Fisheries Officer - Research (Ministry of Fisheries)

The Fisheries Officer, Research will provide technical leadership, coordination, and supervision of the Fisheries Resource Conservation Programme (FRCP). The role is responsible for advancing applied research and conservation strategies for Fiji’s coastal and marine resources, with a focus on species of high ecological and economic value such as sea cucumbers, giant clams, and groupers. The Fisheries Officer, Research will lead technical project management, coordination, and supervision of the Fisheries Resource Conservation Programme (FRCP). The role is responsible for advancing applied research, conservation, and sustainable management of Fiji’s fisheries resources. This includes conducting stock assessments, coordinating spatial mapping of customary fishing right areas, supporting the establishment and monitoring of marine protected areas, and ensuring research findings are translated into practical strategies for community adoption and policy development. The officer will also lead stakeholder engagement, capacity building, and evidence-based reporting to strengthen national fisheries governance and conservation outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

1. Lead the planning, implementation, and supervision of research and conservation activities related to fisheries resource management and ecosystem protection.

2. Coordinate and oversee fisheries resource stock assessments for targeted species such as sea cucumbers, giant clams, and groupers, ensuring scientific rigor and accuracy.

3. Supervise Fisheries Assistants and technical staff in ecological surveys, data collection, and routine field operations, ensuring adherence to research protocols and SOPs.

4. Coordinate spatial mapping of customary fishing right areas (CFRA) to profile species abundance, distribution, and ecological interactions, integrating traditional knowledge with scientific data.

5. Analyze biological, ecological, and environmental data to evaluate resource status, ecosystem health, and conservation impacts; prepare scientific reports and recommendations and collaborate with communities, stakeholders, and government partners to implement conservation outcomes and promote sustainable fisheries practices.

6. Facilitate capacity-building initiatives, including training workshops for Fisheries staff, provincial offices, and community stakeholders in conservation science and resource monitoring and support the establishment and monitoring of MPAs, ensuring biodiversity conservation, habitat restoration.

7. Coordinate and conduct fisheries valuation and impact assessments (FIA) to quantify ecological and economic values of resources and evaluate potential impacts of development projects.

8. Ensure all project activities comply with ethical research practices, occupational health and safety standards and prepare and submit timely, accurate, and high-quality technical reports, progress updates and scientific publications to inform Ministry’s managers and stakeholders.

Knowledge & Experience

1. Demonstrated knowledge of fisheries science, marine ecology, and conservation principles, with experience in conducting stock assessments and ecological surveys
2. Practical experience in the design, implementation, and monitoring of marine protected areas (MPAs), including stakeholder consultations and evaluation of conservation outcomes.
3. Proven ability to conduct fisheries valuation and impact assessments (FIA), providing economic and ecological analysis to inform sustainable development decisions
4. Experience in community engagement and participatory approaches, integrating traditional ecological knowledge with scientific research to support sustainable fisheries management.
5. Strong background in data analysis, technical reporting, and preparation of scientific publications, with evidence of contributions to policy development or resource management frameworks
6. Understanding of national fisheries policies, research ethics, and regulatory frameworks
7. Experience working with communities, research partners, and stakeholder networks

Skills & Abilities

1. Strong analytical and scientific research skills, with the ability to design and conduct fisheries resource assessments and conservation studies
2. Ability to interpret ecological and biological data, prepare technical reports, and translate findings into practical management strategies
3. Effective leadership and supervisory skills to guide Fisheries Assistants and technical staff in field operations and research activities
4. Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to collaborate with communities, customary resource owners, government agencies, and regional partners.
5. Proven ability to conduct fisheries valuation and impact assessments, balancing ecological sustainability with economic considerations
6. Strong organizational and project management skills, ensuring adherence to budgets, timelines, and operational plans
7. Commitment to ethical research practices, occupational health and safety standards, and compliance with national legislation and Ministry regulations
8. Ability to facilitate training workshops, capacity-building initiatives, and knowledge transfer to strengthen technical expertise among staff and communities

Additional Information

Applicants for employment in the Ministry of Fisheries must be Fijian Citizens, under Age 60, in sound health, with a clear police record. The successful applicant will be required to provide a medical certificate and police clearance as a condition of employment.

The Ministry of Fisheries is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. Applications are encouraged by all eligible, qualified applicants. Only the specific knowledge, experience, skills and abilities required for the job will be considered in assessing the relative suitability of the applicant.

Contact Information

For further information, contact Mr Jonacani Vatanitawake on telephone 3300-555 or on email jvatanitawake@mff.gov.fj