Chain of Custody

Term from Forestry industry explained for recruiters

Chain of Custody is a tracking system used in the forestry industry to follow wood and paper products from the forest to the final customer. It's like a product passport that proves the materials came from responsibly managed forests. This documentation is important for companies that want to show their wood products are sustainable and legally sourced. When you see logos like FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) or PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification) on wood products, it means they've followed Chain of Custody requirements. This term often appears in job descriptions for roles involved with timber tracking, sustainability compliance, or forest product certification.

Examples in Resumes

Managed Chain of Custody certification process for 15 sawmills

Implemented digital Chain of Custody tracking system for timber products

Conducted internal audits of Chain-of-Custody procedures for forest certification

Trained staff on CoC and Chain of Custody documentation requirements

Typical job title: "Chain of Custody Managers"

Also try searching for:

Certification Manager Forest Products Auditor Compliance Manager Sustainability Coordinator Forest Certification Specialist Quality Assurance Manager Supply Chain Manager

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you handle a major Chain of Custody non-conformity discovered during an audit?

Expected Answer: Should discuss creating corrective action plans, implementing immediate containment measures, reviewing system gaps, training staff, and preventing future occurrences while maintaining certification status.

Q: How would you implement a new Chain of Custody system across multiple facilities?

Expected Answer: Should explain project planning, staff training, documentation development, system testing, and coordination with certification bodies, emphasizing change management and communication strategies.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What are the key components of a Chain of Custody management system?

Expected Answer: Should discuss documentation requirements, material tracking procedures, staff training needs, internal audit processes, and supplier verification systems.

Q: How do you ensure proper separation of certified and non-certified materials?

Expected Answer: Should explain physical separation methods, documentation systems, inventory controls, and staff training for maintaining product integrity.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What is Chain of Custody and why is it important?

Expected Answer: Should explain basic concept of tracking forest products from source to consumer, importance for sustainability claims, and basic certification requirements.

Q: What documentation is typically required for Chain of Custody?

Expected Answer: Should mention delivery notes, processing records, training records, and sales documents, showing understanding of basic paperwork requirements.

Experience Level Indicators

Junior (0-2 years)

  • Basic understanding of forest certification systems
  • Documentation handling and filing
  • Material tracking basics
  • Record keeping

Mid (2-5 years)

  • Internal audit performance
  • Staff training delivery
  • Certification maintenance
  • Supplier verification

Senior (5+ years)

  • System implementation and improvement
  • Multi-site coordination
  • Audit management
  • Certification strategy development

Red Flags to Watch For

  • No knowledge of major forest certification schemes (FSC, PEFC)
  • Lack of experience with documentation systems
  • Poor understanding of material tracking principles
  • No experience with audits or compliance
  • Unable to explain basic certification requirements