Agricultural Sustainability Specialist
Are you passionate about sustainable land management and driving positive environmental impact?
Do you thrive in a dynamic role that balances certification audits with client engagement across agricultural sectors? If you’re excited about supporting businesses in achieving sustainability goals while ensuring compliance with global standards, this Agricultural Sustainability Specialist position could be the perfect next step in your career!
Please note: Candidates residing on the U.S. East Coast, particularly in the Washington, D.C. area, will be given priority due to operational needs and proximity to key clients.
What you can expect:
This role involves delivering sustainability advisory services to for-profit and non-profit clients across various industries, including agriculture, forestry, and natural resources. The specialist will initially work fully on the Agriculture team, then transition to a 60/40 split between Sustainability Advisory Services and Certification after completing auditor training. This role also includes conducting audits, managing client portfolios, and providing internal support.
Your Key Responsibilities:
Sustainability Advisory Services:
- Provide sustainability advisory services for clients in the timber, palm oil, cocoa, coffee, textiles, soy, and beef sectors, supporting their efforts to meet sustainability commitments and legal requirements (e.g., EU Deforestation Regulation, UK Timber Regulation).
- Develop and implement responsible sourcing systems for clients, including supply chain engagement, traceability mapping, and risk assessments.
- Lead policy development, gap analysis, and benchmarking activities for sustainability systems.
- Conduct research and provide clients with regular updates on relevant sustainability standards and legislative changes.
- Develop customized sustainability solutions and initiatives specifically designed to address the unique needs of each client.
Auditing:
- Conduct audits against sustainability standards such as Rainforest Alliance (RA) and Round Table for Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO).
- Lead or assist in factory, mill, farm, or forest audits, both onsite and remotely.
- Review internal audit programs for client organizations and ensure compliance with industry standards.
- Manage and peer-review audit reports, proposals, and compliance documentation.
Sales and Client Engagement:
- Participate in sales efforts for Sustainability Advisory Services, including identifying client needs, creating budgets, and negotiating service agreements.
- Collaborate with internal teams to develop and refine proposals, while also managing direct client relationships.
- Support the Regional Engagement and Communications team by conducting client meetings, preparing budgets, and providing technical sales assistance.
- Foster long-term client engagement by identifying new opportunities for advisory services.
Internal Support and Administration:
- Stay current on service developments and attend internal training sessions on relevant sustainability topics.
- Timely completion of administrative duties, including timesheets, expense reports, and internal systems management (Salesforce, expense reports, time tracking).
- Actively participate in team meetings, trainings, and knowledge-sharing sessions.
- Provide ongoing support to the Sustainability Advisory and Certification divisions by assisting in project management, proposal writing, and compliance tasks.
Your first year with us
Within three months you will:
- Complete auditor training for sustainability standards such as Rainforest Alliance (RA), Round Table for Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), and other relevant certifications.
- Gain hands-on experience by assisting with audits under supervision, preparing audit reports, and familiarizing yourself with internal auditing procedures.
- Develop a solid understanding of the advisory services offered by the agriculture team, focusing on sustainable supply chains, policy development, and gap analysis.
- Familiarize yourself with internal systems (Salesforce, expense reports, time tracking) and complete administrative tasks in a timely manner.
Within six months you will:
- Transition to the 60/40 split between Sustainability Advisory Services and Certification contributing to both divisions and leading smaller projects.
- Conduct independent audits for existing standards (RA, RSPO) and manage a small portfolio of clients, ensuring compliance and timely reporting.
- Take ownership of advisory services related to supply chain engagement, risk assessments, and policy development for key clients.
- Lead or support sales efforts for Sustainability Advisory, creating budgets and proposals, and negotiating service agreements.
- Provide internal support by sharing knowledge and participating in team meetings and trainings.
Within twelve months you will:
- Increase client engagement by delivering advisory services that align with sustainability goals and expanding opportunities for future projects.
- Contribute to business development efforts by identifying new client needs, creating proposals, and supporting long-term planning.
- Participate in professional development by attending conferences or industry events and enhancing your expertise in sustainability standards.
Important Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Ecology, Biology, Conservation, or a related field required.
- At least 2 years of work experience in farming, agricultural supply chains, or sustainability auditing.
- Experience with RA, RSPO, or similar certifications preferred.
- Strong knowledge of agricultural sustainability standards, policy development, and client relationship management.
- Strong organizational and time management skills, ability to work independently and collaboratively with cross-functional teams.
- Fluent English required; Spanish skills preferred.
- Dual work eligibility (US and Canada) a plus.
- Willingness to travel up to 25%
What Sets Us Apart:
- Global work culture
- High degree of flexibility - remote work, work from home.
- An in-depth onboarding and professional training that prepares you with the right skills and knowledge to thrive in this role.
- Excellent opportunities for growth and professional development
- Potential future international travel opportunities
- A friendly, international team of colleagues, with a pleasant work environment
- Extended benefit package
- 20 days of paid vacation plus 4 floating holidays
Preferred by Nature
Preferred by Nature is a non-profit, mission driven organisation that works for sustainable land management and climate-friendly solutions. With 300+ employees and a network of local experts, we develop practical solutions to drive positive impacts in production landscapes and supply chains in 100+ countries. We focus on forest and climate impact commodities and related sectors.
How to apply:
If you feel you meet the requirements of the role, please submit your CV and cover letter in English, including salary expectations by November 1, 2024.
Please note: Only applicants legally eligible to work in the United States will be considered.
Application pre-screening will be conducted during the application period.
Preferred by Nature wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.
- Locations
- USA
- Remote status
- Fully Remote
About Preferred by Nature
Preferred by Nature is a non-profit organisation that works for sustainable land use and climate-friendly solutions. With 300+ staff around the world, our projects build capacity, raise awareness, conserve nature and streamline sustainability through innovation.
Agricultural Sustainability Specialist
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