Current Vacancies

Marine Science Officer (Grade 5)

 

Location: King’s Lynn (with travel across the District)

 

Salary: £36,198.00 – £39,325.00 (includes a 7.5% supplement)

 

Hours: 37 hours per week

 

Contract: Permanent

 

Closing date: Midnight 4 October 2026

 

Help provide the evidence that supports sustainable fisheries and marine conservation
Eastern IFCA is one of England’s largest Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authorities, responsible for managing inshore fisheries and protecting the marine environment along the coasts of Lincolnshire, Norfolk and Suffolk.

We are seeking a Marine Science Officer to undertake research, collect and analyse evidence and supportsustainable fisheries management and protection of the marine environment across our District.
This is an exciting opportunity to work across marine science, fisheries management, conservation, stakeholder engagement and sea-based survey work, contributing directly to evidence-led marine management.

 

 

About the role

 

You will play a key role in obtaining, analysing and presenting scientific evidence to support fisheries and conservation management, working across office, shore-based and vessel-based activities.

Key responsibilities include:
 Obtaining, researching and collating scientific and other data to support credible evidence-based advice
 Supporting fisheries management in Marine Protected Areas, including information gathering for Habitats Regulations Assessments
 Providing informed responses to marine planning, licensing, consultation and information requests
 Leading or assisting with the design, planning, resourcing and delivery of marine science projects and working groups
 Producing accurate, timely and relevant marine science reports and maintaining appropriate records
 Taking part in shore and vessel-based survey work, including sample collection and acting as vessel crew when required

This is a varied and dynamic role requiring strong analytical skills, flexibility, attention to detail and the ability to work effectively with colleagues, partners, stakeholders and fishing communities.

 

About you

 

We are looking for someone who is analytical, organised, resilient and able to communicate effectively across a range of audiences.

Essential:
 Educated to degree level or able to demonstrate equivalent experience
 Experience of detailed statistical analysis using appropriate packages such as R
 Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office
 Experience of report writing
 Excellent written and verbal communication skills
 Able to hold or obtain an ML5 or ENG1 medical certificate
 Ability to contribute effectively across disciplines in a small team environment
 Ability to travel throughout the District
 Right to work in the UK

Preferred:
 Degree in a biological, marine science or marine environment subject
 Previous experience gained in a UK marine science environment
 Understanding of Marine Protected Areas
 Experience using GIS mapping programmes
 Knowledge of the marine licence system and Environmental Impact Assessments
 Experience of completing Habitats Regulations Assessments
 Knowledge of the UK fishing industry, particularly shellfish
 Current UK driving licence

 

Why join us?

 

 Work on science and evidence with direct environmental impact
 Gain experience across marine research, conservation, fisheries management and stakeholder engagement
 Be part of a small, collaborative organisation
 Opportunities for development and progression
 Benefit from membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme, offering a high-quality, secure pension as part of a strong overall employment package

 

Additional Information

 

The successful candidate will be required to:
 Pass a Baseline Personnel Security Standard check

 

Apply

 

The deadline for applications is 4 October 2026 (midnight).
Please be advised that the provisional date for interviews will be on Thursday 15 October 2026.
Please review the Job Description and apply using our application form. Please send completed application forms to jodihammond@eastern-ifca.gov.uk .

For an informal discussion, contact:
Samantha Hormbrey (Senior Marine Science Officer – Policy & Projects): 01553 775321