| Description |
The Rainforest Alliance is an international nonprofit organization that works to conserve biodiversity and ensure sustainable livelihoods by transforming land-use practices, business practices and consumer behavior. Based in New York City, with offices throughout the United States and worldwide, the Rainforest Alliance works with people whose livelihoods depend on the land, helping them transform the way they grow food, harvest wood and host travelers.
RA-Cert, a division of the Rainforest Alliance, supports the organization’s mission by delivering sustainability auditing, verification, validation and certification services based on the best available global standards. RA-Cert conducts its work with the highest integrity, transparency and quality in order to generate positive economic, ecological and social benefits for our clients and worldwide.
Position Summary:
The Associate will coordinate and manage the execution of Forest Management (FM) certification services for a subset of new and existing Rainforest Alliance clients in the US. S/he will be directly involved in all aspects of FM certification pre-assessment, assessments and audits including scheduling, project management, customer service, auditor management and quality control. S/he will also be expected to participate in projects as an auditor.
Responsibilities:
- Under the guidance of the Forest Certification Coordinator, manage the execution of forest management pre-assessment, assessments and audits in the US, including budgeting, service contracts, audit team identification, logistical planning, support to auditors, report review, liaison with clients, coordinating peer reviews and finalizing and approving reports;
- Act as auditor and team leader on selected pre-assessments, assessments and audits projects;
- Coordinate with other staff, provide customer service to current and potential Rainforest Alliance clients , including, but is not limited to, responding to inquiries relating to FM, SmartLogging and Carbon services, providing information about certification, market linkages, guidance on certification process, marketing and other aspects related to auditing services;
- Coordinate with consultants on agreements, scope of work, and monitor and approve resulting deliverables;
- Ensure efficiency, quality control and adherence to FSC and Rainforest Alliance technical and administration certification protocols for all jobs directly under his/her responsibilities;
- Develop strong expertise in FSC forest management and SmartLogging policies and protocols through onsite and remote training opportunities;
- Cooperate with and support other Rainforest Alliance staff in the execution and coordination of FM client recruitment, assessments and audits and other projects including developing and implementing annual audit schedules to ensure timely and efficient completion of audits;
- Coordinate with and support other staff with regards to financial and audit progress reports and planning;
- Provide input for policy development and technical improvements to the certification system;
- Give presentations and attend meetings, as needed, to promote Rainforest Alliance and FSC certification;
- Contribute to developing client recruitment strategies for regional market segments and key landowners; and
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Forestry, Natural Resource Management or related field required;
- Minimum 3-5 years of field forestry experience;
- Environmental management system auditor training experience preferred;
- Knowledge of Rainforest Alliance Certification and/or FSC certification a plus;
- GIS knowledge and experience desired but not required;
- Strong computer skills (word processing, databases, spreadsheets) and presentation skills;
- Strong organizational, multi-tasking skills and attention to detail;
- Strong verbal and written communication skills;
- Strong customer service skills;
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team; and
- Willingness and ability to travel up to 20 percent of the time. Field auditing may require exposure to difficult terrain and hot, dry or cold, inclement weather.
Salary:
Commensurate with experience. Competitive benefits package provided.
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