Certification Specialist

Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association•Unity, ME

4d•$50,000 - $55,000•Remote

About The Position

The Certification Specialist provides customer service and conducts technical reviews, auditing verification, and other certification activities to support organic producers while upholding USDA National Organic Program regulations. The role assesses compliance with organic system plans, reviews inspection reports, and communicates responses to producers. It collaborates with certification specialists, the inspection program manager, and inspectors, and may conduct inspections and pesticide residue sampling as time allows. The position also supports the MCS quality management system, may represent MCS at conferences and MOFGA events, contributes to MCS policy development, and writes for MCS’ newsletter, The Organic Sprout. This salaried, FLSA-exempt position is part of the MOFGA Workers United Union bargaining unit. The work week is 40 hours, Monday through Friday, with additional evening and weekend hours as required. The position is remote and must be based within the MCS service territory: Maine, New Hampshire, or northeastern Massachusetts. It requires travel within that territory, visits to farms and production facilities, occasional travel to the Unity, Maine office for meetings, and participation in the Common Ground Country Fair. Staff may work from the Unity office as much as they like. The starting annual salary range is $50,000–$55,000, dependent upon experience. MOFGA offers paid medical, dental, and vision insurance; parental leave; paid vacation and sick time; three personal days; two week-long office closures; 14 paid holidays annually; and a sabbatical after seven years of employment.

Requirements

Education or experience in organic certification or regulatory compliance, including inspections and auditing.
Knowledge of USDA National Organic Program standards, especially for crop, maple syrup, and processing scopes.
Working knowledge of organic or sustainable crop and livestock farms, maple syrup, and food processing.
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, especially in writing.
Excellent organizational skills.
Proficiency with computer software, including databases and collaborative platforms.
Strong interpersonal skills and willingness to collaborate and receive constructive feedback.
Valid driver’s license and reliable vehicle.
Commitment to MOFGA’s mission and values.
Ability to travel to meetings, training workshops, and conferences.
Ability to participate in the Common Ground Country Fair as needed.

Nice To Haves

IOIA training and prior organic inspection experience.
College degree in agriculture or a related field.

Responsibilities

Perform technical reviews of clients’ organic system plans and communicate review results to producers according to policy.
Review inspection reports for clients and communicate review results to producers according to policy.
Help applicants understand organic standards and the certification process, and encourage use of MOFGA’s technical services.
Pursue adverse actions with clients in accordance with MCS policy and in coordination with colleagues and supervisors.
Track clients and maintain complete, auditable files.
Conduct annual, investigative, or unannounced inspections and residue sampling as time allows.
Perform material reviews of products as needed, in coordination with MCS staff and agency affiliates.
Investigate complaints to protect the integrity of the organic label and pursue adverse actions as necessary.
Participate in MCS internal audits and NOP accreditation audits.
Support the MCS quality management system.
Contribute to MCS policy development and write pieces for The Organic Sprout.
Represent MCS at conferences or other MOFGA events as appropriate.
Travel to meetings, training workshops, and conferences, and participate in the Common Ground Country Fair as needed.
Perform other duties necessary to carry out MOFGA’s certification program and maintain USDA accreditation.