Verification Scientist I, GHG Forestry

SCS Global Services; Northern (KY); Remote; USD 60,000 - 88,000; Full time

Job summary

SCS Global Services is seeking a Verification Scientist I, GHG Forestry, to perform lead audit activities for carbon offset projects under various standards. The role is remote within the United States, with opportunities to travel domestically for audits and site visits as needed.

The position emphasizes document review, quantitative analyses, growth and yield modeling, GIS and remote sensing, and rigorous report writing for offsets worldwide.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in forestry or related field.
• 2+ years of professional experience in a related field.
• Experience with standard forest inventory techniques in the field.
• Experience with field measurement techniques.
• Proficiency in ArcGIS and/or remote sensing applications.
• Excellent writing, communication, and organizational skills.
• High proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access).
• Willingness to travel domestically for audits.

Responsibilities

• Auditing: assess project documentation and management practices.
• Client Management: coordinate audits and data collection with clients; ensure data quality.
• Quality Management: maintain knowledge of program standards; support compliance.
• Auditor Training: participate in training staff and contract auditors.

Skills

Quantitative skills

Writing and communication

Organizational skills

ArcGIS

Remote sensing

Independent working

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Forestry or relevant scientific field

Master's Degree or higher (preferred)

Tools

ArcGIS

Job description

Verification Scientist I, GHG Forestry

Full Time Remote, US

Company Overview

SCS Global Services is 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 for over 40 years. As a Benefit Corporation, we are committed to socially and environmentally responsible business practices, and through the application of sound science, we are driving positive change.

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 I, GHG Forestry is a lead auditor responsible for conducting assessments under various voluntary and compliance carbon offset standards. Project types include those in the Forestry and Land Use category (e.g. Improved Forest Management, Afforestation/Reforestation, REDD+, wetlands, mangroves, soil carbon) 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.

Relevant Standards/Schemes

• American Carbon Registry (ACR)
• California Air Resources Board Cap-and-Trade Program
• Climate Action Reserve
• Climate, Community, and Biodiversity Alliance
• Verified Carbon Standard
• Other relevant schemes

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Auditing

• Assess management practices and project documentation of carbon projects
• Perform document review and quantitative analyses, including review of inventory calculations, forest growth and yield models, GIS, and/or remote sensing information
• Conduct site visit activities, including interviews with project personnel, site reconnaissance activities, and evaluating forest inventory practices
• Issue verification findings and write audit reports
• Oversee work of contract auditors/consultants
• Complete clear technical audit reports with increasing complexity (e.g., expansive scope, complex industry, standard), including applicable calculations, interpretation of testing results, and research

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
• Manage a portfolio of audits concurrently with some support and supervision

Quality Management

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

Auditor Training

• Participate in the training of staff and contract auditors/consultants

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Forestry or a relevant scientific fieldand
• 2+ years of professional experience in a related field
• Experience with the application of standard forest inventory techniques in the field
• Experience with the application of field measurement techniques
• Proficiency in ArcGIS and/or remote sensing applications
• Exceptional quantitative skills
• Excellent writing, communication, and organizational skills
• High proficiency in Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, and Access
• Initiative and ability to work independently under pressure in a changing environment
• Responsive and adaptive to team environment
• Ability to travel domestically to conduct audits

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's Degree or higher in a relevant scientific field
• Excellent quantitative skills with an emphasis on biometrics, statistics, and growth and yield modeling
• Experience with financial analysis and/or natural resource economics
• California Registered Professional Forester or other Certified Forester credential
• ARB-accredited Lead Verifier for the Compliance Offset Protocol - US Forest Projects
• CAR Lead Verifier
• Based in the southeastern United States

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

$60,000 - $88,000

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.