[Hiring] Certification Specialist @Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association

Role Description

MOFGA Certification Services, LLC (MCS) is hiring a full time Organic Certification Specialist (Livestock/Dairy focused) to join our team. 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.

• Assesses compliance of an operation’s organic system plan.
• Reviews inspection reports and issues subsequent responses, primarily within the livestock and dairy scopes.
• Conducts inspections and pesticide residue sampling as time allows.
• Supports the MCS quality management system.
• May represent MCS at conferences or other MOFGA events.
• Contributes to MCS policy development and writes pieces for MCS’ newsletter, The Organic Sprout.

Qualifications

• 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 crop, livestock/dairy, and processing.
• Working knowledge of organic or sustainable crop and livestock farms, dairies, 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.

Requirements

• Performs certification activities for clients including:
• Technical reviews of organic system plans, primarily within the livestock and dairy scope.
• Review of inspection reports for these same clients.
• Assisting applicants by explaining the organic standards and the certification process.
• Pursuing adverse actions with clients in accordance with MCS policy.
• Keeping track of clients and assuring that auditable files are in good order.
• Conducting annual, investigative, and/or unannounced inspections or residue sampling as time allows.
• Performing material review of products as needed.
• Investigating complaints to protect the integrity of the organic label.
• Participation in MCS internal audits and NOP accreditation audits.
• Other duties and responsibilities as deemed necessary to carry out MOFGA’s certification program.

Benefits

• Starting salary range of $50,000-$55,000 annually, dependent upon experience.
• Excellent benefits package, including paid medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Parental leave.
• Generous paid time off package, including vacation and sick time.
• Three personal days.
• Two week-long office closures.
• 14 paid holidays annually.
• Sabbatical after seven years of employment.

Company Description

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.