Handler Certification Specialist

CCOF; United States; Remote; USD 60,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is looking for a dedicated Handler Certification Specialist to join their growing team. This role offers the chance to make a significant impact on organic integrity in the marketplace by providing essential technical services to clients. You will engage with a diverse range of clients, ensuring they navigate the certification process smoothly and effectively. The position is fully remote, allowing you to work from anywhere in the United States, while still being part of a mission-driven organization committed to advancing organic agriculture. If you have a passion for food science and regulatory compliance, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Benefits

Health Plans

401(k) Program

Generous Sick/Personal and Vacation Time

Qualifications

• Degree in food science or chemistry, or equivalent experience.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office and database applications.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical services to certified organic clients.
• Make compliance decisions based on USDA NOP and organic standards.
• Maintain accurate client database records.

Skills

Regulatory Compliance

Technical Communication

Attention to Detail

Critical Thinking

Team Collaboration

Education

B.A. or B.S. in Food Science or Chemistry

3+ years of relevant work experience

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Database Programs

Job description

Who we are: CCOF advances organic agriculture for a healthy world. We advocate on behalf of our members for organic policies, support the growth of organic through education and grants, and provide organic certification that is personal and accessible.

CCOF is a nonprofit organization governed by the people who grow and make our food. Founded in California 50 years ago, our roots now span the breadth of North America, and our presence is internationally recognized. We are supported by an organic family of farmers, ranchers, processors, retailers, consumers, and policymakers. Together, we work to realize a future where organic is the norm.

Position Summary:

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 April 14, 2025.

Essential Responsibilities:

1. 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.
2. Make autonomous or semi-autonomous decisions about client compliance with USDA NOP and other organic standards and communicate those decisions to clients.
3. 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.
4. Maintain accurate client database records in CCOF’s complex, proprietary database.
5. Provide technical assistance on regulatory topics to CCOF clients.
6. 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.
7. Review client updates and inspection reports in a timely manner by independently managing workload.
8. Make compliance decisions based on regulatory text and other resources, including technical support staff office hours.
9. Complete a quality and quantity of work on par with other Handler Certification Specialists of similar tenure.
10. Ensure that USDA NOP and other applicable standards and CCOF Quality System requirements are implemented.
11. Update and audit client database ensuring that client database records are consistent and current.
12. Attend recurring staff meetings and monitor internal communications to maintain updated knowledge of current topics, updates, and announcements.
13. Work on special projects as deemed necessary by the Director of Handler Certification.

Required Qualifications:

1. 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.
2. Strong computer proficiency in Microsoft Office suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, Power Point, Teams) and other relevant applications like database programs.
3. Clear, direct, and concise written and verbal communication skills with the ability to work with various groups and demographics of people.
4. Demonstrates excellent attention to detail by identifying and resolving errors, ensuring continuous improvement.
5. Ability to think critically, logically, quickly, and autonomously to propose solutions to problems.
6. Actively contributes to the team to complete tasks, meet goals or manage projects.

Desired Qualifications:

1. Completion of IOIA Organic Handler Inspector training or equivalent.
2. Work experience with organic regulations or organic industry.
3. Experience working with complex database programs.
4. Demonstrated passion and commitment to CCOF’s mission to advance organic agriculture for a healthy world.

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. This ensures client contact availability during most normal CCOF business hours (8:00 am – 5:00 pm Pacific Time). 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 $60,000 – $62,000 and will depend on qualifications and experience.

Hiring Process: Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Interested applicants, please submit the following documents:

1. Cover letter summarizing your interest in CCOF and the position, and qualifications
2. Current resume
3. 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.