Technical Specialist I, Fisheries Stock Assessment

Company Overview SCS Global Services is a pioneer and leader in the field of sustainability standards and third-party certification, working across the economy in the natural resources, built environment, food and agriculture, consumer products, and climate sectors for over 40 years. As a Benefit Corporation, we are committed to socially and environmentally responsible business practices, and through the application of sound science, we are driving positive change. Job Overview The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) is an international non-profit organization that sets a globally recognized standard for sustainable fishing, aiming to ensure the long-term health of marine ecosystems and seafood through independent certification and ecolabeling. The MSC Fisheries Standard is structured around three core principles, with Principle 1 (P1) focusing specifically on the sustainability of target fish stocks. Under P1, fisheries are assessed to determine whether stocks are harvested at sustainable levels, are not overfished, and are managed using effective harvest strategies that maintain or rebuild populations over time. This principle relies heavily on robust scientific stock assessments, precautionary management approaches, and ongoing monitoring to ensure fishing activity does not compromise the productivity and resilience of the stock. SCS, a conformity assessment body that audits fisheries to the MSC Standard, is seeking a Principle 1 (P1) Assessor to serve as the technical lead for evaluating fish stock status and fishery performance against the Standard. This role combines scientific expertise in stock assessment with responsibility for developing P1 report sections, ensuring technical rigor, and guiding scoring decisions across a portfolio of fisheries. The assessor manages scoring alignment (harmonization) with other conformity assessment bodies, engages stakeholders and clients, and provides oversight throughout the assessment lifecycle. In addition to technical leadership, the role includes project management, auditor support, and contribution to program quality and compliance, ensuring consistent, high-quality delivery of MSC assessments. The ideal candidate possesses a broad understanding of stock assessment models and techniques and strong organizational and interpersonal skills. They enjoy working collaboratively across a broad range of groups and scenarios and are motivated by engaging in technical and standards-related topics with others. This is not a purely independent scientific role; success in the position requires someone who enjoys communicating about science, coordinating with colleagues and clients, and actively leading team discussions and decision-making. They will have a desire to learn about fish stocks around the world combined with the critical thinking and professional judgement required to be a good auditor. Relevant Standards/Schemes MSC Fisheries Essential Duties and Responsibilities Auditing and Technical Expertise Lead drafting and review of P1 sections across all MSC report types (initial, surveillance, re-assessment, and scope extension) Serve as the technical lead and final reviewer accountable for the accuracy, completeness, consistency, and defensibility of all P1 report content Maintain oversight of recurring P1 requirements, including stock status updates, harvest strategy progress, harmonized milestones, and condition evaluations Coordinate and participate in harmonization processes with other CABs and assessment teams to align scoring rationales, conditions, milestones, and timelines Communicate harmonization outcomes, timelines, and implications clearly to clients Liaise with peer reviewers, assessment teams, and CABs on P1 technical matters and stock-specific considerations Evaluate and interpret scientific information on stock status and fishery impacts in line with the MSC Fisheries Standard Conduct technical reviews and provide guidance and training to auditors on P1 and MSC requirements Maintain effective communication with MSC to ensure consistent interpretation and application of the standard Opportunity to grow into an MSC Team Lead role, leading assessment processes and supporting team performance across all Principles Auditing & Technical Oversight Evaluate and interpret scientific information on stock status and fishery impacts in line with the MSC Fisheries Standard Conduct technical reviews and provide guidance and training to auditors on P1 and MSC requirements Maintain effective communication with MSC to ensure consistent interpretation and application of the standard Opportunity to grow into an MSC Team Lead role, leading assessment processes and supporting team performance across all Principles Project Management Manage a portfolio of fishery assessments from initiation through completion Monitor project progress to ensure timelines and deliverables are met Serve as the primary client contact for operational and technical matters Coordinate internal staff and external auditors to support project execution Oversee preparation and quality of assessment reports to ensure compliance with MSC requirements Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's Degree in fisheries, marine conservation biology, natural resources, environmental management, or relevant field (e.g., economics, mathematics, statistics) or Master's Degree in fisheries, marine conservation biology, natural resources, environmental management, or relevant field (e.g., economics, mathematics, statistics) and 3+ years of experience in the fisheries sector in management or research experience in marine conservation biology, fisheries science, or fisheries management and 3+ years of experience applying relevant stock assessment techniques used by the fishery under assessment and Primary authorship of 2 peer-reviewed stock assessments of a type used by fisheries in our portfolio (large pelagics, small pelagics, invertebrates, others) and 3+ years of experience working with the biology and population dynamics of tunas or other large pelagic species and Experience leading teams and projects, mainly involving collaborative report deliverables and stakeholder engagement Fluency in English with work experience that includes professional verbal and written communication Strong organization, multi-tasking, and prioritization skills Ability to audit against a standard and avoid conflicts of interest and consulting Strong attention to detail, customer service, and teamwork Initiative, good judgment, and ability to work independently under pressure in a changing environment Proficient with business software including Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel; and database management Preferred Qualifications Fluency in French, Spanish, Mandarin, or Japanese PhD in fisheries, marine conservation biology, natural resources, environmental management, or relevant field (e.g., economics, mathematics, statistics) The above description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Additional duties outside of normal responsibilities may be required from time to time as assigned. Working Remotely SCS is recruiting all open roles to be remote; allowing our employees the ability to work flexibly and allowing SCS as a company to diversify the experience and perspectives of our growing workforce. This is a home-office based role and may include travel with local, domestic, and/or international trips. Details will be clarified during the recruitment process. Estimated Annual Salary $75,000 - $90,000 EEOC Statement SCS provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. SCS complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.