Associate

Company Overview

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 Associate works as an auditor in the SCS USDA Organic certification program. The Associate is responsible for conducting field audits, certification reviews, Organic System Plan (OSP) reviews, and providing technical expertise towards the development and continued improvement of standards, program materials, and procedures for the organic program. The Associate may support audit-related activities in other certification programs, including Gluten-Free, Non-GMO, and Food Testing. The position has a primary focus on the USDA NOP Organic Certification program and supports other programs and new program development as needed. Further responsibilities may include research and development for new business opportunities and attendance at trade shows, conferences, and trainings. **

Relevant Standards/Schemes**

• USDA NOP Organic Certification
• Other programs as needed

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

Auditing

• Conduct field audits of production and processing sites
• Complete technical review of Organic System Plans and audit reports within all scopes of work, including producer, handler and complex grower group systems
• Issue findings to clients, including New Information Requests, Notices of Noncompliance, and/or propose adverse actions, as applicable following technical documentation review
• Work with Technical Manager or Director on complex workflows related to adverse actions, mediation, appeals, denials and requests for reinstatement of certification

Communications

• Ensure communications between SCS auditors, other third-party auditing organizations, and clients are carried out in a timely fashion
• Attend trainings, trade shows, conferences, and meetings, as necessary
• Work with clients on audit-related issues

Technical Support

• Oversee client non-conformity resolution processes, including review of corrective and preventative action plans, evaluate corrective action implementation
• Issue final certification decisions for audit outcomes proposed by Associate 1
• Provide guidance and support to auditors and other partners via email and telephone with auditors and other third-party organizations
• Prepare written guidance updates for third-party auditors and provide technical support to clients on an as needed basis
• Develop, translate, and edit program materials, reports, and report templates
• Develop and deliver training programs and related materials for third-party auditing organizations

Program Development

• Carry out research in support of new program development
• Develop program materials, workflows and procedures related to preexisting programs or programs under development
• Support development and management of program workflows and user access in CRM and ERP systems

Operations

• Support and, if needed, represent the program for internal and external audits, such as USDA accreditation, etc.
• Provide oversight and detailed technical coaching for contract auditors and reviewers
• Ensure program compliance with SCS quality system
• Additional tasks as requested by the Director and Manager

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field (e.g. agriculture and/or international development)
• 2+ years of work experience in audit-related activities to the National Organic Program (NOP) standards
• Experience with third-party auditing, certification systems, ISO 9001:2008 quality systems, or other applicable industry standards
• Experience in quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis
• Excellent technical writing, observation, and data management skills
• Strong communication abilities
• Ability to complete time-sensitive projects and to provide realistic deadlines
• Excellent organizational skills and strong attention to detail
• Initiative and ability to work independently; responsive and adaptive to team environment
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office including Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

Preferred Qualifications

• Graduate degree in a related field (e.g. agriculture and/or international development)
• Formal ISO 9001, ISO 19011, or equivalent auditor training
• Verbal and written proficiency in Spanish strongly desired
• Demonstrated abilities in critical analysis

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. **

Working Remotely**

SCS 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. This is a home-office based role and may include travel with local, domestic, and/or international trips. Details will be clarified during the recruitment process. **

Estimated Annual Salary**

$51,000 to $71,000 **

EEOC Statement**

SCS 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 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.