Position Type: Full Time
Location: Remote, US
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.
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.
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
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
