National Coarse Fish Farm Manager - 32049

We don’t just talk about diversity; we seek it, embrace it, and live it, for the benefit of our staff, our communities, and our environment. As an organisation we strive to reflect the communities we serve and continue to develop diversity throughout our workforce. We welcome applications from all backgrounds regardless of race, sexual orientation, or religion.

Ready to lead one of the UK’s most unique and high-profile aquaculture operations? We’re offering an exceptional opportunity to manage the National Coarse Fish Production Facility in Nottinghamshire — a flagship centre delivering vital support to fisheries across England.
In this high-impact role, you’ll take ownership of a national programme that breeds and supplies over half a million high-quality coarse fish annually to restore and enhance rivers and lakes across the country. Your leadership will directly benefit biodiversity, boost angling opportunities, and support healthier water ecosystems.

We’re looking for an inspiring and experienced leader who can motivate a skilled team, manage a cutting-edge aquaculture facility, and champion our mission at both national and local levels. You’ll bring vision, energy, and a commitment to continuous improvement — all while ensuring excellence in delivery.

As a confident communicator, you’ll represent the service to key national stakeholders, the media, and senior figures in the angling and environmental sectors. Your ability to build strategic relationships will help raise the profile of our work and open up exciting partnerships — including with research institutions exploring the future of fisheries science.

You’ll also play a key role in our East Midlands Water, Land & Biodiversity Board, contributing to wider environmental leadership and strategy.

This is more than a management role — it’s a chance to shape the future of our precious fisheries make a real difference to angling and wildlife in England’s waters.

We deliver the National Coarse Fish Production Service to 14 Operational Areas and a broad network of external clients including fisheries, angling groups, and environmental partners across England.

Each year, the facility produces 500,000+ healthy, diverse coarse fish (across 9 species), managed through a sustainable 2-year breeding cycle.

The team also supports the wider organisation by advising on production planning and working closely with Area Fisheries, Biodiversity, and Geomorphology teams to meet national fishery demands.

• Strong leadership skills, with the ability to support and guide a high-performing team
• Excellent communication skills, able to engage effectively with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders
• Good understanding of Health and Safety requirements within operational and aquaculture environments
• Good understanding of Aquaculture Science, with an interest in sustainable production practices
• Preferably, experience in managing operational facilities and fish production systems

The ideal candidate will be organised, approachable, and comfortable working in a collaborative and fast-paced environment. You’ll be motivated by delivering meaningful outcomes for the environment and fisheries sector, and confident in working across a broad and high-profile national service.

Your base location will be in Calverton, Nottingham. The role is predominantly based on site at the fish farm.

Interviews will be face to face week commencing 10th November.

For further information about the role please contact Steve Lawrie – Area Environment Manager - Steve Lawrie:

Email. Steve.lawrie@environment-agency.gov.uk

Everyone that joins us is required to undertake training and participate in incident response duties when the need to respond arises, having an incident role is an essential part of working for the Environment Agency and is an active way to support communities and prevent harm to the environment. Further information on incident response can be found within your candidate pack.

Tell us about a time when you successfully motivated a team to stay engaged and deliver strong results. How did you build a positive team environment and adapt your leadership approach to bring out the best in others?

Tell us about a time when you had to lead a team to deliver a challenging outcome or meet a critical deadline. How did you assign responsibilities, monitor progress, and ensure the work was completed to the required standard?

Describe a time when you needed to influence others to adopt a new idea or way of working. How did you tailor your approach to address their concerns and secure their support?"

Can you describe a time when you took ownership of a health, safety, or wellbeing issue within your team? How did you involve others, manage the risks, and promote a positive culture of safety and care?

Can you describe how you would support your team in applying scientific knowledge to improve operations on the fish farm, even if you don’t have a technical background yourself? How do you ensure your team follows evidence-based practices and stays up to date with the latest developments?

Full UK driving licence

Desirable from relevant body.