• About SCS
• Newsroom
• Management
• Contact Us
• Employment at SCS

Job Opportunities at SCS

If you are looking for rewarding work in the environmental field, please review the current job listings below. If you do not see the position you're looking for, please feel free to send us your resume for future consideration. As Scientific Certification Systems grows, we are very interested in reviewing environmentally literate candidates' credentials.

If you feel SCS is the right fit for you, especially if you are a highly trained environmental scientist, please contact us. We anticipate the need to hire multiple positions in life cycle assessment and sustainable agriculture soon. Please send your resume and letter of introduction to SCS, 2200 Powell Street, Suite 725, Emeryville, CA 94608, or email.

Current Job Openings

IT & Database Administrator

Graphic / Web Design Manager

Natural Resources Program Associate, Chain of Custody

Certification Coordinator, Chain of Custody

Field Auditor, FSC Chain of Custody

Certification Coordinator, Forestry

Certification Associate, Sustainable Agriculture

Manager of Strategic Development and Marketing, Sustainable Agriculture

Vice President, Food Safety and Testing

SCS is an equal opportunity employer and as such, considers individuals for employment or promotion according to their skills, abilities and experience. We value diversity and are a company that values employees of many backgrounds. Accordingly, SCS does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions) national origin, ancestry, age, medical condition, physical disability, mental disability, family care status, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other basis prohibited by law. Further, SCS prohibits the harassment of any individual on any of the bases listed above.  This policy applies to all areas of employment, including recruitment, hiring, job assignment, compensation, promotion, discipline, termination, and access to benefits and training.

___

IT and Database Administrator

Full Time  
Location: Emeryville CA 94608

Summary: The IT & Database Administrator will have primary responsibilities supporting the technology needs of our rapidly growing home office in Emeryville, as well as in our remote offices with secondary responsibilities involving Database Administration. This person will provide a stable, secure and scalable IT environment and responsive end-user support. The ideal candidate is a seasoned technology generalist who is as comfortable providing phone and desktop support to our end-users as well as administering our network, servers, and e-mail infrastructure. The IT & Database Administrator will need the technical know-how to work with a small team on a wide range of operations, and the customer service and communication skills to interact with all levels of employees.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support for desktop operating systems, including Windows XP, Vista, and MacOS X. Create workstation and server images using Symantec Ghost or similar software.
• Support for network needs configuring/troubleshooting/installing T-1/DSL routers, NetScreen firewalls, switches, and supporting VPNs.
• Support standalone desktop applications, including the Microsoft Office 2003/2007 Suite.
• Purchasing, deployment and asset-tracking of all new IT equipment and software.
• Document system configuration, disaster recovery, and other network procedures. Creating and implementing IT process, documentation, standards, and tools to enable and sustain company growth
• Collaborating and engaging with external IT engineering and management resources (both contract and corporate) on strategic and technical issues.
• Build complex relational databases in FileMaker Pro 9 and MySQL.
• Remote support of other locations (including phone support).
• Research new software and hardware solutions as appropriate.
  

Qualifications:

• Strong technical knowledge of Microsoft Networks, Exchange, Blackberry Enterprise server, Terminal Server Active Directory, FileMaker Server, Group Policy, IIS, DHCP, DNS, and all related MS tools and programs.
• Proven experience in IT infrastructure planning and development, data center operations, and proactive management of complex technical environments.
• Extensive experience designing, implementing and troubleshooting LAN/WAN infrastructure.
• Experience managing data centers, backup & recovery strategies, working knowledge of applicable data privacy practices and laws, and IT policy/procedures.
• Experience deploying VMware Server
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrate integrity, good judgment and accountability.
• Must be a self-starter; thrive at multi-tasking, finish what gets started with a keen attention to detail and reporting.
• Professional demeanor, energetic, team player, strong work ethic.
• Team-oriented with superior interpersonal creative and customer service skills.

To Apply:
Send resume plus cover letter explaining your interest in the position and your salary requirements to: Nancy Ottenstein, . Please, respond with written inquiries only.

___

Marketing Communications Graphic and Web Design Manager

Full Time  
Location: Emeryville CA 94608

Summary: Applicant should be a highly organized, motivated problem-solver capable of working with minimal supervision. Be detail-oriented, enjoy multi-tasking across a variety of responsibilities, and thrive in a creative, dynamic, and fast-paced small company environment.  You will need to exercise mature judgment, discretion, and a customer service orientation as you interact extensively with senior company personnel, knowledgeable stakeholders, and important customers. 

