SUMMARY

The Sustainable Seafood Specialist is a part-time seasonal position (August - December) supporting various aspects of Shedd’s “Sustainable Seafood” program, which aims to promote sustainable seafood choices by working with restaurants, retailers, grocers, culinary schools and individuals in order to protect aquatic ecosystems affected by commercial fishing. The specialist will be responsible for working with restaurant, retailer and grocer collaborators to assess their seafood offerings for various ratings and certifications and will occasionally assist with event logistics for internal and external events with these collaborators.  

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Demonstrate commitment to Shedd’s vision, mission and values 

• Sustainable Seafood Assessments 

• Complete seafood assessments of Sustainable Seafood collaborators’ (restaurants, retailers and grocers), checking each offering against Seafood Watch ratings and other sustainability certifications using the FishChoice platform 

• Clearly communicate with Sustainable Seafood collaborators throughout the entire assessment process, primarily by email or phone, with the occasional in-person meeting 

• Work with distributors and suppliers to obtain all sourcing information for collaborators’ seafood offerings 

• Provide regular updates about seafood assessments to Conservation Action Coordinator  

• Program Administration & Support 

• As needed, support Conservation Action Coordinator and other departments in planning and execution of internal and external events with sustainable seafood collaborators  

• Provide occasional administrative support to Conservation Action Coordinator through program communications and organization 

• Represent Shedd’s CPP programs for internal and external audiences 

• Communications 

• Build expertise on conservation issues, focusing especially on the seafood industry, its impacts on aquatic ecosystems and sustainable seafood sourcing 

• Research and share latest news with the CPP team on these topics 

• Perform other duties as assigned 

QUALIFICATIONS   

Education:  

• High school diploma or equivalent required, with coursework in ecology, conservation and/or environmental science a plus

Experience:  

• Successful experience with mission-driven project delivery, education, event planning, and/or business communications, preferably in a non-profit setting 

• Experience in the culinary industry with knowledge of food purchasing procedures a plus 

• Special Knowledge/Skills:  

• Experience in environmental conservation programming work 

• Aware of current, local, national and international seafood industry issues, with the ability to effectively and clearly communicate them to various audiences 

• Highly organized with an attention to detail 

• Comfortable speaking in public and with business owners 

• Demonstrated ability to handle large workload in a fast-paced, collaborative environment 

• Excellent written communication skills and a talent for planning and tracking data and activities 

• Awareness of Great Lakes region environmental community and top issues a plus 

• Proficient with Microsoft Office suite 

• Positive attitude and supportive to colleagues in a team-based environment. Driven, highly organized self-starter 

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and remain flexible and positive despite challenges  

• Appreciation for and strong attention to detail 

• Passionate about the environment 

• Poised, articulate professional with a positive attitude, a sense of humor, and an eagerness to learn 
   

Other Requirements: 

• Must be comfortable working outdoors at outreach events with minimal amenities – including shelter – in all weather.  

• Must be able to work flexible hours including early mornings, evenings, and weekends. 

• Must be able to do heavy lifting (up to 50 lbs.).