Organic Standards Auditor

QIMA; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

QIMA is seeking an Organic Standards Auditor to conduct remote and field audits of organic operators across the United States. The role supports certification activities in line with organic standards and internal procedures.

You will plan audits, review documentation, perform interviews and inspections, verify traceability and mass balance, assess contamination risks, and prepare comprehensive audit reports. Travel within the U.S. is required to support field audits.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience as an Organic Auditor, Inspector, or Certification Specialist, preferably under the USDA National Organic Program (USDA NOP).
• Knowledge of additional organic standards or programs (EU Organic Regulation, Brazil Organic Regulation, Demeter, Fair Trade) is a plus.
• Experience conducting audits involving traceability, mass balance, input verification, record review, and risk assessment.
• Ability to independently conduct audits and write high-quality technical reports in English.

Responsibilities

• Conduct on-site audits and inspections of organic operators, including farms, livestock operations, processors, handlers, and other relevant scopes.
• Plan and prepare audits, including prior review of documentation, risk assessment, sampling definition, and preparation of standard-specific checklists.
• Conduct interviews, facility and field inspections, document reviews, and evidence collection.
• Verify traceability systems, mass balance records, input approvals, production records, and organic integrity controls.
• Assess risks related to contamination, commingling, fraud, prohibited substances, and other risks to organic integrity.
• Prepare clear, complete, accurate, and timely audit reports, including documentation of nonconformities and corrective action deadlines.
• Review corrective action evidence and support the certification decision-making process in accordance with internal procedures.
• Maintain up-to-date technical knowledge of regulatory changes, organic standards, and internal certification policies.

Education

Technical degree in Agronomy/Agriculture

Bachelor’s degree or higher in related field

Job description

QIMA offers solutions for the food industry from farm to fork through GFSI-recognized certifications (PrimusGFS, GLOBALG.A.P., SQF, BRCGS, IFS), third- and second-party food safety audits, ethical audits, quality seals, inspections, training, and supply chain management. We have offices in Brazil, the United States, and Mexico, and a team of auditors in several countries. Since 2019, we have been part of the QIMA Group.

Job Description

As an Organic Standards Auditor, you will conduct on-site audits of organic operators across the United States, supporting certification activities in accordance with applicable organic standards and internal procedures.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct on-site audits and inspections of organic operators, including farms, livestock operations, processors, handlers, and other relevant scopes.
• Plan and prepare audits, including prior review of documentation, risk assessment, sampling definition, and preparation of standard-specific checklists.
• Conduct interviews, facility and field inspections, document reviews, and evidence collection.
• Verify traceability systems, mass balance records, input approvals, production records, and organic integrity controls.
• Assess risks related to contamination, commingling, fraud, prohibited substances, and other risks to organic integrity.
• Prepare clear, complete, accurate, and timely audit reports, including documentation of nonconformities and corrective action deadlines.
• Review corrective action evidence and support the certification decision-making process in accordance with internal procedures.
• Maintain up-to-date technical knowledge of regulatory changes, organic standards, and internal certification policies.
• Act with professionalism, ethics, impartiality, confidentiality, and a strong commitment to quality.
• Travel frequently within the assigned region and, when required, to other areas of the United States.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience as an Organic Auditor, Inspector, or Certification Specialist, preferably under the USDA National Organic Program (USDA NOP).
• Knowledge of additional organic standards or programs, such as EU Organic Regulation, Brazil Organic Regulation, Demeter, or Fair Trade, is a plus.
• Practical experience conducting audits involving traceability, mass balance, input verification, record review, and risk assessment.
• Experience identifying and evaluating risks related to contamination, commingling, labeling, fraud prevention, and organic integrity.
• Ability to independently conduct audits and write high-quality technical reports in English.
• Experience with one or more certification scopes, including:
  • Crop production
  • Livestock production
  • Wild crop harvesting
  • Processing and handling
  • Storage, distribution, and trading activities
• Strong organizational, communication, and time-management skills.
• Availability and willingness to travel extensively for field audits.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel domestically within the United States.

Additional Information

• Technical degree, bachelor’s degree, or higher education in Agronomy, Agriculture, Animal Science, Veterinary Medicine, