Verification Scientist I, GHG Forestry

SCS Global Services; United States; Remote; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A sustainability certification firm is seeking a Verification Scientist I to lead audits for carbon projects, focusing on forestry and land use. Responsibilities include conducting assessments, document reviews, and stakeholder interviews. Candidates should have a Bachelor's Degree in Forestry or a relevant field alongside quantitative skills and proficiency in ArcGIS. The role is primarily remote with potential travel across the U.S. The expected annual salary ranges from $70,000 to $90,000.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of professional experience in a related field.
• Experience with standard forest inventory techniques.
• Ability to travel domestically for audits.

Responsibilities

• Conduct assessments under various carbon offset standards.
• Perform document reviews and quantitative analyses.
• Write audit reports and oversee contract auditors.

Skills

Quantitative skills

Excellent writing skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Experience with field measurement techniques

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Forestry or relevant scientific field

Tools

ArcGIS

Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access)

Job description

Company Overview

SCS Global Services is a pioneer and leader in the field of sustainability standards and third‑party certification, working across sectors such as natural resources, built environment, food and agriculture, consumer products, and climate. For over 40 years the company has been dedicated to socially and environmentally responsible business practices, and through the application of sound science it is driving positive change.

Job Overview

SCS' Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Verification Program has been verifying carbon offsets since 2008 and has verified over 380 million tonnes of CO₂e, providing services to manufacturing, transportation, municipalities, and non‑profit organizations. The program draws upon SCS's expertise to serve the global carbon market and is recognized as a Best Verification Company. As a Verification Scientist I, GHG Forestry, you will be a lead auditor responsible for conducting assessments under various voluntary and compliance carbon offset standards. Project types include Forestry and Land Use categories such as Improved Forest Management, Afforestation/Reforestation, REDD+, wetlands, mangroves, soil carbon, and landscape level sustainability programs. Responsibilities encompass document review, quantification, growth and yield modeling, geospatial analysis, onsite reconnaissance and measurement activities, stakeholder interviews, and report writing for offset carbon projects 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 inventory calculations, forest growth and yield models, GIS, and remote sensing information
• Conduct site visits, interviews with project personnel, and evaluate forest inventory practices
• Issue verification findings and write audit reports
• Oversee work of contract auditors/consultants
• Complete clear technical audit reports with increasing complexity, including applicable calculations, interpretation of testing results, and research

Client Management

• Coordinate the audit process with clients
• Ensure that clients provide necessary data and information for audit
• Respond to client questions and concerns
• Maintain high levels of customer service and client satisfaction
• Manage a portfolio of audits concurrently, providing support and supervision as needed

Quality Management

• Maintain thorough and current knowledge of program standards and protocols
• Recommend and implement program changes to maintain SCS’s compliance with ISO quality standards
• Participate in internal and external audit processes 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 field and
• 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, giving employees the ability to work flexibly and allowing SCS to diversify the experience and perspectives of its 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

$70,000 - $90,000

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.