Lead Auditor - Forest & Palm Oil

About the Role

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

Responsibilities

• 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 through field observations, interviews and record reviews.
• Collect, document and maintain audit evidence (observations, photos, records) and prepare comprehensive audit reports with findings, non-conformances and recommendations within established timelines.
• Communicate audit objectives, scope and procedures to client representatives prior to audits and conduct exit meetings to present preliminary findings and corrective action requirements.
• Respond to client inquiries, provide technical clarifications and maintain professional relationships with auditees and stakeholders.
• Adhere to Bureau Veritas audit protocols, certification scheme requirements and regulatory obligations while following health, safety and environmental procedures during field audits.
• Participate in training to maintain and enhance technical competencies, stay updated on changes to sustainability standards, and provide feedback on audit methodologies and process improvements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Forestry, Agriculture, Environmental Science or related field.
• Valid FSC Auditor Certification or RSPO Auditor Certification; ISO 14001 Lead Auditor Certification preferred.
• Minimum 3 years' professional experience in forest management, palm oil operations or agricultural auditing with demonstrated field experience in tropical forest or plantation environments.
• Strong understanding of forest management practices and palm oil production processes, environmental regulations, sustainability requirements and social/labor compliance standards (FSC, RSPO, PEFC).
• Valid driver's license for field travel and willingness to travel domestically and internationally up to 50% of the time.
• Clear written and verbal communication in English; additional languages an asset.

Skills

• Knowledge of relevant sustainability standards (FSC, RSPO, ISO 14001) and certification scheme requirements.
• Ability to identify non-conformances, document findings accurately and produce high-quality audit reports.
• Comfortable working in remote locations and challenging environmental conditions; able to carry audit equipment and walk extended distances.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work outdoors in tropical climates and varying terrain, walk extended distances and climb when necessary.
• Valid health and fitness for remote field work and ability to lift and carry audit equipment.

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 zero safety incidents during field operations.

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience and performance-based incentives.
• Health insurance, medical benefits, travel allowances/per diem and pension/retirement benefits (as per local regulations).
• Professional development and training opportunities.

Working Conditions

• Field-based work in forest and plantation environments with frequent domestic and international travel to client sites.
• Exposure to outdoor elements, varying climates and occasional remote or challenging locations; flexible scheduling to meet client requirements.

Bureau Veritas is an Equal Opportunity Employer.