Responsibilities:  

• Web design for SCS website and specialized project websites.
• Manage SCS website content updates, and support continued content development, design enhancement, and search engine optimization.
• Graphic design and production of company printed materials, including program fact sheets and brochures, advertisements, and training and education materials, as well as trade show booths.
• Design company e-newsletters and other electronic marketing communication materials.
• Manage company webinars or other multi-media meeting formats.
• Participate in the planning, development, and execution of company-wide marketing communications and public relations activities.
• Support company efforts to strengthen brand identity and brand management of various programs and services.
• Support the certification label and marcom needs of SCS customers.

Required Qualifications: 

• 4-year college or university degree or higher required. 
• Outstanding writing and editing skills.
• Excellent computer and web design skills. Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite, PHP, HTML, MySQL required. Knowledge of FileMaker Pro preferred, Flash a plus.  
• 5+ years of experience in web design, graphic design, advertising, marketing/communications.
• Experience and/or demonstrated knowledge in environmental or agricultural fields related to company business.
• Strong ability to work in an effective and timely manner under deadline pressure while simultaneously managing multiple assignments.

SCS offers a competitive salary, competitive benefits and an informal and friendly working environment. 

Please send resume and thoughtful cover letter, including salary requirements, to.  Candidates selected for interviews will be asked to provide work samples. 

 ___

Natural Resources Program Associate, Chain of Custody

Full Time  
Location: Emeryville CA 94608
Reports to: Director, Chain-of-Custody Certification Services

We seek a highly organized professional to join our forestry and fisheries chain-of-custody (CoC) certification team. This is a full-time hands-on position working with a small dedicated team of certification professionals.   You will need to be a great communicator (written and oral) both with the team and with our clients around the world.   SCS Chain-of-Custody programs manage auditing and certification for more than 800 clients in 31 countries.

Summary: The Natural Resources Program Associate supports the Director of Chain-of-Custody in the administration of FSC and MSC programs.  The job entails technical assistance with standards and programmatic requirements, audit scheduling and audit quality control, and administrative support to all aspects of the certification programs within defined project responsibilities.   The position also entails occasional field auditing.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Project management: Coordination of CoC audits with clients around the world.
• Technical assistance: The successful candidate must be willing to learn the technical aspects of FSC and/or MSC Chain of Custody requirements, and be able to communicate them effectively with clients and other program staff.
• Client recruitment and proposal preparation.
• Assistance in the development of internal guidelines for departments, clients, auditors and staff.
• Organization and maintenance of data management systems and office file systems.
• Support to the Director in recruiting, training, and communicating with consultants.
• Market research & business development assistance.
• Quality control, e.g., tracking developments in FSC requirements and coordination of programmatic changes.
• Performance of chain-of-custody audits. Field auditing is a minor part of this position.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Minimum B.S. or B.A. degree in a field related to Natural Resources.  Preference will be given to a Masters Degree or significant relevant work experience.
• Complete fluency in English and work (or school) experience that involves professional written communication,
• Knowledge of German, Spanish or Portuguese would be a plus,
• Superlative organizational skills, ability to prioritize numerous tasks effectively,
• Experience with computers, including Outlook, Word, Excel and database management,
• An interest in environmental sustainability, forest conservation, and the missions of SCS, the FSC and the MSC will be a plus,
• Strong customer service and teamwork orientation,
• Initiative, good judgment, and ability to work independently under pressure in a changing environment,
• Must be willing to work regular business hours, five days per week in Emeryville office,
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Compensation:  Mid 40s, exclusive of generous company benefits.

To Apply: Please email resume and cover letter, including salary requirements and a description of how your experiences fit the needs and mission of our company to Aaron Maizlish, , and Robert Hrubes, .

