Certification Specialist

PENNSYLVANIA CERTIFIED ORGANIC•Spring Mills, PA

7d•$60,000 - $65,000•Remote

About The Position

Pennsylvania Certified Organic (PCO) is excited to announce a position opening for Certification Specialist (CS) to join our Pine Team. As a CS, you will have responsibility for providing excellent customer service as you review organic files and determine compliance status. Experience with crops/livestock is preferred. PCO is a growing non-profit organization that works with farmers and food producers across the US. PCO provides organic certification services to more than 1600 operations, employs approximately 40 staff, and sub-contracts with around 50 inspectors. Our staff are dedicated to our vision: A world where agriculture systems prioritize health, ecological balance, fairness and care. and we are committed to a work culture of purpose, caring, and results. This position is fully remote with minimal travel. The salary for this position will be $60,000 - $65,000 (For more information on our benefits, click here.). This position will remain open until filled. Only candidates moving forward will be notified, but everyone will be notified once the position is filled or closed. PCO is an equal opportunity employer and service provider. We do not discriminate with regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, ancestry, political beliefs, union membership, disability (in accordance with the American With Disabilities Act and the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act), veteran status, gender or sexual orientation, marital or familial status, genetic information, and any other characteristic protected by law. We value and encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color; members of the LGBTQ+ community; veterans; people with disabilities; and people who have been formerly incarcerated. Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for opportunities when they don’t feel fully qualified. We are most interested in finding the best candidate, and that candidate may come from a less traditional background. We would encourage you to submit your interest Qualifications Certification Specialist Class: Full time, Exempt Reports to: Certification Program Manager Direct Reports: None Location: Remote Position Summary: The Certification Specialist performs file review, which supports the certification review process responsibility of the Certification Team. Team Statement: The Certification Specialist is a member of the Certification Team, which has the following areas of responsibility: Certification Review Process Certification Policy and Procedures Compliance and Enforcement The Certification Specialist’s work focuses on all areas listed above.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience, preferably in agriculture, biology, environmental studies, or food science
Experience as a Certification Specialist
Familiarity with regulatory compliance
Knowledge of the certification to USDA organic standards and evidence of education, training or professional experience in the fields of agriculture, science or organic production and handling that relates to assigned duties
Familiarity with the certification procedure
Excellent organizational skills
Attention to detail
Dedicated to PCO’s mission
Understands and appreciates the importance of extraordinary customer service
Thrives in a team setting and contributes positively to team morale and communication
Values teamwork and takes an active role in fostering a supportive, inclusive work environment
Analytical problem-solving and critical thinking abilities
Ability to manage multiple priorities and perform within deadlines
Excellent communication, writing, and interpersonal skills
Able to work with minimal supervision while understanding the necessity for communicating and coordinating work efforts with others
Computer proficiency: word processing, spreadsheets, data entry, internet research, databases
Performs work with utmost honesty and integrity

Nice To Haves

Experience with crops/livestock is preferred

Responsibilities

Review certification applications and updates, inspection reports and supporting documentation and determine compliance status as assigned by supervisor
Provide information and respond to requests for information about PCO and organic certification via email, letter, phone and occasional virtual or in-person meetings.
Complete assigned workload in accordance with Certification Review Team timelines and communicate with supervisor about delays
Serve as primary contact person for clients assigned by supervisor
Provide evaluative feedback on inspector performance
Work daily with a complex, proprietary database to perform the regular tasks of the job. Ensures that database records are consistent and current
Support the development and maintenance of certification forms and documents
Maintain an understanding of the USDA National Organic Program regulations, as well as PCO policy and procedures
As applicable, maintain an understanding of Organic Plus Trust Grassfed regulations
Implement certification policies and procedures
Make autonomous or semi-autonomous decisions about clients’ compliance with USDA NOP Rule using accurate sources of data and communicate those decisions to clients in a timely manner
Write compliance findings, including Conditions, Notifications of Noncompliance and Adverse Actions
Perform mediations and draft settlement agreements with support from Certification Program Managers, as needed.
Monitor response deadlines for outgoing compliance, including managing reminders
Ensure compliance responses are received within applicable deadlines.
Work with Certification Program Manager to respond to rebuttals and appeals of adverse certification decisions
Participate in audits and accreditation site visits, as requested by the Quality Team
Participate in Certification Team meetings
Ensure the avoidance of conflict of interest throughout the certification process and update the PCO Conflict of Interest form on an annual basis at a minimum
Serving as a representative of PCO in relevant industry areas as appropriate, and role modeling diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Represent PCO at public events, as needed
Any other task relevant to these duties or the mission of the organization as assigned by the supervisor or Certification Deputy Director