GIS Specialist

Principle 1 AssessorThe 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.Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesAuditing and Technical ExpertiseLead 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 contentMaintain oversight of recurring P1 requirements, including stock status updates, harvest strategy progress, harmonized milestones, and condition evaluationsCoordinate and participate in harmonization processes with other CABs and assessment teams to align scoring rationales, conditions, milestones, and timelinesCommunicate harmonization outcomes, timelines, and implications clearly to clientsLiaise with peer reviewers, assessment teams, and CABs on P1 technical matters and stock-specific considerationsEvaluate and interpret scientific information on stock status and fishery impacts in line with the MSC Fisheries StandardConduct technical reviews and provide guidance and training to auditors on P1 and MSC requirementsMaintain effective communication with MSC to ensure consistent interpretation and application of the standardOpportunity to grow into an MSC Team Lead role, leading assessment processes and supporting team performance across all PrinciplesAuditing & Technical OversightEvaluate and interpret scientific information on stock status and fishery impacts in line with the MSC Fisheries StandardConduct technical reviews and provide guidance and training to auditors on P1 and MSC requirementsMaintain effective communication with MSC to ensure consistent interpretation and application of the standardOpportunity to grow into an MSC Team Lead role, leading assessment processes and supporting team performance across all PrinciplesProject ManagementManage a portfolio of fishery assessments from initiation through completionMonitor project progress to ensure timelines and deliverables are metServe as the primary client contact for operational and technical mattersCoordinate internal staff and external auditors to support project executionOversee preparation and quality of assessment reports to ensure compliance with MSC requirementsMinimum QualificationsBachelor's Degree in fisheries, marine conservation biology, natural resources, environmental management, or relevant field (e.g., economics, mathematics, statistics) orMaster's Degree in fisheries, marine conservation biology, natural resources, environmental management, or relevant field (e.g., economics, mathematics, statistics) and3+ years of experience in the fisheries sector in management or research experience in marine conservation biology, fisheries science, or fisheries management and3+ years of experience applying relevant stock assessment techniques used by the fishery under assessment andPrimary authorship of 2 peer-reviewed stock assessments of a type used by fisheries in our portfolio (large pelagics, small pelagics, invertebrates, others) and3+ years of experience working with the biology and population dynamics of tunas or other large pelagic species andExperience leading teams and projects, mainly involving collaborative report deliverables and stakeholder engagementFluency in English with work experience that includes professional verbal and written communicationStrong organization, multi-tasking, and prioritization skillsAbility to audit against a standard and avoid conflicts of interest and consultingStrong attention to detail, customer service, and teamworkInitiative, good judgment, and ability to work independently under pressure in a changing environmentProficient with business software including Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel; and database managementPreferred QualificationsFluency in French, Spanish, Mandarin, or JapanesePhD in fisheries, marine conservation biology, natural resources, environmental management, or relevant field (e.g., economics, mathematics, statistics)Salary range: $75,000 – $90,000