Verification Scientist

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

SCS’ Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Verification Program has been verifying carbon offsets since 2008 and to date has verified over 295 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 is a lead auditor who is responsible for conducting assessments under various voluntary carbon offset standards and the California Cap and Trade Program in a diverse array of scientific areas. Project types include those in the Forestry and Land Use category (e.g. Improved Forest Management, Afforestation/Reforestation, REDD+, wetlands, mangroves, soil carbon, regenerative agriculture) as well as those under the Energy and Industry categories (e.g. manufacturing processes, methane capture and destruction, electric vehicle charging stations, energy efficiency), other novel approaches, and landscape level sustainability programs. Areas of responsibility include document review, quantification, modeling, geospatial analysis, onsite reconnaissance and measurement activities, interviews with stakeholders, and report-writing for offset carbon projects and programs worldwide.

Relevant Services/Schemes

• California Air Resources Board Cap and Trade Program
• Climate Action Reserve
• Verified Carbon Standard
• Climate, Community and Biodiversity Alliance
• American Carbon Registry
• Other GHG Offset Programs

Roles and Responsibilities
Auditing

• Assess management practices and project documentation of carbon projects and programs
• Perform document review and quantitative analyses, including review of inventory calculations, models, GIS and/or remote sensing information
• Conduct site visit activities, including interviews with project personnel, site reconnaissance activities and evaluating measurement practices
• Issue verification findings and write audit reports
• Oversee work of contract auditors/consultants

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

Quality Control

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

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Forestry or relevant scientific field
• 4 years professional experience in a related field
• Excellent quantitative skills with an emphasis on biometrics, statistics, (growth and yield) modeling
• Experience with the application of field measurement techniques
• Excellent writing and communication skills
• Excellent organizational skills
• Initiative and ability to work independently
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office including Microsoft Word, Excel, and Access
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally to conduct audits
• Must have received or be willing to receive the COVID-19 vaccination by 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

• ARB-accredited Lead Verifier for the Compliance Offset Protocol—US Forest Projects
• California Registered Professional Forester or Certified Forester
• Proficiency in ArcGIS
• Proficiency with remote sensing applications
• International forestry experience
• Foreign Language Skills (Spanish and Portuguese are especially helpful)
• International Travel experience

*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.

Work Environment

CA Office, Emeryville or Remote, US

*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.

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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