Fisheries Observer/Senior Fisheries Observer
The Falkland Islands Fishery is recognised globally for its management of sustainable fish stocks. As the single largest contributor to the Falkland Islands' GDP, the continued success of the Fishery is vital to the future economic development of the country.
The Role
The Natural Resources Department has vacancies for Fisheries Observer positions for one year in the first instance, with a start date from January 2026. Observers are required to spend periods of up to eight (three to five in average) weeks at a time at sea to collect biological data and to monitor vessel compliance with current Fisheries legislation and fishing licence conditions. The observers play a critical role in the conservation and management of fisheries resources by gathering data essential to the sustainability of the Falkland Islands fisheries resources.
The Person
The successful applicant will be required to hold at least a BSc or equivalent in a biological or marine subject. The successful candidate will also require a Personal Survival Training certificate OR equivalent. A previous experience as a Fisheries observer would be an asset, although other related marine experiences will be considered.
We are looking for an individual who is motivated, dynamic and independent. The applicant should have solid marine biology competences (species, sex and maturity identification, otoliths extraction), experience in compliance and/or enforcement, as well as data handling and report writing skills. The applicant must be able to remain professional, impartial and diligent in the execution of their duties.
The Package
- Starting Salary for Fisheries Observer - £28,982 up to £33,332 per annum (depending on qualifications and experience).
- Starting Salary for Senior Fisheries Observer - £35,774 up to £41,168 per annum (depending on qualifications and experience).
- Eligibility for a 15% gratuity, payable on successful completion of the contract
- Daily fee of £50.98 per night spent at sea
- Flights at the beginning and end of the contract
- 50 days Annual Leave
- Shared accommodation to rent when on land
How to Apply
For further information regarding the position please contact Toni Trevizan, Fisheries Observer Manager, by emailing observer.coordinator@naturalresources.gov.fk or by calling (+500) 27260.
To apply, please complete our online application form from our vacancy page www.jobs.gov.fk, by clicking on 'Apply Now' and completing the form.
Timetable for Recruitment and Selection Process
Closing Date for Applications - 07 September 2025
Shortlisting commencing from - 11 September 2025
Interviews week commencing from - 22 September 2025
Falkland Islands Government (FIG)
The Falkland Islands is a British Overseas Territory, with full internal self-government.
As the largest employer in the Falkland Islands, we offer many unique and fulfilling job opportunities, across the full spectrum of public services. Our responsibilities include those typically managed by central government – taxation, legislation and policy, as well as those usually managed on a local level such as town planning, health and social services, and education. FIG also provides services specific to the needs of the Falkland Islands, such as fisheries research, power generation and the Government Air Service, FIGAS.
For more information about working for Falkland Islands Government, take a look at our recruitment microsite: www.jobs.gov.fk
The Falkland Islands
Set in the South Atlantic Ocean, around 400 miles east of South America and 8000 miles south-west of the UK, the Falkland Islands are a small, thriving community with a British way of life, benefiting from good local services, a varied social calendar and an absence of traffic jams!
The Falkland Islands’ stunning natural environment provides an unspoiled landscape and amazing wildlife to observe and explore, including penguins, whales and dolphins, all seen from the shore.
For those with a sense of adventure, it provides opportunities which are hard to match anywhere else in the world.
Salary range
- £35,774 - £41,168 per year