Fiber Certification & Supply Chain Data Analyst (with GIS)

As a Fortune 500 company, Packaging Corporation of America (PCA) is an ideas and solutions company. Our corrugated packaging business seeks to be the leader in helping our customers — large and small — package, transport and display products of all kinds. Our white paper business delivers Paper With Purpose by providing the highest level of customer service and operational excellence. We have approximately 15,000 team members in more than 100 locations in the United States that strive to meet the local needs of our customers. Our mission is to serve the needs of our customers, today and tomorrow, with products and services that exceed expectations for performance and environmental responsibility.

People • Customers • Trust

Position Summary

The Fiber Certification & Supply Chain Data Analyst ensures our operations remain compliant, competitive, and environmentally responsible by bridging data science and corporate stewardship. This role serves as a critical link across our business units—utilizing spatial data to visualize our environmental footprint, safeguarding sustainable fiber certifications at our manufacturing facilities, and translating our compliance metrics into transparent narratives that drive customer trust.

Principle Accountabilities

GIS & Spatial Analysis

• Administer ArcGIS Online system; map wood baskets, sourcing regions, and facility locations using ArcGIS Online.
• Maintain and update spatial layers in the enterprise geodatabase to ensure data accuracy.
• Generate standard maps, digital dashboards, and spatial reports for internal stakeholders.
• Clean and integrate external tabular datasets with existing geographic data.

Fiber Certification

• Assist mills and corrugated plants in maintaining compliance with fiber certification standards (e.g., SFI, FSC, PEFC), including annual training, coordination of internal audits, and ensuring preparedness for third party audits.
• Track, audit, and document wood and fiber supply chains from forest to facility.
• Support facility teams during third-party certification audits.
• Monitor wood procurement data to ensure adherence to sustainable sourcing policies.
• Maintain knowledge of chai- of-custody and related standards and ensure program elements are updated to revised standards by deadlines set by Standards Organizations (SFI, PEFC, FSC).
• Provide timely support and leadership for selected/representative plants during annual third-party audits with PCA’s certifying body.
• Ensure that any audit deficiencies identified in third-party and internal audits are remedied with appropriate corrective actions and closed with the certifying body or internal auditor in a timely manner.

Customer Data and Sustainability Support

• Manage and respond to incoming customer sustainability inquiries, questionnaires, and RFP requirements as requested by Director, Environment and Product Stewardship.
• Provide fiber sustainability information to internal and external customers, as requested by Director, Environment and Product Stewardship.
• Maintain a centralized library of verified sustainability data, certificates, and compliance statements.
• Collaborate with sales and product teams to translate complex supply chain data into clear customer-facing narratives.

Decision Making

This position requires a professional staff member who can make timely and measured decisions to meet Stakeholder needs while maintaining conformance with the appropriate and relevant standards. This position must ensure that data being collected is accurate, timely, and audit ready.

Interactions

The Sustainability & Supply Chain Data Analyst will collaborate with individuals across the Corporate Sustainability department, Box plants, Woodlands, Environmental/EHS, Corporate Purchasing, and Containerboard Sales, with frequent verbal and electronic/hard copy communication to implement programs and track progress. Position requires clear communication, fostering collaboration to meet customer satisfaction and stakeholder goals.

Position Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Forestry, Environmental Science, Sustainability, Geography, GIS, or a related field required.
• Proficiency in ArcGIS Pro or QGIS (map creation, buffer analysis, attribute editing, data exporting) required.
• 2–4 years of experience working with data analysis, environmental compliance, or sustainability.

• Familiarity with forest certification standards (SFI, FSC, PEFC) and chain-of-custody tracking is highly preferred.
• Experience in process and/or continuous improvement is preferred.
• Must be able to analyze a multitude of issues and effectively communicate findings.
• Strong people skills to effectively lead and communicate with business management.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage numerous details, deadlines, and requests.
• Ability to work in a fast paced, deadline-oriented environment, prioritize assignments, and manage multiple projects and/or requests concurrently.
• Strong listening, evaluating, and organizational skills.
• Strong working knowledge of computer systems including experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.
• Must be able to travel (
• Previous work experience as a member of a team, or a strong understanding of the importance of open communication and information sharing between team members.

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COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

• Starting salary for position: $78,400-$98,000.

• Paid Holidays.
• Within the first 30 days of employment, an employee (and their dependents) is eligible to enroll in certain benefit coverages -- medical, dental, and vision – and are automatically enrolled in life, AD&D, and disability coverages.
• Upon hire, an employee is automatically enrolled in the 401k plan. The plan offers both pre-tax and Roth contribution options along with employer provided matching contributions.
• Disclaimer: The Compensation and Benefits information in this posting represents PCA’s good faith and reasonable estimate of what it may pay for this position. The Company reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.

PCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Qualified Applicants must apply at careers.packagingcorp.com to be considered.

Bachelor's degree in Forestry, Environmental Science, Sustainability, Geography, GIS or related field; proficiency in ArcGIS Pro or QGIS; 2-4 years data analysis or environmental compliance experience; valid U.S. driver's license and passport; travel under 50%.

Key Responsibilities

• administering GIS systems
• maintaining fiber certifications
• supporting customer sustainability

Skills & Tools

ArcGIS Online, ArcGIS Pro, QGIS, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Outlook

Job Details

• Category: Data and Analytics
• Seniority: Mid Level
• Commitment: Full Time
• Workplace: Remote — Lake Forest, Illinois, United States
• Salary: USD 78,400 – 98,000 / year
• Languages: English

Benefits

• 401k matching
• Generous paid time off
• Retirement plan

About Packaging Corporation of America

An ideas and solutions company providing corrugated packaging and white paper products with operational excellence. — Industry: Manufacturing