Independent Contractor - Forestry Auditor

NSF

United States

On-site

USD 73,800 - 110,700

Part time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

Competitive Daily Pay Rate

Travel cost reimbursement

Flexible scheduling

Support from a technical team

Job summary

A leading organization in environmental certification is seeking a Forestry Lead Auditor to manage and execute audits. This independent contract position offers flexible scheduling with a commitment to 20-30 days annually. Candidates should hold a professional degree in forest science and valid certifications. Key skills include strong communication and interpersonal skills, as well as familiarity with environmental laws. The role provides competitive daily pay and travel reimbursement.

Qualifications

Valid Inspector certificate, Forester License, and PEFC knowledge certificate.
Experience implementing or auditing sustainable forestry, product, quality, or environmental management systems.
Technical forestry operations focused on wood fiber production.

Responsibilities

Manage, plan, and execute all phases of the audit process.
Conduct audits in North America for SFI and FSC certifications.
Commit to 20-30 audit days per year.

Skills

Clear verbal and written communication

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Education

Professional degree in forest science or natural resource management

Job description

Independent Contractor - Forestry Auditor

CA, United States and 2 more

Job Description

We are seeking a Forestry Lead Auditor (SFI Forest Management, SFI Fiber Sourcing, SFI Chain of Custody, PEFC Chain of Custody, FSC Chain of Custody, FSC Forest Management, & ATFS) to lead 3rd Party Audits in North America. This independent contract position offers flexible scheduling for 20‑30 audit days per year. As a Forestry Lead Auditor you will manage, plan, and execute all phases of the audit process.

Responsibilities

Valid Inspector certificate, Forester License, and PEFC knowledge certificate.
Forestry certification experience in SFI Forest Management, SFI Fiber Sourcing, SFI Chain of Custody, PEFC Chain of Custody, FSC Chain of Custody, FSC Forest Management, and ATFS.
Professional degree (preferably advanced) in forest science or natural resource management.
Experience in forest management and/or the forest products industry with deep understanding of associated management systems and programs.
Experience implementing or auditing sustainable forestry, product, quality, or environmental management system standards.
Business entity preferred.
Commitment to maintain 20‑30 audit days per year.
PC computer and/or laptop.

Education and Work Experience

Technical forestry operations focused on the production of wood fiber.
Integration of economic, environmental, and social aspects of forestry.
Knowledge of forestry and environmental laws and regulations.
Familiarity with relevant forest management standards.
Experience with environmental management systems relevant to audits.

Preferred Lead Auditor Qualification

Forestry operations related to natural resource management, including wildlife, fisheries, recreation, etc.
Understanding of environmental regulation related to forestry.
Familiarity with international and domestic sustainable forestry management systems and performance standards.
Knowledge of certification requirements related to the standards.

Personal Competencies and Skills for All Auditors

Clear verbal and written communication.
Interpersonal skills conducive to effective and efficient auditing.
Sensitivity to regional and cultural norms.
Ability to reach objective judgments based on evidence.
Organizational skills for processing large amounts of information.

What we offer:

Competitive Daily Pay Rate
Travel cost reimbursement
Flexible scheduling
Support from a technical team

Qualifications

Forestry certification experience in PEFC Chain of Custody, SFI Fiber Sourcing, SFI Forest Management, FSC Chain of Custody, FSC Forest Management, ATFS (inspector certificate), and SFI Chain of Custody with a forester license.
Experience implementing or auditing sustainable forestry, product, quality, or environmental management system standards, including internal or external audits. Preference for industry foresters experienced with SFI programs for SFI Program Participants or external audit experience.
Technical forestry operations focused on wood fiber production; integration of economic, environmental, and social aspects; knowledge of forestry and environmental laws; relevant forest management standards; and environmental management systems. Professional audit procedures, including the SFI Audit Procedures and Qualifications (SFI‑APQ).

About Us

With a legacy spanning more than 80 years, NSF leverages science and innovation to improve human and planet health. We provide science‑driven, independent testing, inspection, certification, and advisory services and develop the very standards that drive the food, water, and life sciences industries worldwide. We empower our clients to navigate shifting regulations to improve consumer health, safety, and quality of life.

One of our core values is We Are One NSF. This means that while we’re one team, we embrace the cultural, ethnic, language, and demographic diversity that reflects the societies in which we live and work.

Come join a team that makes a difference in the world. More information about NSF can be found at nsf.org.

NSF is an equal‑opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, status as a protected veteran, or disability.

Notice to Agency and Search Firm Representatives: Please note that NSF is not accepting unsolicited resumes from agencies/search firms for this role. Resumes submitted to an NSF employee by a third‑party agency without a valid written & signed search agreement will become the sole property of NSF. No fee will be paid if a candidate is hired as a result of an unsolicited agency or search firm referral.

About the Team

NSF provides a holistic suite of value‑added digital, information security, and sustainability solutions that span our core industries of food, water, and life sciences. Our client‑focused teams have deep industry expertise and are committed to supporting the journey to certification, helping to empower organizations to drive process and performance improvements for products, people, and the planet.

Job Info