Compliance Officer (Westmoreland)

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, detains violators, prepares briefs and presents evidence in court on behalf of the Authority; 
• Conducts patrols, inspections and investigations in accordance with The Fisheries Act, 2018; 
• Inspects fishing vessels, conveyances, gears, aquaculture facilities, processing facilities, hotels, restaurants; 
• Monitors fishing activities, rivers, watersheds and coastal areas monitored in accordance with the laws; 
• Transports, controls or immobilizes vessel or conveyances; 
• Performs other related duties that may be assigned from time to time.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Competencies

Core: 

• Communicating effectively 
• Working collaboratively 
• Strategic and analytical thinking 
• Driving continuous change and improvements 
• Effective decision making 
• Providing quality service

Technical: 

Environmental Management: 

• ? Monitoring and Assessment 
• ? Planning 
• ? Ecosystems Management 
• ? Knowledge and interpretation of environmental and planning legislation 

Security and Protective Services: 

• ? Health and Safety 
• ? Search Technique 
• ? Tactics 
• ? Investigative and Investigation Skills 
• ? Operational Planning 

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 Condition Associated with the Job

• Position involves extensive fieldwork, including visiting fishing beaches, fish landing sites and aquaculture farms, islandwide. 
• 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.