Freelance ISO 14001 Auditor Newport News VA / Type of contract 1099 VA

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced ISO 14001 Lead Auditor to plan and conduct independent environmental management system audits at supplier and operational facilities. The successful candidate will evaluate compliance with ISO 14001 requirements, applicable environmental regulations, and organizational procedures while identifying nonconformities, process risks, and opportunities for improvement.

This role requires strong technical knowledge, professional judgment, excellent report-writing skills, and the ability to work independently in customer-facing environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Understand and apply applicable ISO 14001 requirements.
• Independently plan, prepare for, and conduct environmental management system audits.
• Review EMS documentation, procedures, records, and supporting evidence.
• Interview management, employees, and process owners.
• Identify and evaluate environmental aspects and impacts.
• Assess compliance obligations and applicable environmental regulations.
• Evaluate:
  • Operational controls
  • Emergency preparedness and response
  • Environmental objectives and targets
  • Monitoring and measurement activities
  • Corrective actions and continual improvement processes
• Identify, verify, and document nonconformities.
• Write clear, accurate, and objective audit findings and reports.
• Communicate audit results professionally with customers, suppliers, and site personnel.
• Maintain objectivity, impartiality, confidentiality, and ethical conduct throughout the audit process.
• Apply sound professional judgment when evaluating evidence and determining audit conclusions.
• Identify process risks and opportunities for environmental and operational improvement.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing, Sustainability, EHS, or a related technical field.
• At least 3 years of relevant professional experience in one or more of the following:
  • Environmental, health, and safety management
  • Environmental management systems
  • Manufacturing operations
  • Supplier quality or compliance
  • A related technical field
• At least 2 years of ISO 14001 or EMS auditing experience.
• Current ISO 14001:2015 or ISO 14001:2026 Lead Auditor certification.
• Experience auditing the applicable industry, manufacturing environment, or supplier type is highly desirable.

Required Skills and Competencies

• Strong technical understanding of ISO 14001 and environmental management systems.
• Excellent audit planning, interviewing, and evidence-evaluation skills.
• Strong report-writing and documentation abilities.
• Professional, customer-facing communication skills.
• Ability to work independently at supplier and operational facilities.
• Ability to identify process risks, compliance gaps, and improvement opportunities.
• Strong attention to detail and analytical thinking.
• Demonstrated objectivity, impartiality, confidentiality, and ethical conduct.
• Ability to manage priorities and complete audit assignments within established timelines.