Call for 4R Certification Auditor Applications

Applications will be accepted until May 15, 2014

The Nutrient Stewardship Council, on behalf of the 4R Nutrient Stewardship Certification Program, is seeking candidates for work as approved 4R Auditors. The 4R Certification Program was officially launched on March 18, 2014, and includes specifications for best practices for nutrient management for Nutrient Service Providers in the Lake Erie Watershed, with the goal of long-term improvement of Lake Erie’s water quality.

Details regarding qualifications are listed below. Interested candidates should complete the application and conflict of interest form and send, along with their most current resume, to:

Attention: 4R Nutrient Stewardship Certification Program
Email: info@oaba.net and sustainability@scsglobalservices.com
Mail: Ohio AgriBusiness Association, 5151 Reed Rd. Suite 126C, Columbus, OH 43220

 Click here to download the application and conflict of interest form.

Applications will be accepted until May 15, 2014.

Background

The 4R Standard is intended to encourage the adoption of 4R nutrient stewardship by specifying best practices for nutrient recommendations and nutrient application.  The Standard also includes an education component to ensure that new practices related to nutrient stewardship are adopted by Nutrient Service Providers and shared with their grower customers.

The 4Rs of nutrient stewardship refer to using the Right Source of nutrients at the Right Rate and Right Time in the Right Place. 4R nutrient stewardship provides a science-based framework for plant nutrition management while also considering site-specific needs of a particular farm. The Standard applies to Nutrient Service Providers, including agricultural retailers, agricultural service provides, and certified professionals. 

In creating a 4R Certification Program, the 4R Advisory Committee Western Lake Erie Basin has sought to provide guidance and direction for a consistent, recognized program for agricultural retailers, agricultural service providers, and certified professionals to help ensure that 4R nutrient sustainability goals are adopted and that in turn lead to long term positive impacts on water quality in the Western Lake Erie Basin.

Additional information about the principles and practices of 4R nutrient stewardship can be found online at: http://4rcertified.org/.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

Minimum:

• College degree (may be an associate degree or certificate) and three years of applicable work experience in the agriculture sector,
• AND/OR at least 10 years of experience in the agronomic services industry;
• AND/OR experience conducting third party audits in the context of environmental sustainability or agriculture.
• In addition, applicant auditors with status as Certified Professionals are encouraged to apply, provided there is sufficient evidence of no conflicts of interests associated with consulting activities.

Preferred:

• Demonstrated experience in GIS systems and/or nutrient management; and/or,
• Certified Crop Adviser in good standing, or in possession of other related and current professional certificates.

Training

Minimum:

Training in all of the following areas:

• Agricultural production systems; and,
• Basic principles of auditing and inspection.

Preferred:

Training in any of the following areas:

• Relevant ISO Standards (e.g., ISO 19011, ISO 9001, ISO 14000, etc.);
• Nutrient management;
• Pesticide management;
• Good Agricultural Practices (GAP); or,
• 4R Nutrient Stewardship.

It is preferred that candidates be located in Michigan, Indiana or Ohio, although candidates located outside of these states will also be considered.

Questions? Contact Ohio AgriBusiness Association by phone at (614) 326-7520 or by e-mail at info@oaba.net or SCS Global Services by phone at (510) 452-6818 or by email at sustainability@scsglobalservices.com.