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- Tasks: Lead aquaculture welfare standards and advocate for fish welfare on a global stage.
- Company: Join the RSPCA, a leading animal welfare organisation making a real difference.
- Benefits: Enjoy a hybrid work model, competitive salary, and a chance to impact animal welfare.
- Why this job: Be a voice for farmed fish and drive positive change in aquaculture practices.
- Qualifications: Expertise in fish welfare, project management, and strong communication skills required.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
At the RSPCA, we believe all animals deserve a good life. We work for the benefit of every animal – whether companion, wild, farmed, or animals used in science. Choose a career with us and make a positive difference to the lives of animals. 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.
Responsibilities & Impact
- 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.
Qualifications
- 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.
Work Details
- Working hours: 35 hours per week - Monday to Friday.
- Hybrid role: remote + at least one day per month in Horsham office.
- Contract: Permanent.
- Application Deadline: Closing date: 8 February.
Diversity & Equal Opportunity
We are building the future of a diverse Society, and our priority is to support animal welfare by finding people from all backgrounds who are committed to our mission. For this reason we actively encourage a wide diversity of applications - in particular from members of minority ethnic groups, and people with disabilities - as these candidates are currently under-represented at the RSPCA. Your transferable skills & lived experiences could make you a valuable addition to our RSPCA Family!
Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK - We are unable to sponsor visas at RSPCA. Successful candidates for certain RSPCA roles will need to undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Interviews will be held in person on the 24th and the 25th of February.
Senior Scientific Officer - Aquaculture employer: RSPCA
Contact Detail:
RSPCA Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Scientific Officer - Aquaculture
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the aquaculture and animal welfare sectors. Attend events, join online forums, and connect with people on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to express your commitment to animal welfare and aquaculture. Share your ideas on how you can contribute to their mission and be specific about what excites you about the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the RSPCA and its initiatives. Familiarise yourself with their current projects and challenges in aquaculture. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate that you're not just another candidate, but someone who truly understands their work.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the RSPCA family. Don’t forget to follow up after applying; a little nudge can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Scientific Officer - Aquaculture
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in aquaculture and animal welfare. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at the RSPCA, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant expertise!
Showcase Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for animal welfare shine through in your written application. We’re looking for someone who’s not just qualified but also genuinely cares about making a difference in the lives of farmed fish. Share your story and why this role excites you!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key achievements and experiences are easy to spot. This helps us quickly see how you fit into our team!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive your details directly and can process your application smoothly. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the RSPCA family!
How to prepare for a job interview at RSPCA
✨Know Your Aquaculture Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of farmed fish production and welfare. Be ready to discuss the latest trends and technologies in aquaculture, as well as the RSPCA's current standards. This will show that you're not just interested in the role, but that you’re genuinely passionate about improving fish welfare.
✨Showcase Your Advocacy Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully advocated for animal welfare or similar causes in the past. Whether it’s through presentations, media engagement, or working with stakeholders, be ready to share specific instances where you made a positive impact. This will demonstrate your ability to represent the RSPCA effectively.
✨Demonstrate Project Management Prowess
Since project management is key for this role, think of projects you've led or contributed to that relate to animal welfare or aquaculture. Be prepared to discuss your approach to managing timelines, resources, and stakeholder communication. Highlighting your organisational skills will set you apart.
✨Emphasise Your Communication Skills
As you'll be engaging with various stakeholders, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Consider doing mock interviews or presenting your ideas to friends. The ability to communicate complex information simply and effectively is crucial, especially when discussing welfare standards with non-experts.
