Verification Scientist, GHG Forestry - SCS Global Services

Company Overview
Since 1984, SCS Global Services has been a pioneer and leader in the field of sustainability standards and third-party certification, working across the economy in the natural resources, built environment, food and agriculture, consumer products, and climate sectors. Partnering with companies, government agencies, NGOs, and stakeholders, we are striving to advance sustainable development goals through independent assessment, the application of sound science, and innovative solutions. Through these services, we are enabling decision-makers and purchasers to make informed decisions, giving innovators a competitive edge, and helping to drive the development of leadership standards to create a framework for continuous improvement.

Job Overview
SCS' Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Verification Program has been verifying carbon offsets since 2008 and to date has verified over 380 million tonnes of CO2e, providing GHG verification services to a wide array of industries including manufacturing, transportation, municipalities, and non-profit organizations. The GHG Verification Program draws upon SCS's established expertise to serve the global carbon market. SCS has been voted Best Verification Company several times. Buyers of SCS-verified offsets include several Fortune 100 companies and SCS is a recognized thought leader in the carbon and climate change communities.

The Verification Scientist, GHG Forestry is a lead auditor who is responsible for conducting assessments under various voluntary carbon offset standards and the California Cap and Trade Program in a diverse array of scientific areas. Project types include those in the Forestry and Land Use category (e.g. Improved Forest Management, Afforestation/Reforestation, REDD+, wetlands, mangroves, soil carbon, regenerative agriculture) and landscape level sustainability programs. Areas of responsibility include document review, quantification, growth and yield modeling, geospatial analysis, onsite forest reconnaissance and measurement activities, interviews with stakeholders, and report writing for offset carbon projects and programs worldwide.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Auditing

• Assess management practices and project documentation of carbon projects and programs
• Perform document review and quantitative analyses, including review of inventory calculations, models, GIS, and/or remote sensing information
• Conduct site visit activities, including interviews with project personnel, site reconnaissance activities, and evaluating measurement practices
• Issue verification findings and write audit reports
• Oversee work of contract auditors/consultants

Client Management

• Coordinate the audit process with clients
• Ensure that clients provide data and information necessary for audit
• Respond to client questions and concerns
• Ensure high level of customer service and client satisfaction

Quality Control

• Maintain thorough and current working knowledge of program standards and protocols
• Recommend and implement program changes as needed to maintain SCS’ compliance with ISO quality standards
• Participate in the internal and external audit process as needed
• Participate in the recruitment and training of contract auditors/consultants

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Forestry or relevant scientific field and
• 4+ years of professional experience in a related field
• Experience with the application of field measurement techniques
• Excellent writing, communication, and organizational skills
• Initiative and ability to work independently; responsive and adaptive to team environment
• High proficiency in Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, and Access
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally to conduct audits

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's Degree or advanced degree in relevant scientific field
• Excellent quantitative skills with an emphasis on biometrics, statistics, (growth and yield) modeling, coding
• Proficiency in ArcGIS
• Proficiency with remote sensing applications
• Proficiency with community engagement
• International forestry/natural resources experience
• International travel experience
• Multilingual (Spanish and Portuguese preferred)
• Ability to lead an audit
• ARB-accredited Lead Verifier for the Compliance Offset Protocol - US Forest Projects
• California Registered Professional Forester or Certified Forester

The above description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Additional duties outside of normal responsibilities may be required from time to time as assigned.

Working Remotely
SCS is recruiting all open roles to be remote; allowing our employees the ability to work flexibly and allowing SCS as a company to diversify the experience and perspectives of our growing workforce. This is a home-office based role and may include travel with local, domestic, and/or international trips. Details will be clarified during the recruitment process.

Estimated Annual Salary
$80,000 - $95,000

EEOC Statement
SCS provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. SCS complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.