Auditor Argiculture

PCU Group (Royal Peterson Control Union Group) is a global family of companies delivering services in logistics, quality assurance, safety, certification, and risk management. With roots dating back to 1920 in Rotterdam, the group now operates in more than 80 countries and employs over 6,000 people worldwide.

In the United States, the group operates through Control Union (United States), Inc., and Peterson Projects and Solutions North America, headquartered in Plantation, Florida, providing professional inspection, testing, and product certification services across multiple industries. These U.S. operations support companies in meeting national and international compliance standards while contributing to the group’s global reputation for integrity, technical expertise, and reliability.

Essential Tasks for the Agriculture Auditor:

Compliance Assessment

• Examine company processes, documentation, and on-site practices to verify compliance with agricultural and sustainability certification standards.
• Conduct comprehensive operational and compliance audits across multiple locations.
• Conduct audits and inspections according to ISO19011 requirements, including:
• Initiating the audit/inspection.
• Conducting document reviews.
• Preparing audit/inspection activities.
• Executing on-site audits/inspections.
• Preparing, approving, and distributing reports.
• Conducting follow-ups to verify corrective actions.

Identification of non-conformities

• Detects deviations or non-compliance with the requirements of agricultural and sustainability schemes.
• Documents all non-conformities clearly and accurately to ensure client understanding and proper certification decisions.

Recommendations and Corrective Action Plans

• Provides feedback and recommendations for corrective actions to address identified issues.
• Evaluates the severity of non-conformities and ensures timely closure of findings through follow-up audits.

Audit Reporting

• Prepares clear, accurate, and detailed audit and inspection reports.
• Ensuring reports are distributed and maintained according to Control Union’s quality management system.

Market and Client Relations

• Maintains strong professional relationships with agricultural clients, ensuring transparency and clarity throughout the audit process.
• Inform management about potential opportunities, risks, and developments in the agricultural and sustainability sectors.
• Maintains regular contact with certification bodies and other relevant authorities.

Certification Process

• Confirms compliance of organizations with applicable agricultural and sustainability standards, enabling them to obtain or maintain certification.

Training & Mentorship

• Provide training and mentorship to junior audit staff, promoting consistency and development.

Handling Complaints and Appeals

• Assists in handling claims, complaints, and appeals in accordance with Control Union’s procedures.

Knowledge and Competence

• Maintains up-to-date knowledge of certification requirements for:
• Agricultural and sustainability programs: ISCC, FSA, Commodity sustainability audits (i.e. Peanuts, Soy, Cotton, Barley, Wheat, Potato, etc.)
• Relevant ISO standards (e.g., ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001) as they apply to agricultural operations.
• Supply chain traceability systems and sustainability frameworks applicable to agriculture.
• Understands and applies normative documents, scheme manuals, and Control Union procedures effectively.
• Demonstrates strong competence in audit principles, risk assessments, interviewing techniques, and report-writing skills

None - Essential Tasks for the Agriculture Auditor:

• Supporting Program Developers with technical questions and advise
• Participating in trade shows or conferences
• Assists in handling claims and appeals.

Minimum Requirements for the Agriculture Auditor:

• University degree in Agricultural Engineering, Agronomy, Biology, Environmental Sciences, or related field.
• 3 years’ Experience in agricultural operations, supply chain traceability, or sustainability certification audits.
• Strong understanding of auditing processes, risk assessments, and compliance evaluations specific to agricultural systems.
• Willingness to travel up to 40-60% of the time for client visits, audits, and industry events.
• Excellent skills in report writing, data analysis, and auditing documentation.
• Legal Authorization to work in the USA
• Valid driver’s license.
• Ability to interpret agricultural and environmental regulations and apply them effectively.
• Detail-oriented and highly organized, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; comfortable interacting with individuals at all organizational levels.
• Ability to work independently for extended periods and collaborate effectively with diverse teams and clients.
• Strong communication, critical analysis, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word and Excel.
• Operational Efficiency: Focused on optimizing audit workflows and resource allocation.
• Regulatory & Compliance Knowledge: Deep understanding of agricultural certification and accreditation requirements.
• Strategic Thinking & Decision-Making: Ability to align operational goals with Control Union’s business objectives.
• Customer-Focused Approach: Dedicated to delivering high-quality service and maintaining client satisfaction.
• ISO 9001 Lead Auditor Training Course.
• Familiarity with audit software and digital reporting tools.

Preferred Requirements for the Agriculture Auditor:

• Minimum of 2 years of experience in auditing or certification in agriculture or sustainability programs.
• Knowledge of certification standards relevant to the programs, such as: ISCC, Rainforest Alliance (RA), RSPO, GlobalG.A.P., Bonsucro, and equivalent agricultural or sustainability schemes & ISO 9001 or ISO 14001.
• Familiarity with international agricultural and sustainability standards, accreditation bodies, and regulatory frameworks.
• Understanding of environmental management systems and sustainable supply chain frameworks.
• Bilingual Spanish

Physical Requirements for the Agriculture Auditor:

• Ability to work in various environments, including offices, manufacturing sites, and field locations.
• Capacity to work extended hours when meeting deadlines or travelling.
• Ability to handle long periods of sitting during meetings, computer work or travel.
• Frequent use of hands and fingers for typing, writing and use of office equipment.
• Extended screen time for data analysis and virtual meetings.
• Ability to read and interpret documents, contracts and reports on digital and paper formats
• Ability to communicate effectively with clients and team members in person, over the phone and through virtual platforms.
• Light physical activities such as carrying presentation materials or lightweight equipment(<25lbs).
• Active listening during stakeholder meetings or team discussions.

Benefits for the Agriculture Auditor:

• 15 days Paid Time Off
• Health, Dental, Vision Insurance
• 401k Match
• FSA
• Other Auxiliary Benefits

At Control Union, we are committed to providing equal opportunities to all employees and applicants without race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. We believe in fostering an inclusive and diverse work environment where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. Our hiring practices, promotions, benefits and other employment decisions are made based on merit, qualifications and business needs.

The Control Union Agriculture Auditor plays a crucial role in inspecting, evaluating, and reporting on clients seeking agricultural certifications. The role ensures compliance with agricultural and sustainability standards, maintaining Control Union&rsquo;s reputation as a trusted certification body. Professionalism, accuracy, and strong customer service are essential. The Auditor must stay informed on legislative changes, industry updates, and scheme requirements to provide accurate and up-to-date assessments.

The position involves regular travel to client locations to perform on-site audits and assessments. Depending on operational needs and audit schedules, travel may represent more than 50% of the Auditor&rsquo;s working time during certain periods.