___

Certification Coordinator, Chain of Custody

Full Time  
Location: Emeryville CA 94608
Reports to: Director, Chain-of-Custody Certification Services

Summary: We are seeking a highly organized individual to join our forestry and fisheries chain-of-custody (CoC) certification team. This is a full-time hands-on position working in support of a small team of certification professionals. You will need to be a great communicator (written and oral) both with the team and with our clients around the world. You should be organized and detail-oriented, able to follow regular procedures, yet have a flexible approach to your daily workload.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Managing a consistent work flow of scheduling, written notifications, and record-keeping,
• Sending out professional e-mail communications to clients,
• Professional telephone communications with clients about work scheduling
• Maintenance of a well-organized filing system (both paper and electronic),
• Participation in team meetings, planning and implementation of initiatives,
• Record-keeping and compliance with SCS quality management systems and the rules of the FSC and MSC.

Qualifications:

• Bachelors Degree is highly preferred, ideally in a natural resources discipline.
• Complete fluency in English and work (or school) experience that involves written communications;
• Working knowledge of German, Portuguese or Spanish would be a plus;
• Superlative organizational skills, ability to prioritize numerous tasks effectively;
• Accuracy, attention to detail, and the ability to proof your own work;
• Experience with computers, and with Outlook, Word, Excel and basic database management;
• An interest in environmental sustainability, forest conservation, and the missions of SCS, the FSC and the MSC will be a plus;
• Must be willing to work normal hours, 5 days per week at our Emeryville office.

Compensation:  High 30s, exclusive of generous company benefits.

To Apply: Please email cover letter, resume and a description of how your experiences fit the needs and mission of our company to Aaron Maizlish, , and Robert Hrubes, .

___

FSC Chain of Custody Field Auditor

SCS Chain of Custody Field Auditors are contract positions who must manage a large number of clients within a geographical region.  The nature of this work is that contracts are occasional at first, and the practice quickly builds to regular part-time and perhaps full-time work within a few years.

You will travel to the offices, warehouses and manufacturing facilities of our clients. On-site evaluations include a review of company documentation and handling procedures, manufacturing reports and purchase and sales documentation.  You will conduct meetings and interviews with relevant staff.  Detailed reports of the assessments must be written and submitted within a timely manner.  

The ideal candidate is willing to work on an as-needed part-time basis, and able to make numerous short trips (typical audits are same-day or overnight trips).  You must be able to effectively manage multiple client relationships, and have superb organizational and communication skills.   Ongoing training is provided by SCS.

Qualifications:

• Minimum B.S. or B.A.
• Experience in manufacturing auditing, and/or forestry with a strong preference for individuals with lumber, pulp and paper, and/or commercial printing experience,
• Excellent written and oral communication skills,
• Basic mathematical and accounting competency,
• Ability to decipher complex standards and provide clear and concise guidance to clients,
• High attention to detail,
• Interest in environmental issues, sustainable forestry, and resource conservation,
• Ability to travel throughout the US and Canada.

Additional Qualifications:

• Experience writing/auditing Quality or Environmental Management Systems (e.g. ISO 9001 or ISO 14001)
• Knowledge of Green Building/LEED standards
• 
  To Apply: Please send your resume and a statement of interest to Todd Frank, .

___

Certfication Coordinator, Forestry

Position: Certification Associate, Sustainable Agriculture; Full Time  
Location: Scientific Certification Systems (SCS), Point Richmond, CA 94801.  

Summary: The Forest Certification Coordinator carries out a variety of administrative and technical tasks and activities related to forest management and forest carbon certification.  Forest management certification projects are conducted primarily under the auspices of the Forest Stewardship Council-FSC (www.fsc.org).  Forest carbon certification projects are conducted under an array of programs including CCAR, CCX, VCS and CCB.  The successful candidate will have the opportunity to take on more technical tasks- assuming he/she demonstrates capacity and enthusiasm.   Work is to be conducted from SCS’ Point Richmond office under the supervision of Program Director, Dave Wager and Senior Vice-President, Robert Hrubes. Compensation is based on qualifications and prior experience.  SCS offers a competitive benefits package including vacation, health, dental, and 401K (www.scscertified.com).

