Job Overview
The Sr. Program Specialist, Forestry serves as the program lead for auditor training, qualification, and competency management while providing advanced operational, technical, and quality oversight within the Forestry program. This role oversees the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of auditor training, monitoring, evaluation, and witness audit programs to ensure compliance with accreditation requirements and support auditor excellence. The Senior Program Specialist partners closely with program leadership to develop training materials, communicate evolving standards and requirements, monitor auditor performance, and provide expert guidance to auditors, affiliates, colleagues, and partners. In addition, this role leads complex operational workflows, supports program system optimization, serves as a subject-matter resource for standards interpretation, and contributes to strategic program development and accreditation compliance.

Relevant Standards/Schemes
American Tree Farm System
FSC Chain of Custody
FSC Forest Management (FSC-FM)
Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)
Responsible Wood Certification
SFI Certified Sourcing
SFI CoC Certification
SFI Fiber Sourcing
SFI Forestry Management (SFI-FM)
Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI)
Sustainable Biomass Program (SBP) Certification
Others, as determined

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Program Operations

• Oversee system enhancements, driving implementation of new tools, process upgrades, and operational efficiencies.
• Troubleshoot systemic or recurring issues in collaboration with cross-functional stakeholders and propose long-term solutions.
• Serve as a primary operational expert supporting the Senior Operations Manager and Program Director.
• Support strategic planning, operational prioritization, and resource forecasting.
• Contribute expertise to major program initiatives, including new scheme onboarding, scalability planning, and system integrations.
• Drive process improvements to strengthen program performance, efficiency, and consistency.
• Provide advanced calibration feedback and guidance to auditors based on witness audits, performance reviews, and data trends.

Communication and Collaboration

• Act as an escalation point for complex operational or standards-related inquiries from auditors, clients, and partners.
• Provide detailed guidance on program expectations, system processes, and accreditation requirements.
• Represent the program in internal working groups, external meetings, and training sessions.
• Supports internal coordination meetings and process review discussions.

Quality and Compliance

• Lead major accreditation projects (e.g., transaction verification initiatives, accreditation reviews, audit preparation).
• Ensure program alignment with all standard requirements and accreditation expectations.
• Review and validate system evidence, audit documentation, and program records for compliance.
• Identifies and resolves recurring issues through data analysis and process redesign.

Data, Reporting, and System Administration

• Oversees data tracking and analysis across multiple systems; ensures data integrity and compliance.
• Develops and refines dashboards, templates, and reporting tools for performance management.
• Interprets metrics to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for program growth.

Auditor Training

• Lead the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of the global auditor training, monitoring, and evaluation program.
• Develop and maintain auditor training materials, including webinars, guidance documents, technical bulletins, evaluation tools, and other learning resources.
• Deliver technical training on new standards, certification requirements, program updates, and SCS interpretations to auditors, affiliates, and program staff.
• Communicate regularly with auditors and affiliate organizations to ensure awareness of evolving standards, policies, procedures, and technical requirements.
• Monitor auditor competency and performance through training assessments, calibration activities, witness audits, and ongoing evaluations to ensure consistent audit quality and technical excellence.
• Identify training needs and recommend development initiatives to strengthen auditor capabilities and support continuous improvement across the program.

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate's Degree in Forestry, Natural Resources, Environmental Management, or a relevant field (e.g., economics, mathematics, statistics) or
• Bachelor's Degree in Forestry, Natural Resources, Environmental Management, or a relevant field (e.g., economics, mathematics, statistics) and
• 4+ years of experience in the Forestry sector in management or research experience in forestry management required
• Experience in project management
• Fluency in English with work experience that includes professional verbal and written communication
• Strong organization, multi-tasking, and prioritization skills
• Proficient with business software including Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and database management
• Strong attention to detail, customer service, and teamwork
• Initiative, good judgment, and ability to work independently under pressure in a changing environment
• ISO training (e.g. 9001, 14001, 19011)
• FSC Chain-of-Custody Lead Auditor

Preferred Qualifications

• FSC Forest Management Lead Auditor
• PEFC Lead Auditor
• SFI Lead Auditor

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. Additional duties outside of normal responsibilities may be required from time to time as assigned.
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
$76,377.60 - $103,772.34