Careers & Opportunities

Newcastle University students on a boat doing survey work alongside NIFCA.

A career with NIFCA offers the unique opportunity to play a hands-on role in safeguarding the future of the Northumberland inshore fishing district alongside a dedicated, professional team.

Academic collaboration

Summer placements

NIFCA is proud of its long-standing collaboration with Newcastle University, providing both undergraduate and master’s Marine Biology students with the chance to bridge the gap between academic study and professional marine management.

Our summer placements offers a paid opportunity to gain 4–6 weeks of hands-on experience. Running between June and September, participants work on individual projects that directly support our evidence-based decision-making. You will receive specialised training, contribute to environmental surveys, and develop professional skills in data analysis and marine fieldwork.

The next Summer Placement opportunity will open in 2027.

Newcastle University student stood smiling aboard a Fisheries Patrol boat.

Support our survey work

Volunteering

We occasionally offer opportunities for passionate individuals to support NIFCA’s conservation efforts through volunteering. For those looking to gain experience toward future marine conservation jobs, volunteers play a vital role in our scientific research, helping us collect the data necessary to monitor species health and habitat recovery throughout the district. If you are interested in contributing your time to support our environmental surveys, we would love to hear from you.

NIFCA worker crouches by yellow crate of lobsters on sea shore, demonstrating to volunteer how to measure lobster.