Rain Bird is seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Import/Export Specialist to join our Compliance team. This role is critical in ensuring compliance with U.S. Customs regulations, with a focus on accurate Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) classification, USMCA qualification, country of origin determination, and audit readiness. The ideal candidate will bring strong analytical skills, deep trade compliance knowledge, and advanced Excel capabilities to help manage and improve our import processes.

• Validate and classify new products and components to the correct Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) code, based on product specifications, technical data, and applicable regulations.
• Document and maintain written justifications supporting each HTS classification, referencing binding rulings, explanatory notes, and relevant legal interpretations.
• Evaluate products for USMCA (or other FTA) qualifications, maintaining full supporting documentation to substantiate origin status.
• Conduct country of origin determinations based on substantial transformation and tariff shift rules.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with internal stakeholders & vendors to gather, validate, and manage critical data elements required for accurate customs entries and export documentation, ensuring compliance with international trade regulations.
• Audit import entry packets for accuracy and completeness, ensuring proper valuation, HTS, country of origin, and recordkeeping compliance.
• Review and reconcile ACE (Automated Commercial Environment) reports to monitor import activity, verify entry accuracy, and support post-entry processes.
• Collaborate with Customs brokers, freight forwarders, and internal teams to resolve import shipment processing, classification, entry, and documentation issues.
• Maintain internal classification and compliance databases, ensuring all product classifications are current and consistently applied.
• Monitor updates to U.S. import laws, HTS & Schedule B changes, trade agreement requirements, and communicate relevant changes to internal stakeholders.
• Use advanced Excel functions (e.g., VLOOKUP, PivotTables, Power Query, Macros) to analyze large data sets, perform duty impact assessments, and improve compliance tracking.

• Bachelor’s Degree in International Business, Supply Chain, or a related field; equivalent work experience may be considered.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in import compliance, trade compliance, or customs brokerage.
• In-depth knowledge of the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule, country of origin rules, and Free Trade Agreement requirements (especially USMCA).
• Demonstrated experience classifying new products/components, with strong documentation practices.
• Strong understanding of ACE reports and their application to trade compliance monitoring and reconciliation.
• Experience auditing customs entry documentation and resolving discrepancies.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel, including PivotTables and complex formulas.
• Experience with trade compliance tools or ERP systems such as SAP GTS, Oracle GTM, Integration Point, etc., is a plus.
• Detail-oriented with excellent analytical, organizational, and written communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Licensed Customs Broker (LCB) – strongly preferred
• Certified Customs Specialist (CCS) – a plus
• Bi-lingual Spanish - a plus

Rain Bird is an equal opportunity employer