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Ensure documentation related to auditing (e.g., work orders, contracts, reports) is properly executed and maintained;
• Assist Director with monthly invoicing;
• Organize and maintain file systems, client database, and program website;
• Assist with FSC accreditation and quality system management;
• Schedule and coordinate forest management certification audits;
• Review and edit forest management certification reports and other program documents;
• Update FSC public summary reports;
• Assist in developing new certification guidelines for auditors, clients, and staff;
• Assist with preparation of proposals for certification work;
• Provide customer service to existing, new, and potential U.S. and international clients in regards to the certification process;
• Liaise with SCS’ international representatives;
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications:

• B.S. or B.A. degree in a natural resource or environmental discipline
• Excellent organizational skills
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Initiative and ability to work independently
• Effective time management skills; ability to prioritize multiple demands and meet deadlines
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel
• English fluency

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience or education in forestry or related natural resource management field is strongly preferred
• Proficiency in Spanish and/or Portuguese
• Knowledge of environmental policy and standardized procedures
• Experience with Filemaker Pro or other database systems
  

To Apply: Send resume and cover letter to Dave Wager, , and Robert Hrubes, .

___

Certfication Associate, Sustainable Agriculture

Position: Certification Associate, Sustainable Agriculture; Full Time  
Location: Emeryville CA

Summary: The Certification Associate for the SCS Sustainable Agriculture department is responsible for day-to-day coordination of activities associated with the VeriFlora certification program for cut flowers and potted plants, the Fair Labor Practices and Community Benefits certification program for organic foods, and the Sustainable Agriculture certification program for food, fiber and energy crops. The successful candidate will have a strong agricultural background; Spanish language proficiency; have a demonstrated commitment to and knowledge of sustainable agriculture principles and practices; and have excellent organizational and client communication skills both in the field and the office.  He or she should be comfortable working in a small, fast-paced work environment, and should be an adept multi-tasking individual with proven expertise in project execution, client satisfaction, and quality control. The manager is based at SCS’s Emeryville headquarters office, and reports to SCS Sustainable Agriculture Certification Manager Michael Keyes.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Customer development and relations, including marketing calls, follow-up, provision of applications and other forms, and other related duties.
• Work closely with the department supervisor to coordinate certification activities, including audit scheduling, documentation review, and data management.
• Provide guidance to certification applicants and recipients in fulfilling their obligations under the certification programs.
• Manage client billings and collections.
• Assist in the coordination of contract auditing staff scheduling.
• Manage high volume of customer and prospect correspondence via email and phone.
• Complete other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Minimum 3-5 years work experience in professional positions related to sustainable agriculture, integrated pest management, organic agriculture, or other related fields.
• Education in agricultural sciences or related fields, minimum B.S. degree is preferred.
• Strong organizational, presentation and general communication skills in verbal and written English are essential.
• Initiative and ability to work independently, with willingness to roll up your sleeves and work hands-on.
• Proficient in spoken and written Spanish preferred.
• Excellent computer skills are essential.
• Experience in certification issues is a plus.

Compensation
Compensation is based on qualifications and prior experience, with an anticipated starting salary in the range of $45 – 48K.  SCS offers a competitive benefits package including vacation, health, dental, and 401K. 

To Apply: Send resume plus cover letter explaining your interest in the position and references to Linda Brown, .

___

Manager of Strategic Development and Marketing, Sustainable Agriculture

Full Time  
Location: Emeryville CA 94608

Summary: The Manager of Strategic Development and Marketing, Sustainable Agriculture is responsible for building and maintaining strategic relationships among producers, handlers, scientists and others involved in sustainable agriculture issues, coordinating efforts with the SCS certification team, marketing SCS Sustainable Agriculture certification services, and supporting SCS’s standards development activities in the area of sustainable agriculture.

This individual will be involved in managing SCS’s interests in the refinement of SCS-001, the Draft National American Standard for Trial Use for Sustainable Agriculture, as well as managing the VeriFlora™ certification program for cut flowers and potted plants,  and the Fair Labor Practices and Community Benefits certification program for organic producers and handlers.

