Verification Scientist I, GHG Forestry

SCS Global Services is a pioneer and leader in 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.

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 industries including manufacturing, transportation, municipalities, and non-profit organizations. The program leverages SCS's established expertise to serve the global carbon market. Buyers of SCS-verified offsets include several Fortune 100 companies, and SCS is a recognized thought leader in the carbon and climate change communities.

About the Role

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. Responsibilities include document review, quantification, growth and yield modeling, geospatial analysis, onsite forest reconnaissance and measurement, stakeholder interviews, and report writing for global carbon projects.

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/or remote sensing information.
  • Conduct site visit activities, including interviews with project personnel, site reconnaissance, 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 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.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Forestry or a relevant scientific field.
• 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.

Qualifications

• Preferred:
  • 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.

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

Schedule

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.

Pay

Estimated Annual Salary: $60,000 - $88,000