Compliance Officer - Trelawny Division

Job Purpose

The Compliance Officer is responsible for the enforcement of the provisions of The Fisheries Act, 2018, which facilitates efficient and effective management and sustainable development of fisheries, aquaculture and other related activities in accordance with internationally recognized norms and best practices. 

The post supports the protection and conservation of the delicate ecosystem from offshore and coastal to inland areas, including riverine and aquaculture systems. It also supports Jamaica’s obligations to international compliance arrangements. 

Key Responsibilities

Technical/Professional: 

• Stops, boards and searches any vessel or conveyance, whether local or foreign, in Jamaican waters; 
• Enters and searches any aquaculture facility to ensure compliance with the provisions of The Fisheries Act, 2018; 
• Inspects and takes samples, copies of documents and other information from any vessel, conveyance, aquaculture facility or other related places; 
• Investigates complaints, detaines violators, prepares briefs and present evidence in Court on behalf of the Authority; 
• Patrols, inspections and investigations conducted in accordance with The Fisheries Act, 2018; 
• Fishing vessels, conveyances, gears, aquaculture facilities, processing facilities, hotels, restaurant inspections; 
• Fishing activities, rivers, watersheds and coastal areas monitored in accordance with the laws; 
• Vessel or conveyances transported, controlled or immobilized; 
• Performs other related duties that may be assigned from time to time.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Competencies

Core: 

• Oral Communication 
• Written Communication 
• Interpersonal Skills 
• Customer & Quality Focus 
• Problem Solving Skills 
• Teamwork & Co-operation 
• Integrity 
• Initiative 
• Analytical Skills 
• Compliance 
• Managing the Client Interface 
• Managing Partners 
• Impact and Influence 
• Methodical 

Technical: 

• Knowledge of the operations of the Government and the NFA and its projects, programmes, organizational policies and procedures, (Local and International, Fisheries act, Staff Orders,) 
• Enforcement, Compliance Investigatory Techniques 
• Report Writing Techniques 
• Conflict Resolution/Mitigation Techniques. 
• Use of Technology: Proficiency in relevant computer software applications.

Minimum Required Qualification and Experience

• Associate Degree in Natural/Social/Agriculture/Maritime Sciences or a related field.
• At least two (2) years’ experience in enforcement or a comparable working environment.

OR 

• Diploma in Natural/Social/Agriculture/Maritime Sciences or a related field
• Three (3) years’ experience in a comparable working environment. 

OR 

• Certificate of graduation from Police or Military Academy 
• Five (5) years full time in law enforcement experience 
• Experience in law enforcement in Jamaica’s maritime space will be an asset

Special Conditions Associated with the Job

• Position involves extensive fieldwork including visiting fishing beaches, fish landing sites and aquaculture farms, island wide. 
• May occasionally be exposed to situations, where personal safety and security may be at risk. 
• May occasionally be required to work on weekends. 
• Exposure to hostile clientele and working in volatile communities.

Please note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.