[Hiring] Handler Certification Specialist @CCOF

Role Description

CCOF is expanding our Handler Certification team! We are seeking a Handler Certification Specialist who will provide technical services to certify organic Handler operations and new applicants, ensuring all clients have fair and equal access to the certification process.

If you have regulatory compliance and/or food industry experience and a passion for our mission to advance organic agriculture for a healthier world, we encourage you to apply. As a Handler Certification Specialist, you’ll play a key role in ensuring the organic integrity of products in the marketplace.

This is a full-time, non-exempt position that reports to the Handler Certification Team Lead, Supervisor, or Manager. This is a United States-based remote position. This position does not include on-site inspections of certified operations and will not include fieldwork in the future.

Applications will be reviewed beginning November 2, 2026, and will be accepted until November 13, 2026.

Essential Responsibilities

• Provide technical services to certified organic processor/handler clients, including review and communication of mid-year updates such as new labels, product formulations, ingredient suppliers, food additives, production methods, equipment sanitation procedures, facility pest control plans, audit trail documentation, etc.
• Make autonomous or semi-autonomous decisions about client compliance with USDA NOP and other organic standards and communicate those decisions to clients.
• Work on special projects as deemed necessary by Handler Certification Leadership (Team Leader, Supervisor, Manager, or Director of Handler Certification) or the Chief Certification Officer.
• Maintain accurate client database records in CCOF’s complex, proprietary database.
• Provide technical assistance on regulatory topics to CCOF clients.
• Provide clear and accessible written and verbal communication about the certification process and regulatory requirements to CCOF clients via email, letter, phone, and occasional virtual or in-person meetings.
• Review client updates and inspection reports in a timely manner by independently managing workload.
• Make compliance decisions based on regulatory text and other resources, including technical support staff office hours.
• Complete a quality and quantity of work on par with other Handler Certification Specialists of similar tenure.
• Ensure that USDA NOP and other applicable standards and CCOF Quality System requirements are implemented.
• Update and audit client database ensuring that client database records are consistent and current.
• Attend recurring staff meetings and monitor internal communications to maintain updated knowledge of current topics, updates, and announcements.
• Work on special projects as deemed necessary by the Director of Handler Certification.

Qualifications

• B.A. or B.S. degree or higher in food science, chemistry, or related field. Alternatively, at least three years’ work experience in an applicable field will be considered in lieu of degree requirement.
• Strong computer proficiency in Microsoft Office suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, Power Point, Teams) and other relevant applications like database programs.
• Clear, direct, and concise written and verbal communication skills with the ability to work with various groups and demographics of people.
• Capable of effectively conveying certification requirements to clients, ensuring standards are met, and addressing compliance issues with clarity and professionalism.
• Demonstrates excellent attention to detail by identifying and resolving errors, ensuring continuous improvement.
• Ability to organize, monitor, plan, and follow-through on tasks with competing deadlines.
• Ability to think critically, logically, quickly, and autonomously to propose solutions to problems.
• Actively contributes to the team to complete tasks, meet goals or manage projects.

Desired Qualifications

• Completion of IOIA Organic Handler Inspector training or equivalent, including auditor training for food quality production systems.
• Work experience with organic regulations or organic industry such as working in an organic food processing facility or at an organic certification agency.
• Experience working with complex database programs (i.e. Intact Platform) including data analysis and reporting.
• One or more years’ experience in a professional office environment or quality assurance including responsibilities such as administrative support, process improvement, and maintaining compliance with organizational standards.
• Experience working with environmental, quality assurance or food safety regulatory programs.
• Demonstrated passion and commitment to CCOF’s mission to advance organic agriculture for a healthy world.
• Knowledge and commitment to the principles of anti-discrimination.
• Experience working remotely with in-office and remote teams.

Physical and Travel Requirements

• 8-hour regular workday schedule that falls within the 7:00 am to 7:00 pm timeframe in the employee’s time zone.
• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• This position may involve opportunities to travel at least once a year for staff events, and/or to represent CCOF professionally at industry events in the US or Mexico.

Compensation

CCOF takes pride in offering competitive pay and benefits such as superb health plans, 401(k) program, and generous sick/personal and vacation time. The Handler Certification Specialist’s starting salary range will be $58,000 – $62,000 and will depend on qualifications and experience.

Hiring Process

Interested applicants, please submit the following documents:

• Cover letter summarizing your interest in CCOF and the position, and qualifications
• Current resume
• List of three professional references

Incomplete applications will not be considered. No phone calls, please. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Thank you for your interest.

CCOF is an equal opportunity employer. We prioritize community, well-being, and belonging, ensuring that everyone has a chance to contribute, develop and succeed. We encourage people with various talents and experience to apply.

Fairness is an important practice at CCOF. We are passionate about building and sustaining a work environment where all employees can thrive.