Fisheries Officers

Fisheries Officers inform and educate fishers about South Australian fishing rules, and enforce the regulations for recreational and commercial fishing and aquaculture. You can find Fisheries Officers throughout the state.

Fisheries Officers may not always be in uniform. They will always carry and show identification badges.

You are required by law to:

  • follow any direction given by a Fisheries Officer
  • give your correct name and address when asked.

Powers and duties

Fisheries Officers have powers to enforce the rules and regulations under the:

Fisheries Officers have authority to:

  • stop, enter, and search any boat or vehicle
  • seize fish, gear and equipment  (this includes boats or vehicles)
  • issue written cautions and infringement notices for illegal fishing activities
  • check safety gear and licences.

Serious offences are processed through the court system.

Marine Safety Officers also have the authority to check fish catches.

South Australian Police Officers also have powers under the Fisheries Management Act 2007.

Transcript

(music)

– I have a passion for the ocean and sustainability. So what better role than being a Fisheries Officer?

– The experiences are really rewarding, knowing that I'll be doing something different, something where I'm challenging myself.

– I just love being able to promote sustainability and hopefully my kids can enjoy the same environment that I did. Every day I have the opportunity to undergo field-based compliance work. One day you could be in the office, the next day you can be up the coast chasing poachers.

– I'm spending hours in my day along the coast, walking the beaches and jetties...

– Out on the water, conducting jetty patrols, offshore patrols. We just have such a good crew. Genuinely look forward to coming to work every day.

– The training we receive is second to none. My favourite is our award-winning Boarding Vessels at Sea.

– I feel truly confident taking a boat out in all sorts of weather conditions.

– In this role, you earn multiple tickets. I've recently undergone four-wheel drive training. The training's really useful for me on how to navigate beaches, how to drive on sand and soft terrain.

– So if you are thinking of becoming a Fisheries Officer...

– Just do it. You won't regret it. It's not your typical 9 to 5 job.

– Know that we have a team of people from a vast array of backgrounds, and you might just be the person we're looking for.

– Becoming a Fisheries Officer is one of the best things I've ever done. So if you're thinking about applying, definitely give it a go.

– It's challenging and rewarding, knowing every day what you do makes a difference.

– If you think you have what it takes apply today.

(music continues)

Careers

If you are interested in becoming a Fisheries Officer you can complete the nationally accredited Certificate III in the Seafood Industry (Fisheries Compliance).

For more information visit the Australian Fisheries Academy website.

For information about the Aboriginal Fisheries Officer Career Pathway Program visit opportunities for Aboriginal Fisheries Officers.

Register your interest

To be notified each time recruitment occurs for Fisheries Officer positions, please register with the SA Government employment website IWorkForSA. Follow these steps:

  1. Access the IWorkForSA website
  2. Sign in with your email and password (or create an account).
  3. Select the Job Alerts tab.
  4. Type Fisheries Officer into the Keywords field.
  5. Select Yes next to Email me notification.
  6. Finish by selecting Save Profile.

When a Fisheries Officer position is next advertised, an email will be automatically forwarded to you with a link to apply.

View current vacancies on the PIRSA careers page.

Page last reviewed: 30 Apr 2024

 


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