Verification Scientist

Job Description
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 296 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 in a diverse array of scientific areas. Project types include those in the Agricultural and Land-Use category (e.g., regenerative agriculture, wetlands, mangroves, soil carbon), Energy and Industry categories (e.g., manufacturing processes, methane capture, and destruction, electric vehicle charging stations, energy efficiency), and Plastic Waste category. 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

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

Roles and Responsibilities

Lead Auditor Practitioner

• 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
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of applicable protocols and standards

Client Management

• Coordinate the audit process with clients
• Ensure that clients provide data and information necessary for the audit
• Respond to client questions and concerns
• Ensure a 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

• Master's degree in a relevant scientific field such as environmental science, soil science, engineering, or chemistry
• 2+ years of professional experience requiring quantitative work and technical report writing
• Excellent quantitative skills
• Very strong organizational skills, ability to prioritize numerous tasks effectively to meet deadlines
• Ability to learn quickly or adapt to a rapidly changing environment
• Professional demeanor in all forms of communication
• Accuracy, attention to detail, and ability to proof your own work
• Excellent writing and communication 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

• Experience in agriculture, manufacturing, or industrial sectors
• Experience as a project developer or verifier for carbon offset projects
• Proficiency in or familiarity with soil carbon storage and flux models (i.e. RothC, Daycent, DNDC)
• Proficiency using GIS (ex: ArcMap, ArcPro, QGIS, Python, and/or R GIS packages)
• CAR-accredited Lead Verifier
• Proficiency in managing and processing remote sensing data
• 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 predominantly 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, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

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