Verification Scientist , GHG Forestry

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.

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.

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

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

• 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

• 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…