Certification Specialist

Overview: The Certification Specialist provides high quality customer service along with skilled review and auditing verification to support positive organic certification experiences for organic producers in our service territory, while upholding the USDA National Organic Program regulations. This position assesses compliance of an operation’s organic system plan, reviews inspection reports, and issues subsequent responses. This position works collaboratively with other certification specialists, inspection program manager, and inspectors, and conducts inspections and pesticide residue sampling as time allows. Certification Specialists also support the MCS quality management system, and may represent MCS at conferences or other MOFGA events. Contributing to MCS policy development, writing pieces for MCS’ newsletter, The Organic Sprout, is an expectation for this position.

Supervisor: Director of MOFGA Certification Services

Position: Salaried. Federal Fair Labor Standards Act exempt. The employee is not eligible for overtime payment. This position is part of the MOFGA Workers United Union bargaining unit.

Work Week: 40 hours - Monday through Friday. Additional evening and weekend hours as required.

Salary Range: This is a salaried position, with a starting salary range of $50,000-$55,000 annually, dependent upon experience. MOFGA has an excellent benefits package, including paid medical, dental and vision insurance, and parental leave. Employees receive a generous paid time off package, including vacation and sick time, three personal days, two week-long office closures, 14 paid holidays annually, and a sabbatical after seven years of employment.

Location: This position is remote, requiring travel within MCS’ service territory, and off-site visits to client’s farms and production facilities. The service territory includes the state of Maine, the state of New Hampshire, and the northeastern areas of Massachusetts. Our offices are located in Unity, Maine and staff are welcome to work from this office as much as they like. Will need to travel to Unity for occasional meetings and required participation in the Common Ground Country Fair. This position is required to be based within the MCS service territory.

Requirements:

• Education or experience in organic certification or regulatory compliance, including inspections and auditing.
• Knowledge of the USDA-National Organic Program standards, especially as it applies to the crop, maple syrup, and processing scopes.
• Working knowledge of organic or sustainable crop and livestock farms, maple syrup, and food processing.
• A demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, especially in writing.
• Excellent organizational skills
• Proficiency in computer software, including databases and collaborative platforms.
• Strong interpersonal skills that welcome collaboration and constructive feedback.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable vehicle
• A commitment to MOFGA’s mission and values.
• IOIA training and prior organic inspection experience a plus
• College degree in agriculture or related field a plus
• Must be able to travel to attend meetings, training workshops and conferences.
• Participate in MOFGA’s Common Ground Country Fair as needed.

Certification Specialist Responsibilities:

• Performs certification activities for clients including these specific activities:
  • Perform technical reviews of organic system plans. Communicates according to policy with producers about the results of these reviews.
  • Review inspection reports for these same clients. Communicates according to policy with producers about the results of these reviews.
  • Assists applicants by explaining the organic standards and the certification process, encouraging them to take advantage of the technical services offered by MOFGA.
  • Pursues adverse actions with clients in accordance with MCS policy and in coordination with colleagues/supervisors.
  • Keeps track of clients; assures that auditable files are in good order.
• Conduct annual, investigative and/or unannounced inspections or residue sampling as time allows.
• Performs material review of products as needed and in conjunction with other MCS staff and agency affiliates.
• Investigates complaints to protect the integrity of the organic label. Pursues adverse actions, as necessary.
• Participation in MCS internal audits and NOP accreditation audits.
• Other duties and responsibilities as deemed necessary to carry out MOFGA’s certification program and maintain accreditation with USDA.

Physical Requirements: Ability to walk long distances over rough terrain; occasional light lifting; ability to drive and travel long distances by car. Able to work in outdoor conditions that include all types of seasonal weather, as well as, inside environments where there may be loud noises or strong odors. Ability to sit for long periods to complete computer-based work, participate in meetings, and conduct organic inspections, whether in person or over video conference platforms.

The Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA) is a broad-based community that supports farmers, empowers people to feed their communities, and advocates for an organic future. Our vision is a future where local organic farming nourishes all people, and sustains thriving ecosystems, healthy communities, and fair economies. MOFGA is committed to creating an inclusive and sustainable workplace that reflects this mission. MOFGA is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, age, religion, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, political orientation, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. We strongly encourage BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) and LGBTQ+ individuals, as well as veterans to apply.