Job Description Of Forest & Palm Oil Auditor

Position Title

Forest & Palm Oil Auditor

Department

Certification Services - Sustainability Division

Reports To

Product Manager, Certification Production

Employment Type

Full-time

Position Overview

The Forest & Palm Oil Auditor is responsible for conducting comprehensive audits and verifications of forest management practices and palm oil production facilities to ensure compliance with international sustainability standards and certification requirements. This role requires extensive field experience, technical expertise, and strong communication skills to assess environmental, social, and governance (ESG) compliance across supply chains.

Primary Responsibilities

Audit Execution & Verification

Conduct on-site audits of forest operations and palm oil plantations according to established audit protocols and international standards (FSC, RSPO, ISO 14001, etc.)
Verify compliance with environmental regulations, labor standards, and sustainability requirements
Collect and document evidence through field observations, interviews, and record reviews
Prepare comprehensive audit reports with findings, non-conformances, and recommendations

Client Communication & Relationship Management

Communicate audit objectives, scope, and procedures to client representatives prior to audit commencement
Conduct exit meetings to present preliminary findings and discuss corrective action requirements
Respond professionally to client inquiries and provide technical clarifications
Maintain professional relationships with auditees and stakeholders

Documentation & Reporting

Prepare detailed audit reports within established timelines
Document non-conformances with clear evidence and references to applicable standards
Record audit observations, photos, and supporting materials
Maintain accurate audit files and ensure compliance with data protection requirements

Quality & Compliance

Adhere to Bureau Veritas audit protocols and quality standards
Comply with certification scheme requirements and regulatory obligations
Follow health, safety, and environmental procedures during field audits
Maintain professional integrity and impartiality throughout audit process

Continuous Improvement & Professional Development

Participate in training programs to maintain and enhance technical competencies
Stay updated on changes in sustainability standards and certification requirements
Provide feedback on audit methodologies and process improvements
Contribute to knowledge sharing within the audit team

Required Qualifications

Education & Certifications

Bachelor's degree in Forestry, Agriculture, Environmental Science, or related field
Valid Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Auditor Certification or Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) Auditor Certification
ISO 14001 Lead Auditor Certification (preferred)
Valid driver's license for field travel

Experience

Minimum 3 years of professional experience in forest management, palm oil operations, or agricultural auditing
Proven experience conducting sustainability or environmental audits
Demonstrated field experience in tropical forest or plantation environments
Knowledge of international sustainability standards (FSC, RSPO, PEFC)

Technical Knowledge

Strong understanding of forest management practices and palm oil production processes
Knowledge of environmental regulations and sustainability requirements
Familiarity with ISO 14001 Environmental Management Systems
Understanding of social and labor compliance standards

Essential Competencies

Technical Expertise - Deep knowledge of forestry and palm oil industry practices and standards
Attention to Detail - Ability to identify non-conformances and document findings accurately
Communication Skills - Clear written and verbal communication in English (additional languages an asset)
Field Operations - Comfortable working in remote locations and challenging environmental conditions
Analytical Thinking - Ability to assess complex sustainability issues and provide recommendations
Professional Integrity - Maintains impartiality and objectivity in all audit activities
Time Management - Ability to manage multiple audits and meet reporting deadlines
Adaptability - Flexible approach to working in diverse organizational and cultural environments

Physical Requirements

Ability to work in outdoor field conditions (tropical climate, varying terrain)
Capability to walk extended distances and climb when necessary
Ability to lift and carry audit equipment and materials
Valid health and fitness for remote field work
Willingness to travel domestically and internationally (up to 50% of time)

Key Performance Indicators

Audit completion rate and on-time delivery
Quality of audit reports and accuracy of findings
Customer satisfaction scores
Compliance with audit protocols and standards
Number of audits completed per quarter
Zero safety incidents during field operations

Working Conditions

Field-based work in forest and plantation environments
Frequent travel to client sites (domestic and international)
Exposure to outdoor elements and varying climate conditions
Occasional work in remote or challenging locations
Flexible scheduling to accommodate client requirements

Compensation & Benefits

Competitive salary commensurate with experience
Performance-based incentives
Health insurance and medical benefits
Professional development and training opportunities
Travel allowances and per diem
Pension/retirement benefits (as per local regulations)

Bureau Veritas is an Equal Opportunity Employer

This job description is subject to change at management's discretion based on organizational needs and business requirements.

Lead Auditor - Forest & Palm Oil