Fisheries Certification Specialist

Description:

The Fisheries Certification Specialist plays a key role in conducting and managing fishery certification assessments under the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) and Responsible Fisheries Management (RFM) programs. As a subject matter expert in fisheries management or ecosystem impacts, the individual will serve as an assessor or team leader, supporting certification processes. This position involves client engagement, strategic business development, and contribution to growth initiatives such as Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) farm accreditation, ASC/MSC seaweed accreditation, and social policy frameworks. The role also requires maintaining necessary training and authorization and contributing to writing proposals and preparing budgets for certification projects. Additionally, the Fisheries Certification Specialist will collaborate with internal teams, participate in internal audits, and support projects across other MRAG Americas divisions as needed and time allows. Travel will be required for this position.

Key Responsibilities:

• Act as an assessment team member or lead assessor for MSC and RFM certification assessments, specializing in fisheries management and/or ecosystem impacts, and support other assessors in delivering certification assessments.
• Engage with existing and potential clients and scheme owners to identify and develop new certification opportunities.
• Lead or contribute to strategic growth initiatives within the Fishery Certification Division, such as ASC farm accreditation, ASC/MSC seaweed accreditation, social policy frameworks.
• Complete training and maintain credentials for all assessment team requirements
• Manage project tasks related to fishery assessments and pre-assessments, including drafting proposals, budgets, and templates, and monitoring project schedules, deadlines, and deliverables with the support of the Fishery Certification Team Administrator.
• Maintain clear and regular communication with Certification Division staff regarding scheme updates, financial matters, and administrative needs.
• Participate in internal and external audits to uphold MRAG Americas’ accreditation status.
• Collaborate with Certification Division staff to review and provide consultation input on revisions to Fishery Certification Scheme Requirements and related proposals issued by scheme owners and accreditation bodies.
• Foster strong working relationships with MRAG Americas, scheme owner and accreditation body staff to align with organizational goals and stay informed on industry developments.
• Participate in projects across other MRAG Americas divisions as opportunities arise.

Qualifications:

1. Master’s degree or higher in fisheries, marine conservation biology, natural resources, environmental management, or relevant field (for example, economics, mathematics, or statistics;
2. ISO 19011 Certification (preferred, but may obtain after hire);
3. Specific Fishery Assessor Requirements: 3-years’ or more experience in policy analysis for, or management of, the impact of fisheries on aquatic ecosystems, including at least two of the following topics: i. Bycatch, ii. Endangered, Threatened, or Protected (ETP) species such as seabirds, sharks, marine mammals or turtles. iii. Habitats, iv. Ecosystem interactions;
4. Experience with Fishery Certification Assessments preferred;
5. Aquaculture experience, particularly with seaweed and/or bivalves preferred; and
6. Excellent communication skills and attention to detail, and the ability to work remotely and asynchronously with Team members.

Benefits:

This position includes health coverage consisting of company-paid base health insurance, long-term disability, and life insurance for you. Details of available plans will be provided separately. There are also optional employee-paid health insurance add-ons to cover family members, vision, and dental insurance, and an optional 401(k) retirement plan. The position also includes paid vacation, sick and personal time, as well as 12 paid federal holidays each year. 

Additionally, after 12 months of employment, employees become eligible for up to four weeks of paid parental leave following the birth of an employee’s child or their adoption of an infant child. MRAG Americas will provide an additional eight weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave following the four weeks of paid leave. 

How to apply: Interested applicants should submit their resume and a cover letter detailing their relevant experience and qualifications to Erin Wilson (erin.wilson@mragamericas.com) and Michealene Corlett (michealene.corlett@mragamericas.com) by May 9, 2025. Interviews will be scheduled for the week beginning May 12, 2025.