Senior Scientific Officer - Aquaculture

Job Details

We are looking for a new team member as a Senior Scientific and Policy Officer (SSPO) to lead our work on aquaculture, where you will work with a dedicated team of other leading farm animal welfare experts.

One of the key roles of the SSPO Aquaculture is lead responsibility for the development of the RSPCA's higher welfare standards for Atlantic salmon and rainbow trout. These standards have impact both nationally and internationally, including under the RSPCA's own farm assurance scheme - RSPCA Assured.

It is a key role within the Farm Animals Department, which is within the RSPCA's Science and Policy Group.

As our SSPO Aquaculture, you will be driving tangible change and leading the way in farmed fish welfare within the world's oldest animal welfare charity.

A key part of the role is also to provide a support function to RSPCA Assured, as you will support the scheme for the assurance of both salmon and trout.

Without this work, the standards for these species would cease to exist, leaving millions of animals without a "voice" and the industry without a benchmark for excellence.

Your impact will include:
 

• Defining Excellence: You will write and evolve the welfare standards that dictate how salmon and trout are raised and treated - ensuring they are leading the way and spearheading positive change.
• High Level Advocacy: You will represent the RSPCA in Parliament, at international conferences, and in the media.
• Industry Transformation: You will proactively engage with key retailers, governments, likeminded NGOs and other key stakeholders to push the boundaries of what is possible in fish welfare.
• Thought Leadership: You will provide technical expertise to key stakeholders nationally and internationally, including Eurogroup for Animals.
   

Innovation: You will explore new technologies and opportunities to ensure the RSPCA remains at the front edge of improving the lives of farmed fish.

We are looking for a visionary who is equally at home on a farm as they are presenting to policymakers. The post holder must be highly driven, determined, passionate, self motivated, and have a ‘change the world' mentality. We are looking for someone who genuinely wants to make a significant impact and a large, lasting change to the lives of farmed aquatic animals.

Requirements

To be successful within this role, you must have:
 

• A high level of farmed fish production and welfare knowledge.
• Hands-on experience of working with farm animals in a commercial environment.
• Project management experience.
• Experience of developing standards.
• Excellent communication, relationship and influencing skills.
• Experience of presenting to the media, government bodies, and at large scale conferences.
• The ability to navigate internal and external challenges with a self-motivated, "world-changing" mindset.

Contact Information