Specialist Fisheries and Seafood

We need the ocean. The ocean needs us. 

Role Summary

As a Specialist, Fisheries & Seafood, you will play a key role in advancing Ocean Wise's mission to promote sustainable fisheries and seafood systems. Working closely with scientific, market engagement, and partner relations teams, you will manage and analyze fisheries and aquaculture data, develop analytical tools and workflows, support sustainability assessments, and deliver evidence-based insights that inform Ocean Wise seafood recommendations and conservation initiatives.

This role combines data analysis, fisheries research, stakeholder engagement, and innovative problem solving. You will help transform complex information into practical recommendations that support responsible seafood production, healthy marine ecosystems, and informed consumer choices.

* Please note that the successful candidate must be located within the Metro Vancouver region or reasonable commutable distance and will be required to attend in-person office meetings, partner engagements, stakeholder consultations, fishery visits, and events as needed. *

Who You Are

You are a curious and analytical professional who enjoys solving complex problems and translating data into meaningful insights. You are passionate about sustainability, marine conservation, or fisheries science and are motivated by work that contributes to positive environmental outcomes.

You bring strong technical skills, attention to detail, and a collaborative approach. Whether working independently on a dataset, presenting findings to colleagues, or engaging with external partners, you are comfortable adapting your communication style to meet the needs of diverse audiences.

Major Accountabilities  

Data Analysis & Workflow Development

• Develop and maintain analytical workflows using R or Python to support fisheries and aquaculture assessments. 

• Manage and maintain fisheries datasets and the Ocean Wise seafood recommendations database.  

• Improve data quality, accessibility, and reporting processes through automation and workflow optimization.  

• Support the development and enhancement of digital tools, platforms, and reporting systems.

Fisheries Research & Assessments

• Analyze fisheries and aquaculture information to support seafood recommendations and sustainability assessments.  

• Author technical reports and recommendation documents that synthesize quantitative analysis, scientific literature, and stakeholder input.  

• Translate science-based seafood sustainability recommendations into clear, actionable guidance for market partners, supporting informed sourcing decisions and driving the adoption of more sustainable seafood practices  

• Lead rapid assessments for Canadian small-scale fisheries and contribute to science-based recommendation processes.  

• Present findings and recommendations to both technical and non-technical audiences.

Partnerships & Stakeholder Engagement

• Collaborate with Indigenous communities, seafood producers, industry stakeholders, researchers, and conservation partners.  

• Support fishery visits, workshops, stakeholder consultations, and advisory committees.  

• Contribute to partner engagement activities, conferences, trade shows, and industry events.  

• Work closely with internal teams to align analytical insights with program goals and conservation outcomes.

Innovation & Continuous Improvement

• Stay informed of emerging practices in fisheries science, sustainability metrics, and data analytics.  

• Identify opportunities to improve analytical methodologies, reporting tools, and data management systems.  

• Support innovation initiatives that strengthen Ocean Wise's fisheries and seafood programs.

What You Bring

• Bachelor's degree in data science, marine science, fisheries, environmental science, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Strong proficiency in R or Python for data analysis and visualization.

• Experience managing, analyzing, and interpreting complex datasets.

• Experience with databases and data management best practices.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to communicate technical information clearly to diverse audiences.

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

• Familiarity with fisheries, aquaculture, seafood sustainability, or conservation issues.
• Assets: 

•  Experience with sustainability programs or certification schemes.

• Knowledge of Tableau, Power BI, or similar visualization tools.

• Statistical modeling experience.

• Experience working with Indigenous communities or diverse stakeholder groups.

• Experience conducting fisheries assessments or sustainability evaluations.

Success Indicators

• Delivery of accurate, actionable fisheries reports and sustainability insights.

• Effective management and maintenance of the seafood recommendations database.

• Positive contributions to cross-functional projects and platform development initiatives.

• Strong engagement with internal teams and external stakeholders, aligning data with conservation objectives.

What We Offer

This full-time, benefits-eligible position offers:

• A remote working environment, with the option to work in person in our beautiful Vancouver head office

• A base salary of $ 63,000-$68,000 , in line with market data for not-for-profit organizations

• Benefits coverage on a premium cost-shared basis, including 

• Extended health and dental coverage

• Vision coverage

• $300 Health spending account 

• Group term and supplemental life insurance

• Short-term disability

• Long-term disability

• RRSP matching of up to 6% after one year of service

• 15 paid vacation days to start

• 10 paid sick days

• 2 wellness days

• 12 paid Statutory and General Holidays each calendar year

• An annual all-staff retreat to allow in-person connections and team building

• Professional development opportunities

• The opportunity to be part of a team that’s helping to save the ocean!

Where and How You'll Work

Our typical work week is 37.5 hours. This is a remote-first position with the successful candidate being located within the Metro Vancouver region or within reasonable commuting distance of Vancouver for meetings, partner engagements, stakeholder consultations, fishery visits, and events. The role may require flexibility to travel and occasionally work evenings or weekends to attend conferences, meetings, and Ocean Wise events.

Who We Are

Ocean Wise is a global conservation organization on a mission to build communities that take meaningful action to protect and restore our ocean. Learn more at ocean.org.

Inclusion and Diversity

At Ocean Wise, we believe that a welcoming and diverse workplace fosters the inclusion of voices that have been historically underrepresented. We encourage applications from individuals belonging to equity-deserving groups and will work with applicants requesting accommodations at any stage of the hiring process. We value human connection and fairness in our recruitment process. We do not use AI, algorithms, or automated tools to screen or evaluate candidates. All applications are reviewed by our hiring team to ensure each candidate is considered thoughtfully and equitably.