The successful candidate will have a demonstrated commitment to and knowledge of sustainable agriculture principles and practices; be familiar with the USDA National Organic Program and various sustainable agriculture certification initiatives, both domestic and abroad; and be interested in taking a leadership role in establishing the highest benchmark standards for sustainability claims in the marketplace.  He or she should be comfortable working in a small, fast-paced work environment, and should be an adept multi-tasking individual with proven expertise and capabilities in project execution, client satisfaction, quality control, standards development and marketing/sales. The manager is based at SCS’s Emeryville headquarters office, and reports to SCS president and CEO Stan Rhodes.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

The Manager is responsible for fulfilling, or overseeing the fulfillment of, the following areas of responsibility:

• The Manager is responsible for fulfilling, or overseeing the fulfillment of, the following areas of responsibility:

  • Spearheading sustainable agriculture marketing efforts.
  • Networking to growers, distributors, retailers, academia, scientists, regulators, consumer representatives and other stakeholders involved in sustainable agriculture initiatives.
  • Identification and development of strategic partnership opportunities, projects and relationships with current and potential clients as well as other identified stakeholders.
  • Engaging SCS’s involvement in the ongoing standards development activities pertaining to SCS-001, the Draft American National Standard for Trial Use, Sustainable Agriculture,
  • Coordinating with the ANSI standards development organization responsible for the filing and administration of the SCS-001 standards process.
  • Coordinating with the SCS Sustainable Agriculture department team in the areas of certification and marketing support.
  • Completing or supporting other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Minimum eight to ten years work experience in professional positions related to sustainable agriculture, integrated pest management, organic agriculture, or other related fields, including managerial experience
• Strong command of the English language; Spanish language skills are plus.
• Excellent organizational, writing, presentation and general communication skills.
• Initiative and ability to work independently, with willingness to roll up your sleeves and work hands-on.
• Excellent computer skills are essential.
• Standards writing experience is extremely helpful.
• Education in agricultural sciences or related fields, minimum B.S.
• Experience in certification issues a plus.
• Ability to travel.

Compensation: Compensation is based on qualifications and prior experience.  SCS offers a competitive benefits package including vacation, health, dental, and 401K. 

To Apply: Send resume plus cover letter explaining your interest in the position, salary requirements, and references to Linda Brown, .  

___

Vice President of Food Safety and Testing

Full Time  
Location: Emeryville CA 94608 

Summary: The Vice-President, Food Safety and Testing provides leadership and oversight of the strategic direction and day-to-day operations of the Scientific Certification Systems (SCS) Food Safety and Testing Departments including Pesticide Residue Free Certification, Specialized Pesticide Residue Testing Services, GAP/GMP Food Safety Audits, HACCP-based Food Safety Management Certification, EurepGAP, BRC, and Tesco Food Safety Certification. The successful candidate will be highly self-motivated and have a history of successful business development including securing new accounts utilizing key strategic contacts in the food distribution and retail arenas.  He or she should be comfortable working in a small entrepreneurial environment and should be an adept multi-tasking individual with proven expertise and capabilities in marketing, program management, client satisfaction, quality control, sales delivery and financial management. The position is based at SCS’ Emeryville headquarters office, and reports to SCS President and CEO, Dr. Stanley Rhodes.

Duties and Responsibilities: Reporting to the President/CEO, this individual will provide leadership and oversight of the strategic direction and day-to-day operations of the food safety and testing departments. Specific management responsibilities include:

• Enhancing growth and profitability of the Food Safety and Testing Departments, both domestically and in Mexico
• Sales and marketing of programs to prospective clients; on-going client relations and support
• Certification assessments / inspections/ decision-making in accordance with company standards
• Management of department personnel, outside contract auditing personnel, and laboratory relationships
• Identification of areas in which new certification programs, including standards development, may be appropriate; management of new program development
• Outreach to and interface with stakeholder groups, industry thought leaders, etc.
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
  

Qualifications:

• A proven performer/leader in the food safety/food testing industry
• Successful experience managing staff, budgets and programs
• Extensive network of contacts within the food safety/testing industry, including food producers, processors and distributors, retail accounts, governmental agencies/personnel
• Prefer advanced degree (chemistry or ag science)
• Excellent organizational, writing, presentation and general communication skills
• Initiative; able to work independently as well as lead a professional staff
• Excellent computer skills - proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint required. Familiarity with Filemaker Pro preferred.
• Familiarity with GAP/GMP, HACCP, EurepGAP and pesticide testing services
• Proficiency/fluency in Spanish is a plus.
  
  

Compensation: Compensation is based on qualifications and prior experience.  SCS offers a competitive benefits package including vacation, health, dental, and 401K. 

To Apply: Send resume plus cover letter explaining your interest in the position, salary requirements, and three references, to Nancy Ottenstein, .  

 

Privacy Policy © 2007 Scientific Certification Systems