taking a risk-based approach to help protect and improve the water environment and water-dependent wildlife. This position focusses on significant water catchments within the central area of the West Midlands (including catchments Blythe, Tame and Mease ).
As a Fisheries Technical Officer, you will:
- Have a strong foundation in fisheries knowledge and practical fisheries management.
- Excellent communication skills and experience of working with a wide range of people is essential.
- You will be expected to deliver environmental outcomes and build strong relationships, both within the team and with internal and external stakeholders.
- You will be well-organised and have the confidence to work independently and on your own initiative.
- Expected to travel within your allocated catchment and the wider West Midland Area
The role has a strong area incident response element. There is a need to work flexibly and take part in the 24hr out of hours roster.
The Environment Agency are fully committed to having an inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve. We don’t just talk about diversity; we embrace it and live it, for the benefit of our staff, our communities and our environment. Everyone starting in a new role will be welcomed into the team and given all the training and support needed. As part of your comprehensive induction, you will be provided with all the equipment required for your role.
It is essential that you have:
- A degree in a relevant subject or equivalent professional experience.
- A good understanding of practical fisheries management techniques and excellent fish identification skills.
- An understanding of the diverse interests of angling stakeholders and the range of angling opportunities available in the area
- A Full UK driving licence
It is desirable that you have:
- Have a good general understanding of fisheries regulation and permitting
- Are self-motivated, act independently with a pro-active approach
- Have strong influencing skills ideally with experience of engaging key stakeholders
- Are a confident communicator
- Have excellent time management skills
The successful candidate must feel comfortable working in and around water.
You’ll have a range of development opportunities and appropriate training will be provided.
This role can be based at either our Fradley (Lea Marston) or Kidderminster offices and is offered with flexible, hybrid working arrangements. You will typically spend around 2–3 days per week in the office or on site. As our operations are coordinated from the Lea Marston depot, regular travel to this location will be required, along with travel across the wider region to our operational sites in Shrewsbury and Tewkesbury.
Travel across the area and work in the field will be required, therefore a full driving licence is essential
Interviews w/c 30th March
You’ll have an inclusive incident management objective in your development plan. We’ll help you find a role to suit your needs. Appropriate training will be given
For further information please contact [email protected]
The fisheries officer role is vital in protecting, maintaining, and improving fisheries. This requires delivering environmental outcomes. You will be expected to manage and prioritise your own workload, delivering work in a timely manner while being mindful of both team and personal resources.
More information on how to answer competency questions can be found in the candidate pack.
Can you describe a significant piece of work you have delivered, outlining your approach, the deadlines involved, and the outcome?
As a Fisheries Officer, you will often be seen as the public face of the Environment Agency, acting as an ambassador for our work in freshwater fisheries. This role involves engaging with a wide range of stakeholders, including anglers, landowners, partner organisations, and internal teams. Conversations may be challenging, with differing views and priorities, requiring professionalism, diplomacy, and confidence in representing the Agency’s position.
More information on how to answer competency questions can be found in the candidate pack.
Focusing on how you approached the interaction, methods of communication and the outcome. Can you give an example of how you have dealt with an individual or group that had a differing viewpoint to yours, and how you managed this interaction?
The Environment Agency is an environmental regulator and within the role of fisheries officer you will need to determine applications for work impacting upon the environment.
More information on how to answer competency questions can be found in the candidate pack.
Can you provide an example when you have been involved making key decisions or solving problems?
More information on how to answer competency questions can be found in the candidate pack.
Describe the key ecological factors that influence fish populations in freshwater systems. How would you assess the health of a river or still water fishery and what methods would you use to monitor and manage fish stocks effectively?
If you are applying from the Civil Service please note that the Environment Agency is not a part of HM Civil Service and you would not be a Crown Servant in the event of being appointed. Therefore, you will not be eligible for continuous service. For applicants who currently work in local government or other bodies listed in the Redundancy Payments (Continuity of Employment in Local Government etc) (Modification) Order 1999, you may be eligible for continuous service for the purpose of calculating any future redundancy payment. If you are unsure of your status then you should contact your own HR Team.
We are fully committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve. We welcome flexible working patterns for all our vacancies, including job share, so please include clearly any information regarding your preferred working arrangements on your application.
We also have a Guaranteed Interview Policy to support those with a disability who are seeking employment. We have committed to guaranteeing an interview to anyone with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post.
The Environment Agency, as a Non-Departmental Public Body, is committed to providing value for money and utilises Central Government frameworks and contracts for all external recruitment needs. For this reason, we are unable to engage with the market directly through post, email or phone calls . Should you wish to become a support supplier on one of these frameworks or contracts please visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/become-a-crown-commercial-service-supplier/becoming-a-supplier-through-the-crown-commercial-service-what-you-need-to-know for more information.
Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Although the Environment Agency is a non-departmental public body sponsored by Defra, we subscribe to and align with the candidate guidance on the use of artificial intelligence found on the Civil Service Careers website. Please review for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.