Fishery Assessment Officer

At NSF, we are committed to safeguarding the future of our oceans by ensuring fisheries meet the highest standards of sustainability and environmental responsibility. As a Fisheries Assessment Officer, you will play a pivotal role in advancing the Seafood program, helping fisheries around the world achieve certification for sustainable wild capture practices. This position offers the opportunity to combine technical expertise with meaningful impact.

Joining NSF means becoming part of a mission-driven organization that values integrity, scientific rigor, and collaboration. You will lead assessments, provide technical guidance, and contribute to the credibility of certification schemes that shape the future of sustainable seafood. If you are passionate about fisheries science, ecosystem health, and driving positive change in the seafood industry, this role offers a unique platform to make a lasting difference.

This is a 12-month contract with the possibility of becoming permanent.

Responsibilities

• Audit Delivery: Ensure the successful execution of fishery audits leading to certification of sustainable wild capture fisheries.
• Technical Expertise: Provide guidance and support to the in-house team and contracted experts on MSC standards and process requirements.
• Quality Assurance: Review fishery assessment reports to maintain accuracy, consistency, and compliance with MSC protocols.
• Assessment Leadership: Lead multiple fishery assessments, managing timelines, deliverables, and technical integrity.
• Client Engagement: Oversee client communication during assessments, addressing KPIs, technical queries, and certification-related needs from initial contracting through final approval.
• Strategic Advisory: Advise the business on opportunities for program expansion and potential risks to certification schemes.
• Sales Support: Offer technical input to sales functions when required, ensuring alignment with MSC program requirements.
• Reporting: Provide regular updates to management on fishery assessment outcomes and emerging trends.
• Technical Reviews: Conduct fisheries technical reviews to uphold MSC standards and strengthen program credibility.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Fisheries, Marine Conservation Biology, Natural Resources, Ecology, Environmental Management, or a related field (e.g., Economics, Mathematics, Statistics).
• At least 3+ years of experience in one or more of the following areas:
  • Application of stock assessment techniques and models.
  • Biology and population dynamics of fish populations.
  • Research, policy analysis, or management of fisheries’ impact on aquatic ecosystems, covering at least two of the following: bycatch, Endangered/Threatened/Protected (ETP) species, habitats, or ecosystem interactions.
• 3–5 years of experience in auditing, specifically related to MSC sustainable fisheries standards, procedures, and certification activities.
• Lead Auditor qualification (ISO 19011 or equivalent).

Knowledge & Skills

• Strong analytical and logic-based skills, with the ability to synthesize diverse information into sound, evidence-based decisions.
• Excellent command of written and spoken English.
• Familiarity with MarinTrust, Certified Seafood International (CSI), or other fishery schemes is advantageous.
• Outstanding client communication skills, with the ability to confidently explain technical queries.
• Proficiency in additional languages (e.g., French and/or Spanish) is a distinct advantage.
• International travel is expected (typically 4–5 days in duration, 3–4 times per year).

Why Join NSF

At NSF, you’ll be part of a global organization dedicated to protecting public health, safety, and the environment. We pride ourselves on scientific integrity, collaboration, and innovation - values that guide everything we do. As a Fisheries Assessment Officer, you will not only contribute to the credibility of our Seafood program but also join a team that is passionate about making a tangible difference in the sustainability of our oceans.

We offer:

• A mission-driven workplace where your expertise directly supports global conservation goals.
• Opportunities to collaborate with international experts and stakeholders across the seafood industry.
• Professional growth through continuous learning, training, and exposure to diverse fisheries worldwide.
• A supportive environment that values diversity, inclusion, and the unique contributions of every team member.

At NSF, your work will help shape the future of sustainable seafood and strengthen trust in certification programs that matter to communities, ecosystems, and consumers around the world.

More information about NSF can be found at nsf.org.

Notice to Agency and Search Firm Representatives: Please note that NSF is not accepting unsolicited resumes from agencies and search firms for this role. Resumes submitted to an NSF employee by a third-party agency without a valid written and signed search agreement between NSF and said third-party agency will become the sole property of NSF. No fee will be paid if a candidate is hired as a result of an unsolicited agency or search firm referral. Thank you.

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