Forestry and Biomass Specialist, France

Would you like to join a global organization that works to ensure responsible use of natural resources worldwide? Are you passionate about sustainable forestry, biomass certification, and responsible supply chains? If you thrive in an international environment and enjoy combining technical expertise with client engagement and auditing activities, then our Forestry and Biomass Specialist role based in France could be the right opportunity for you.

What you can expect:

As a Forestry and Biomass Specialist, you will lead audit delivery across two interconnected areas: SBP EU-RED, and FSC and PEFC Chain of Custody, PEFC RED and FSC Forest Management auditing in France and internationally.

You will manage the full certification cycle, from planning and client coordination through to on-site auditing and reporting. Working with certificate holders across France and the wider region, you will uphold high standards of quality, integrity, and technical rigor.

This role sits at the intersection of forestry, energy, and sustainability, making it a rare opportunity to contribute to both forest conservation and the responsible use of biomass in the energy sector.

Working with us is never routine so in the first year, you can expect the following areas to be central to your work.

• Coordinate and conduct Chain of Custody and Forest Management audits, across France and, where relevant, internationally.

• Deliver SBP audits and ensure Preferred by Nature's biomass services remain credible, high-quality, and consistent.

• Manage the full audit cycle including scheduling, logistical planning, client communication, reporting, and Salesforce data entry.

• Support development and implementation of biomass-related services, proposals, procedures, and technical resources.

• Provide technical guidance and client support on certification standards, trademark use, and the certification process.

• Participate in SBP working groups, stakeholder meetings, and certification scheme activities related to forestry and biomass.

• Monitor relevant policies, regulations, and industry developments in both the forestry and biomass sectors.

• Contribute to quality assurance, continuous improvement, and development of Preferred by Nature’s forestry and biomass services.

Your first year with us:

Within three months, you will:

• Complete onboarding and familiarize yourself with Preferred by Nature's mission and role. Receive on-the-job training to transition smoothly into your role as an auditor and task manager. If you don't have certification experience, we will provide the necessary training related to FSC (Forest Stewardship Council), PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification) and SBP (Sustainable Biomass Program) Standards and give you the skills needed to audit these schemes in accordance with our high-quality standards.

• Shadow senior auditors on FSC/PEFC and SBP audits to build practical familiarity with processes, reporting standards, and client interactions.

• Establish working relationships with internal teams and gain familiarity with Salesforce and certification procedures.

• Begin supporting evaluations in a team member capacity and start building relationships with key clients and internal colleagues.

• Support FSC, PEFC, and SBP audit planning, reporting, and client coordination activities.

Within six months, you will:

• Conduct FSC/PEFC CoC and SBP audits with increasing independence, submitting quality reports within expected timeframes.

• Act as a reliable point of contact for assigned clients, handling questions on certification, trademark use, and scheduling with confidence.

• Contribute to audit scheduling and Salesforce data management, supporting the team's administrative and operational coordination.

• Contribute to development of biomass services, proposals, procedures, and technical resources.

Within one year, you will:

• Independently manage FSC FM, FSC CoC, PEFC CoC, PEFC RED and SBP certification audits and client portfolios.

• Support strategic development and implementation of biomass-related services and initiatives.

• Contribute to quality assurance, technical guidance, and continuous improvement across certification activities.

Important that you:

• Hold a university degree in forestry, biology, ecology, environmental sciences, and bring minimum 3 years of experience ( e.g. forestry, biomass, certification, or related sectors), OR

• Hold a secondary education degree (high school certificate) and bring 6 years professional experience (e.g. forest management, consultancy, research) in a relevant discipline (e.g. ecology, forestry, sociology, economics, anthropology) .

• Have strong organizational and time management skills with a structured approach to work and the ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities and deadlines.

• Have excellent communication skills in French and English, both written and verbal.

• Bring a high level of integrity and professional ethics, with the ability to balance strong client service against the impartiality required of an auditor.

• Are comfortable working independently and making sound decisions in the field, often remotely from colleagues.

• Believe in Preferred by Nature's mission and want to actively contribute to it.

• Are located in France.

Would also be great, but not necessary, if you:

• Have hands-on experience with, or knowledge of, FSC and PEFC certification standards.

• Have familiarity with SBP audit procedures or biomass sustainability schemes.

• Have auditor training or experience with environmental management systems.

• Are familiar with Salesforce or similar client management platforms.

• Have other language skills beside French and English.

If this sounds like you, we would love to hear from you!

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.

• A friendly, international team of colleagues, with a pleasant work environment.

• Contract governed by French law with a 35-hour working week.

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 14th June 2026 via the application form below.

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.