Aquaculture Technical Specialist

• Job ID: 56351
• Location: Ecuador
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Regular

OFFICE LOCATION

Guayaquil, Ecuador

Se requiere que los empleados estén físicamente ubicados en Guayaquil durante el tiempo de empleo con TNC. Se anima a los candidatos de otras ubicaciones a postularse; sin embargo, TNC no cubrirá los costos de reubicación si aceptas una oferta hecha por TNC para esta posición.

WHO WE ARE

The mission of The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is to conserve the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we develop innovative, on-the-ground solutions to the world’s toughest environmental challenges so that people and nature can thrive. Our work is guided by our values, which include a commitment to diversity and respect for people, communities, and cultures. From a rewarding mission to career development and flexible schedules, there are many reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want to know more? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube   to hear stories from staff or visit  Glassdoor.

One of TNC’s primary goals is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that employees around the globe have a sense of belonging and feel that their unique contributions are valued. We know we’ll only achieve our mission by hiring and engaging a diverse staff that reflects the communities in which we work. Recognizing that people bring talent and skills that have been developed outside the scope of a job, we take a holistic approach to recruitment that considers life experience in addition to the professional requirements listed in our postings. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and you’ll stay for the people.”

WHAT WE CAN ACHIEVE TOGETHER

The Aquaculture Technical Specialist (ATS) will play a critical role in advancing TNC’s vision of sustainable, low-carbon aquaculture in Ecuador. This position will focus on implementing best practices in shrimp farming, promoting regenerative aquaculture systems, and supporting coastal communities in adopting environmentally and socially responsible practices. The ATS will work closely with shrimp producers, local communities, government agencies, and private sector partners to ensure the adoption of sustainability standards such as Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) and Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC). 

The ATS will also support the development of enabling conditions for small and medium-scale producers to transition to sustainable practices, guided by internationally recognized frameworks such as the Ecosystem Approach to Aquaculture Management (EAAM) and the Principles of Restorative Aquaculture for Nature and Communities, and supported by targeted initiatives like the Aquaculture Improvement Project (AIP). While the AIP is not a framework itself, it serves as a practical tool or program designed to operationalize sustainability principles within broader frameworks.  This role requires a combination of technical expertise, multi-stakeholder engagement, and project management skills to drive impactful conservation outcomes.

WE’RE LOOKING FOR YOU

We are seeking a committed, resilient and motivated professional passionate about marine conservation with a strong background in aquaculture, environmental science, or related fields. The ideal candidate will have experience in project coordination, stakeholder engagement, build strategic relationships and the implementation of sustainable practices in aquaculture. You will work in diverse conditions, including remote locations and challenging terrains, to support the adoption of low-carbon, regenerative aquaculture systems. 

Guided by science, TNC creates innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that people and nature can thrive together. We’re looking for someone who is a passionate, motivated problem-solver.

If you are committed to conservation, have a collaborative spirit, and are eager to contribute to the sustainable development of coastal communities, we encourage you to apply.

RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE

• Performs tasks with minimal supervision and makes independent decisions based on analysis, experience, and context.
• Ensures program compliance with internal policies and external requirements.
• Implements field actions in coordination with public officials and community groups in the coastal-marine ecosystems.
• Support the development of a sustainable vision for the shrimp sector in Ecuador.
• Develop conservation and restoration strategies for coastal-marine ecosystems linked to sustainable aquaculture.
• Work with TNC’s conservation teams, government and non-government organizations, and local communities to promote sustainable aquaculture practices.
• Support the implementation of sustainable aquaculture production practices focused on reducing carbon impact, regenerative systems and conserving mangrove ecosystems.
• Oversee the implementation of aquaculture improvement projects, ensuring compliance with environmental and social sustainability standards.
• Coordinate with the global aquaculture lead and the Coordinator of the Coastal Marine Strategy, the implementation of field-based activities of Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP).
• Assist producers in complying with sustainability standards such as Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) or Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC), when applicable.
• Facilitate access to Aquaculture Improvement Project (AIP) initiatives and promote the Ecosystem Approach to Aquaculture Management (EAAM).
• Coordinate training activities on regenerative aquaculture for coastal communities and facilitate the establishment of farms under this model, directly benefiting local communities.
• Collaborate in the planning, execution, and monitoring of sustainable shrimp production projects.
• Contribute to the development of policies and strategies that promote sustainable aquaculture, regenerative systems and mangrove conservation.
• Managing, maintaining, and updating program information on required digital platforms with guidance from the coordinator of the strategy.
• Contributing to proposal development for Ecuador’s conservation program, focusing on the marine-coastal zone.
• Generate technical inputs and disseminate information to internal and external stakeholders through reports, presentations, and workshops.
• Represent TNC in technical and governance events related to the aquaculture sector.
• Support the update of the metrics related to aquaculture sector as part of the Coastal Marine Strategy and Humboldt Current.
• Work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.

