Certification Director

Attention GIS, forest carbon, and forestry professionals! Do you want to be part of an ambitious, forest-focused team addressing climate challenges through local solutions? Do you want to contribute to safeguarding forestland and wildlife habitats? Are you looking to use your skills in a fast-growing industry? We want to hear from you. Certification Director Position Overview NativState continues to grow and our projects now exceed 700,000 acres and serve more than 650 landowner partners. Each property is enrolled in FSC or SFI, creating a need for increased coordination with foresters, certifying organizations, and landowners. As NativState's Certification Director you will be responsible for overseeing and managing forest certification programs to ensure compliance with internationally recognized standards. The position serves as a technical expert, coordinator, and liaison among forest managers, landowners, auditors, certification bodies, and internal teams. Key Responsibilities Lead the implementation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of forest certification systems. Manage certification audits (initial, surveillance, and re-certification), including planning, preparation, and follow-up. Ensure ongoing compliance with applicable certification standards, policies, and procedures. Monitor changes in certification requirements and assess implications for forest operations. Conduct internal audits, risk assessments, and gap analyses. Maintain accurate documentation, records, and certification data. Coordinate with forest managers, contractors, landowners, and other stakeholders. Qualifications Registered Forester. In-depth knowledge of forest certification programs. Program level direct experience with FSC and/or SFI on large acreages. 10+ years experience in forest management, forest certification, sustainability, or auditing. Experience coordinating or participating in third-party audits. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines. High attention to detail and documentation accuracy. Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work with diverse stakeholders. High ethical standards and commitment to sustainable resource management. Location This position requires significant in-person time in our Conway headquarters. Compensation & Benefits Compensation for this role will be based on market-based comparisons and the experience of well-qualified candidates. NativState provides a full complement of employee benefits, including: Health, dental, and vision insurance Retirement savings plan Professional development & advancement opportunities Certification Director Conway, AR 72034 Attention GIS, forest carbon, and forestry professionals! Do you want to be part of an ambitious, forest-focused team addressing climate challenges through local solutions? Do you want to contribute to safeguarding forestland and wildlife habitats? Are you looking to use your skills in a fast-growing industry? We want to hear from you. Certification Director Position Overview NativState continues to grow and our projects now exceed 700,000 acres and serve more than 650 landowner partners. Each property is enrolled in FSC or SFI, creating a need for increased coordination with foresters, certifying organizations, and landowners. As NativState's Certification Director you will be responsible for overseeing and managing forest certification programs to ensure compliance with internationally recognized standards. The position serves as a technical expert, coordinator, and liaison among forest managers, landowners, auditors, certification bodies, and internal teams. Key Responsibilities Lead the implementation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of forest certification systems. Manage certification audits (initial, surveillance, and re-certification), including planning, preparation, and follow-up. Ensure ongoing compliance with applicable certification standards, policies, and procedures. Monitor changes in certification requirements and assess implications for forest operations. Conduct internal audits, risk assessments, and gap analyses. Maintain accurate documentation, records, and certification data. Coordinate with forest managers, contractors, landowners, and other stakeholders. Qualifications Registered Forester. In-depth knowledge of forest certification programs. Program level direct experience with FSC and/or SFI on large acreages. 10+ years experience in forest management, forest certification, sustainability, or auditing. Experience coordinating or participating in third-party audits. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines. High attention to detail and documentation accuracy. Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work with diverse stakeholders. High ethical standards and commitment to sustainable resource management. Location This position requires significant in-person time in our Conway headquarters. Compensation & Benefits Compensation for this role will be based on market-based comparisons and the experience of well-qualified candidates. NativState provides a full complement of employee benefits, including: Health, dental, and vision insurance Retirement savings plan Professional development & advancement opportunities