Job Information

Forest Certification Manager

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Title
Forest Certification Manager
Organization
Milliken Forestry
Description

Summary/Objective


MFC’s Forest Certification Manager (FCM) applies technical expertise and high-level client management skills to produce positive results in real-world supply chains.
The Forest Certification Manager’s role is to learn, understand, and maintain professional competence in the specialized field of forest certification. The FCM will demonstrate strong understanding of, or ability to quickly learn, the global, regional, and local market-based drivers of forest certification - as well as demonstrate appropriate expertise in the operational and technical requirements (conformance policies, procedures, and field/office methods) of real-world implementation for key accounts.
The Forest Certification Manager works with the Director of Certification, other Milliken staff, and contractors to keep clients happy and satisfied by performing all forest and supply chain certification services in accordance with executed business agreements and strict confidentiality. The FCM also assists with development of new business as assigned
Essential Functions


Represents the Milliken brand (and its associated services and capabilities) to existing clients in MFC’s operating area. Exemplifies professional, ethical behavior and reinforces MFC’s growing position as ‘the leading forestry and natural assets manager and service provider for discerning clients.’
Provides high-quality, professional, technical services for the successful creation, operation, and maintenance of Forest Management/Chain of Custody certificates for MFC’s internal certificates and those of its key accounts:Conducts comprehensive scoping, risk assessment, and strategic evaluation of candidate Forest Management Units (FMUs), Tree Farms, and landowners.
Schedules and conducts pre-enrollment field/office meetings and coordination of enrollments of new FMUs and Tree Farms into group certificates.


Maintains certification conformance information in appropriate databases.
Creates and maintains records and documents, including new products, as needed.
Creates and maintains Forest Management Plans for FMUs and Tree Farms.
Coordinates production of GIS products and related spatial data for FMUs and Tree Farms.
Coordinates field inspections and monitoring activities for all FMUs and Tree Farms; maintain records and documentation as appropriate.
Creates training materials and conducts training classes for internal and external cooperators.
Coordinates, schedules, and completes annual certification audit preparation, internal audits, surveillance audits, and recertification audits for MFC’s internal certificates and those of its key accounts.
Initiates and completes Corrective Action Requests as needed.
In partnership with the administrative team, produces monthly, quarterly, or annual invoices for certification work.
Provides customized certification services to key accounts as new business is developed, under the guidance of the Director of Certification
Achieves fluency and understanding of relevant certification standards and normative policies
Achieves technical competence in practical application of Principles, Criteria, Indicators, Performance Measures, and other certification requirements and metrics.
RequirementsCompetency/KSAs


Has excellent written and verbal communication skills
Has excellent problem-solving skills; quickly identifies and triages relevant problems and calmly resolves them with internal and external partners
Is comfortable operating in environments where business needs vary widely and quickly become complex and sensitive; able to demonstrate credibility and competence in diverse situations:
formal office meetings and settings with managers, executives, auditors, and stakeholders
field meetings with foresters, loggers, wood dealers, mill representatives, and other stakeholders like public observers, NGO representatives, etc.
Has good instincts and strong ability to identify and discuss operational risks and opportunities within the forest certification business portfolio
Has knowledge of – and has demonstrated ability to deploy - good business practices:
Positive client interaction
Attentive listening skills
Entrepreneurial instincts
Attentive to client needs, project follow-through, and encouragement of long-term relationships
Maintenance of strict client confidentiality
Creation of high-quality business documents and records
Presentation of key data and information to various types of audiences
Execution and assurance of high-quality deliverables
Has technical knowledge/skills to administer FSC, ATFS, and other FM/COC certification services for private, public, and industrial clients:
ability to manage certification audits
ability to credibly and competently represent MFC or clients during third-party certification audits
ability to conduct and produce detailed field assessments
ability to conduct evaluations of conformance data and gap assessments
ability to produce on-demand analytical reports and defensible professional opinions regarding certification requirements
ability to achieve ISO 14001:2015 or ISO 9001:2015 Certified Lead Auditor credentials
Supervisory Responsibilities


Operationally focused:
encourages and incentivizes performance of internal associates (MFC foresters, GIS technicians/analysts, etc) and external cooperators (foresters, loggers, wood dealers, consultants) as needed to achieve conformance with required certification standards.
Work Environment


65% office environment; 35% field conditions in all weather types and all seasons.
Periodic terms (generally 3-4 months per year) during audit preparation can require longer hours (10-12) and occasional full-weekend work sessions.
Travel


Up to 50%, primarily within the southeastern United States
Preferred Education & Experience


Bachelor’s degree in forestry or equivalent.
3-5+ years of relevant experience and responsibility in the broader forestry, natural resources, and/or sustainability professions.
Candidates with applied experience and strong demonstration of interest in forest certification systems and services are highly preferred.

Qualifications
Salary
Job Type
Full Time Experienced
Location
Columbia, South Carolina United States
Posted on
2019-11-21
Expires on
2019-12-20
Desired Start Date
Not provided
How to Apply
Apply online at https://careercenter.eforester.org/job/forest-certification-manager/51802475/