WHAT YOU’LL BRING

• Bachelor’s degree in a branch of aquaculture engineering, marine biology, environmental sciences, fisheries engineering, or related fields and 4 years related experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• At least 4 years of experience in similar positions related to the implementation of best practices in the aquaculture sector combined with mangroves conservation and regenerative aquaculture.
• Experience with sustainable aquaculture practices, including low-carbon and regenerative systems.
• Experience in relations with key stakeholders (communities, local governments, non-governmental organizations, government agencies, universities).
• Experience researching, critically analyzing, and evaluating information from divergent sources and compiling it into cohesive reports and recommendations for strategy and action.
• Experience using applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and Web Browsers.
• Competent in both written and spoken English and Spanish, with the ability to convey technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Availability to travel frequently within and outside the country.
• Experience with analytical, communication and interpersonal skills.

Desired Qualifications

• Familiarity with sustainability standards such as BAP and ASC is a plus.
• Experience in policy development and implementation related to aquaculture or coastal conservation.
• Knowledge of current trends and practices in relevant discipline(s) and regions.
• Knowledge of land management, conservation practice and conservation science.
• Experience and knowledge in aquaculture systems and regenerative aquaculture.
• Experience in developing public-private partnerships in the aquaculture sector.
• Experience developing and delivering high quality presentations to external partners.
• Familiarity with digital tools and platforms for project management and data analysis.
• Ability to explain conservation practices to technical and non-technical audiences
• Excellent communication skills via written, spoken and graphical means in Spanish and English.
• A commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in conservation work.

WHAT WE BRING

Since 1951, TNC has been doing work you can believe in. Through grassroots action, we have grown from a small non-profit into one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff and partners, we impact conservation around the world! 

TNC offers competitive and comprehensive benefits packages tailored to the individual countries where we work. These may include health care benefits, retirement benefits, parental leave, paid time off, life insurance, and disability coverage as well as an employee assistance program and other life and well-being benefits. Learn more about our benefits on our Culture Tab on nature.org/careers. 

We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports the health and well-being of the people we employ.

ADDITIONAL JOB INFORMATION

Contract type: Fixed term for 2 years

APPLY NOW

To apply for job ID 56351, submit your materials online by using the Apply Now button at https://careers.nature.org/ by 11:59 PM EST on March 19th, 2025. Need help applying? Visit our recruitment page or contact applyhelp@tnc.org.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to diversity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of diverse backgrounds, beliefs and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization that reflects our global character is a priority and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.

The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy’s background screening process.

Do you have military experience? Visit our U.S. Military Skills Translator to match your military experience with our current job openings!

TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please send a note to applyhelp@tnc.org with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.

An attractive salary and benefits package is part of TNC’s value proposition to our employees. TNC strives to provide competitive pay and bases salaries on the geographic location of the role committing to being equitable across groups and providing hiring salary ranges when possible.

Since we support flexible and remote work for our employees, many positions have a flexible location within countries where we’re registered as a Non-government Organization and established as an employer. This may mean we’re unable to provide a hiring salary range in the posting for some of our positions. However, candidates invited to be part of our interview process will be provided their location specific range upon request.