Technical Associate, Dairy & Animal Welfare

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
As the Technical Associate, Dairy and Animal Welfare, in the Food and Agriculture division you will be working directly with the Director, Manager, and other Dairy and Animal Welfare personnel. You will be working towards the development and continued improvement of sustainability standards and programs for dairy and Animal Welfare supply chains across multiple programs. In this position you will be primarily supporting the development of a global dairy standard that requires the organization of resources and information from across the agricultural sector, including aspects related to social, Animal Welfare, and environmental-related responsible practices.

Your primary responsibilities will relate to the development and implementation of sustainability standards and programs for dairy and Animal Welfare supply chains across multiple programs. Specific duties may include conducting research for program development, analyzing and summarizing information, developing materials, developing organizational systems, auditing, report review, developing and providing guidance and training to auditors and other parties involved in relevant programs, and the continued improvement of program materials and procedures for preexisting programs and programs in development. Further responsibilities may include support in administrative tasks on an as-needed basis, including tasks related to communications, expense reports, invoices, and audit coordination; and research and development for new business opportunities.

Relevant Services/Schemes

• Livestock Programs
• Other programs as needed

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Research and Program Development

• Carry out research in support of program development, including review of new and existing literature
• Develop program materials and procedures related to preexisting programs or programs under development
• Analyze data related to relevant supply chains and produce summary of findings
• Facilitate and develop collaboration among Extension and research faculty within universities, farmers, industry professionals and with colleagues in other disciplines to provide direction to the Dairy Internship Program under development

Technical Support

• Develop and edit program materials, reports, and report templates
• Support Program Manager in development and delivery of training programs and related materials
• Provide guidance and support via email and telephone
• Provide technical support to auditors and third-party organizations on an as-needed basis
• Extension services in building relationships with farmers and farmworkers

Operations

• Ensure program compliance with SCS quality system and program-specific implementation guidelines
• Assist with invoicing and billing tasks, as needed
• Review expense reports for staff and contract auditors, as needed
• Additional tasks as requested by the Director and Manager

Auditing

• Conduct field and desk-based audits using applicable checklists, forms, and tools in client-specific sourcing programs or other certification programs as needed; audits may include agricultural sites domestically and internationally
• Review audit reports completed by staff and contract auditors

Auditing Support

• Support Manager in review of auditor qualifications
• Closely collaborate with coordinator on audit coordination and carry out audit coordination tasks such as travel booking, logistical arrangements, and trip itinerary development as needed
• Track and manage audit project milestones and deadlines
• Manage auditor schedules, workloads, and travel budgets

Communications

• Maintain excellent communication with clients and respond to client inquiries with a high level of customer service and professionalism
• Ensure communications between SCS, contract auditors, other third-party auditing organizations, and clients are carried out in a timely fashion
• Attend trade shows, trainings, conferences, and meetings, as necessary

Minimum Qualifications

• Fluency in English & Spanish is required.
• Excellent technical writing, observation and data management skills required; strong communication abilities and demonstrated abilities in critical analysis preferred
• Ability to complete time-sensitive projects and to provide realistic deadlines
• Excellent organizational skills and strong attention to detail required
• Initiative and ability to work independently, responsive, and adaptive personality
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office including Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and Power Point. Advanced proficiency or Expert level with Microsoft Excel highly desired.

Education and Experience

• Bachelors’ Degree
• Scope-specific work or study experience, and/or applied experience in animal agricultural or production systems required; relevant experience in international settings preferred
• Experience with third party auditing, certification systems, ISO 14001:2015 quality systems, or other applicable industry standards
• Experience in quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis
• Experience in and/or understanding of some or all the following: agricultural animal health and welfare, agriculture industry, food supply chain, farm management, principles and practices associated with Animal Welfare including animal husbandry and/or agricultural or humane education

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

• This is primarily an office-based job when not performing field work for clients.
• Sit 6+ hours per day.
• Keyboarding 6+ hours per day.
• Must be able to lift and carry 15 pounds. Must be able to speak and listen in person and on the phone.
• Auditing may require international travel and extensive hours in the field.
• Must be able to walk and hike on rugged terrain and work in varying climates and outdoor environments.
• Agricultural field and food facilities during field work, and auditor assessment activities
  • Exposure to barns/facilities with intensive animal production
  • In close proximity to live animals, moving tractors, farm machinery, forklifts, and processing equipment
  • In and around pesticides and other processing and sanitation chemical storage facilities
  • Under temperature/weather extremes of high heat/cold, dusty and/or windy conditions
  • Travel with/in client vehicles to factory/farm often in rural areas
  • Use of personal protective equipment (PPE)

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:

Exempt - $50k - $66k

EEOC Statement:

SCS Global Services 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 Global Services 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.

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