Associate II, Standard and Traceability

Company Overview
SCS Standards and Assurance Systems is an organization specializing in the development of sustainability standards and assurance systems. We partner with corporations, industry associations, NGOs, and social and environmental stakeholder groups to facilitate and develop proprietary voluntary sustainability standards that break new ground in environmental and social responsibility and provide a platform to recognize leadership efforts in multiple industries.

Job Overview
The Associate II, Standards and Traceability is responsible for supporting the development, revision, implementation, and continuous improvement of sustainability standards, chain of custody (CoC) systems, and related verification and assurance programs across multiple industries and sectors. The Associate II serves as a technical resource on traceability and chain of custody systems, with particular expertise in mass balance and book-and-claim models. The position supports standards development projects, advises clients on chain of custody implementation and risk mitigation strategies, and contributes to the design of credible, practical, and cost-effective verification programs that balance assurance needs with real-world operational feasibility. The successful candidate will possess a strong understanding of voluntary sustainability standards, supply chain traceability and conformity assessment systems. The individual must be capable of rapidly learning new sectors, synthesizing information from diverse industries, identifying common challenges and solutions, and applying lessons learned across projects and markets.

Relevant Standards/Schemes
All SCS Standards Development
Starbucks C.A.F.E. Practices

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Standards Development

• Facilitate the development, revision, and maintenance of sustainability standards and programs, and related assurance systems (including guidance documents, procedures, technical requirements, etc.)
• Conduct stakeholder engagement activities including working groups, technical committees, public consultations, and expert review processes
• Contribute to standards benchmarking and analysis of international best practices

Chain of Custody and Traceability Expertise

• Provide technical expertise on segregation, identity preservation, controlled blending, mass balance, and book-and-claim systems
• Evaluate chain of custody approaches for credibility, feasibility, scalability, and cost-effectiveness
• Identify risks associated with traceability systems and develop mitigation strategies appropriate to specific industries and business models
• Monitor emerging regulations, policy developments, and market expectations and maintain awareness of global initiatives, industry practices, and evolving assurance expectations related to sustainability claims associated with various chain of custody models
• Provide technical advisory services to clients regarding chain of custody implementation, traceability system design, sustainability claims, and supply chain risk management
• Evaluate existing client systems and recommend improvements to enhance credibility, transparency, and compliance

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Sustainability, Environmental Science, Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, Agriculture, Forestry, Industrial Ecology, Public Policy, or a related field. and
• 3+ years of professional experience involving chain of custody systems, traceability programs, certification systems, responsible sourcing, sustainability standards, or related fields
• Demonstrated experience developing, implementing, auditing, or managing chain of custody requirements
• Strong understanding of segregation, identity preservation, mass balance, controlled blending, and book-and-claim models
• Demonstrated knowledge of certification, verification, auditing, or conformity assessment systems
• Excellent technical writing, research, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to synthesize complex information and apply lessons learned from one industry or project to another
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's Degree Sustainability, Environmental Science, Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, Agriculture, Forestry, Industrial Ecology, Public Policy, or a related field
• Experience with sustainability certification or verification programs
• Familiarity with ISO standards and conformity assessment frameworks, including ISO 17065, ISO 17021, ISO 14021, ISO 14067, ISO 22095, or related standards
• Experience working with recycled content, responsible sourcing, agricultural commodities (coffee, cocoa), forestry products, chemicals, plastics, textiles, or other traceable supply chains
• Knowledge of sustainability claims regulations and green marketing requirements in major global markets
• Experience facilitating stakeholder processes, working groups, or standards committees
• Experience developing auditor training programs, technical guidance, or assurance procedures

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
$61,102.08 - $75,000.00

EEOC Statement
SCS 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 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.