Call for 4R Nutrient Stewardship Certification Program Auditor Applications

The Nutrient Stewardship Council, on behalf of the 4R Nutrient Stewardship Certification Program, seeks to contract with consultants as 4R Nutrient Stewardship Certification Program Auditors.

The 4R Nutrient Stewardship Certification Program was officially launched on March 18, 2014, and includes specifications for best practices for nutrient management for nutrient service providers in and around the Lake Erie Watershed, with the goal of long-term improvement of Lake Erie’s water quality. January 1, 2017, the program was expanded to the full state of Ohio.

Details regarding qualifications are listed on page two of this posting. Interested candidates should complete the application and conflict of interest form and send, along with their resume, to:

Email: aallman@oaba.net
Subject Line: Auditor - 4R Nutrient Stewardship Certification Program

Mail: Ohio AgriBusiness Association, Attn: Andrew Allman
5151 Reed Rd. Suite 126-C, Columbus, Ohio 43220

Applications will be accepted through September 15, 2017.

Background

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.

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

The 4R Nutrient Stewardship Certification Standards are based on the best available science for nutrient recommendations and application and encourage the adoption of 4R Nutrient Stewardship. The Standards also include education and record keeping components to ensure that new practices related to nutrient stewardship are adopted by nutrient service providers and shared with their grower customers.

The 4R Nutrient Stewardship Certification Standards apply to nutrient service providers, including agricultural retailers, agricultural service provides, and certified professionals. Having the third-party auditor provide an evaluation of implementation of the 4R Standards provides an immediate feedback to the nutrient service provider and credibility to the 4R Nutrient Stewardship Certification Program.

Position Duties

• Conduct onsite and/or desk audits based on the 4R audit requirements and provided training of nutrient service providers in Indiana, Michigan and Ohio - please provide preference of region on the application.
• Create audit report packages for submission to nutrient service providers and the Nutrient Stewardship Council (NSC).
• Review Corrective Action Plans submitted by nutrient service providers, as necessary.
• Communicate clearly, both orally and in written form, and in an unbiased and ethical manner with nutrient service providers and the NSC.
• Travel to nutrient service provider locations required.
• Work cooperatively with nutrient service providers, Program Administrator and NSC members.
• Ability to make comprehensive and consistent decisions while reviewing audit data, both onsite and during the audit report compilation phase.
• Provide complete, prompt deliverables within the timelines of the audit process.
• Function productively as a member or leader of a work team.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

Minimum:

• College degree (may be an associate degree or certificate) and 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.

Preferred:

• Ability to review and critique GIS information.
• Demonstrated experience in nutrient management.
• Certified Crop Adviser in good standing, provided there is sufficient evidence of no conflicts of interests associated with consulting activities.
• Other related and current professional certificates.
• Clear and concise communication skills, both in oral and written form.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite and Adobe Acrobat.

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;
• Good Agricultural Practices (GAP); or,
• 4R Nutrient Stewardship.

It is preferred candidates be located in Indiana, Michigan or Ohio. Contract position noted.

Questions?

Contact Andrew Allman, Executive Director of the Nutrient Stewardship Council, at (614) 326-7520 ext. 1 or by email at aallman@oaba.net.

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