Technical Associate II, LCFS/Biofuels

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

The primary job responsibility is to audit the California Air Resources Board regulation for the mandatory reporting of greenhouse gas emissions, codified in Subchapter 10, Article 2, sections 9500-95157 of title 17 of the California Code of Regulations and applicable portions of 40 CFR Part 98. The LCFS applies to fuels used for transportation, including gasoline, diesel, and their alternatives. The goal of the LCFS is to systematically reduce the carbon intensity (CI) of the transportation fuel used or produced in California each year. The LCFS is administered by the California Air Resources Board (CARB), which as of 2020 requires that annual reporting requirements are verified by independent third parties like SCS Global Services.

SCS is hiring a Technical Associate II that will support the Technical Specialist in the administration of SCS’s LCFS biofuel verification programs, as well as related biofuels programs administered by SCS. The position primarily entails field auditing for clients hiring SCS to verify compliance with California’s LCFS program in North America. The LCFS Technical Associate II will also be trained to support complementary biofuel-related activities, including Oregon Clean Fuels and Canada Clean Fuels regulations.

The position entails verifying the accuracy and completeness of client reports under California law that are submitted to CARB under the LCFS program. Verification for compliance requires the Technical Associate II to assess the implementation of program standards, analysis of processing and programmatic data, in-person assessment of manufacturing operations and related data management systems, interviews of relevant staff in charge of relevant data and submissions, and prompt and professional customer service for both clients and SCS colleagues.

Relevant Services/Schemes

• Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) – Validation and Verification Audits
• Canada Clean Fuels – Validation and Verification Audits
• International Sustainability & Carbon Certification (ISCC) – Certification and Renewal Audits
• Having a background or experience in the Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) space is preferred

SCS should be made aware if a candidate has a background or experience with California’s Mandatory Reporting of GHG emissions (MRR) or other GHG reporting programs

Roles and Responsibilities

Technical Operations

• Perform audits, including witness and internal audits where necessary, and draft associated audit reports
• Review data and documentation submitted by clients for completeness and accuracy
• Assess data and documentation for consistency with LCFS application submissions and claims
• The above reviews will require an analysis of all operational controls, data management systems, processing equipment, and other equipment or processes that may contribute to, or reduce, emissions
• Make decisions to grant, maintain, reduce, expand, suspend or terminate certification based on evidence of conformance with requirements
• Participate in ongoing training and evaluation of performance to ensure audit performance is executed at a level expected by SCS, SCS clients, and CARB
• Be proficient in program and certification requirements, ensuring a pragmatic approach to a wide range of circumstances while maintaining the integrity of the certification scheme
• Consider and implement changes affecting certification (either client or scheme initiated)
• Ensure implementation of program procedures and documents
• Perform audits in industrial settings at companies that produce or trade biofuels that are produced or consumed in California
• Perform audits for other biofuels programs at processing facilities, storage or warehouse operations, or other locations relevant to supply chain compliance
• Attend meetings/webinars/conferences focused on the LCFS and other biofuel programs standards
• Provide feedback and participate when necessary in risk assessment development processes
• Provide technical support to colleagues and clients

Communication

• Communicate regularly with the Technical Specialist and SCS team members, clients, and affiliate staff/auditors, ensuring they are informed of project status, issues, and compliance with general program requirements
• Communicate requirements clearly, effectively, and concisely
• Aid in the development of external communication materials
• Able to write concise and accurate summaries of data, as well as concise and accurate summary reports in SCS-approved formats at the completion of the audit process

Program Quality Support

• Support the program and implement quality initiatives such as client trainings and guidance documents
• Aid in the development of internal procedures and guidelines

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or significant operational experience in a related field
• Complete fluency in English and work experience that involves professional written communication
• Strong organization and prioritization skills
• Proficient with business software including Outlook, Word, Excel, and database management
• Strong customer service and teamwork orientation
• Initiative, good judgment, and ability to work independently under pressure in a changing environment
• Must have received or be willing to receive the COVID-19 vaccination by the date of hire to be considered, unless precluded by local and national jurisdiction. Pursuant to local and national law--proof of vaccination is required. Medical and religious accommodations will also be considered.

Additional Preferred Skills

• Master's degree in a related field preferred
• Spanish or Portuguese proficiency
• Having a background or experience in the Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) space is preferred  

*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. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time as needed.

Physical Requirements

• This is an office-based job. Sit 6+ hours per day. Keyboarding 6+ hours per day. Must be able to speak and listen in person and on the phone.
• Site visits will require travel to and inside of industrial manufacturing operations to check processes, equipment, monitoring equipment, and speak with staff.

Work Environment

• CA Office, Emeryville or Remote, US (Home Office)
• Manufacturing, processing, and agricultural fields during audits, and auditor assessment activities

*SCS, Working Remotely:

At this time, SCS Global Services 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.

As part of our remote work, we want to ensure that our employees have what they need to work from home. We provide our new employees with a computer and can offer assistance in acquiring ergonomic necessities.

Pay Range:

$70k to $90k Annually

EEOC Statement:

SCS Global Services 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 Global Services 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, transfers, leave of absence, compensation, and training.

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