Technical Manager, Forestry Chain of Custody

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 Technical Manager supports the Directors of the Forestry Program in the administration of the forestry program. The position entails interpretation and implementation of standards, quality control of audits, and support to field auditors, affiliates, and colleagues on all aspects of the certification programs within defined project responsibilities. In addition, the position includes management of team members, assisting in the implementation of the auditor training program, and additional special projects as needed.

Relevant Services/Schemes

Forest Management and Chain of Custody Certification for the following, as applicable:

• Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)
• Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC)  
• Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI)
• Responsible Wood (RW)
• Legal Harvest Verification (LHV)
• Sustainable Biomass Program (SBP)
• Other services offered by the Forest Conservation Program

Roles and Responsibilities

Staff Management

• Recruit and onboard staff as needed to ensure sufficient operational capacity
• Provide and oversee initial and ongoing training for staff
• Assign report review workloads and project work to technical team members with input from Forestry Directors
• Oversee daily workflow of technical team members including weekly tracking of performance indicators
• Evaluate technical staff performance to provide feedback and address performance issues as necessary
• Conduct annual performance reviews of technical team members

Technical Duties, Oversight, and Support

• Maintain current and thorough understanding of relevant certification standards
• Work with technical and account managers to ensure cross-team collaboration and consistency to maintain high levels of quality and service
• Provide scheme expertise and technical support to the forestry team, affiliates, and domestic clients
• Support staff and auditors in resolving complex technical questions
• Ensure implementation of program procedures and documents
• Ensure consistency of interpretation among staff and contractors conducting audits and/or technical reviews of reports
• Improve systems to increase quality, efficiency, and value of auditing and report review services
• Review all levels and all schemes audit reports from auditors to provide oversight and quality control; make decisions to grant, maintain, reduce, expand, suspend, or terminate certification based on evidence of conformance with requirements; consider and implement changes affecting certification (either client or scheme initiated)
• Oversee the processes of monitoring and management of Corrective Action Requests, including ensuring that CARs are closed on time, and reminders are sent to clients or affiliates where relevant; review evidence and make decisions on whether corrective action is sufficient to close the CAR
• Review audit reports from staff and select audit reports to provide oversight and quality control
• Perform scheme audits, witness audits, and internal quality audits, and draft associated audit reports
• Work closely with technical staff, quality assurance department, and accreditation bodies to ensure that internal and external non-conformities are resolved within expected timelines and that corrective action plans are implemented; follow through with any necessary monitoring of the implementation
• Oversee development of generic guidance material for clients
• Oversee special projects of technical team members
• Represent SCS at conferences, scheme meetings, and other forums

Auditor Training, Monitoring, and Evaluation

• Provide support for the design and implementation of the auditor training, monitoring, and evaluation program; liaise with the quality team as needed to ensure consistency and efficiency where possible
• Conduct auditor training for internal and external trainees
• Provide support for and oversee the creation of auditor training materials, including webinars, evaluation tools, and guidance documents
• Identify and develop auditor candidates in order to ensure technical capacity for the relevant geographic region
• Communicate regularly with auditors and affiliate staff/auditors, ensuring they are informed of changing policies, procedures, and requirements
• Collaborate with Quality Assurance department to ensure witness audit program is implemented; monitor contractor performance and take or advise of appropriate action within applicable regions

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Forestry, Natural Resources, or a related field
• Complete fluency in English and work experience that involves professional written communication
• Qualification as lead auditor for FSC and SBP required, other relevant services/schemes preferred, e.g. SFI, PEFC
• 5+ years of professional experience in the forest products or natural resource management sector
• Strong organization and prioritization skills
• Proficient with business software including Outlook, Word, Excel, and database management
• Strong customer service and teamwork skills
• Initiative, good judgment, and ability to work independently under pressure in a changing environment
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally

Additional Preferred Skills

• Fluency in additional languages (Spanish, French, Portuguese)
• Licensed or registered forester credential

*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 primarily a home office-based job which could require travel to client sites. Sit 6+ hours per day. Keyboarding 6+ hours per day. Must be able to speak with clients and colleagues in person and on the phone.

Work Environment

• CA Office, Emeryville or Remote, US (Home Office)
• Auditing at manufacturers, printers, and traders of forest products

*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:

90k to 102k 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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