Roles and Responsibilities:

• Auditors will be trained on program requirements and participate in ongoing training, knowledge sharing and process improvements

• Manage a fisheries assessment or audit team in accordance with Verified Innovative Producer (VIP) requirements and other standards.

• The core verification process includes: coordinating verifications internally with the office and customer, preparing for onsite verifications, conducting verifications, placing the steps of the fisheries assessment process in the correct order, conducting pre-assessment and planning for a full assessment, describing how conditions are set and monitored, assessing the extent to which the fishery is consistent with the VIP Fisheries Standard, reviewing of the availability of data, defining the scope of the assessment, describing potential obstacles or problems that may be a barrier to certification, completing the verification checklist and submitting all relevant information internally within established timelines

• When interpretations are not directly auditable, special cases relating to requirements that apply to a particular type of fishery, data or situation would need to be justified, using different methods or/and additional clarification on how a clause in the standard process would usually be expected to be implemented

• Apply knowledge of auditing techniques in the gathering of information, the scoring of the fishery and the rationales for the scores given. Demonstrate knowledge of, and ability to interpret, scientific data relating to the impact of fisheries, the biological processes of the target species, or species with similar population dynamics

• Explore the geographical, cultural, and ecological context of the fishery under assessment

• Undertake a stock assessment using stock assessment techniques relevant to the fishery

• Determination of the traceability systems and point(s) at which fish and fish products enter further certified Chains of Custody. Explain the elements of traceability that are relevant to fishery assessments

• Describe the reporting stages. Score a fishery using the default assessment mechanism

• Ensure client records are thoroughly maintained

• Book travel, hotel, and transportation according to company policy and submit applicable expense reports for reimbursement

• Use applicable checklists, forms and technology such as an iPad or tablet for gathering information for the audits

• Adhere to all of the customer’s quality and code of conduct standards

• Maintain professionalism and positive customer relationships and respond to all client inquiries and concerns. Elevate concerns or questions to Postelsia internally

• Attend required trainings, internally and externally, to maintain qualifications to conduct audits and knowledge of applicable regulations and standards

• Treat the existence, process and outcomes of the (pre-) assessment as confidential to the client, Postelsia and WFCF.

• 100% travel globally as the schedule dictates

• Other duties as assigned within Independent Contractor agreement

Required Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree in Fisheries and/or related agriculture field plus 5 years of extensive experience in the fisheries industry OR 15+ years of professional experience in the same field(s)

• Able to describe the intent and requirements of the VIP Fisheries Standard. Know how the requirements should be interpreted.

• Ability to demonstrate a good understanding of the types of management system(s) and laws applicable to the fishery under assessment.

• Independent and free of conflict of interest

• Fair-minded and able to maintain an objective approach at all times

• Strong critical thinking skills

• Excellent organization and attention to detail

• Customer-service focused with proven communications and people skills

• Strong aptitude for professionalism and confidentiality

• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office and willingness to learn proprietary IT systems – hardware, software and mobile applications

• Driver’s license or ability to obtain rental vehicle and travel to each location

Preferred Skills:

• Able to travel throughout the region nearest to home base

• Extensive knowledge of fisheries systems

• Auditing and/or verification or certification experience preferred

• Additional working knowledge and experience in any of the following categories is a plus and will be weighted heavily in preference: aquaculture farming, manufacturing, processing, and/or seafood productions systems

• Third-party certification process experience required

• Practical field experience in production, science, and or management, preferably seafood

• International experience and bilingual

• Service and consulting industry experience

• Food safety and quality standards

Working Conditions:

• Independent contract position: income potential based on audit capacity

• Remote with 100% travel as the schedule dictates, mostly overnight

• Temperature extremes of high heat or cold, including indoors and outdoors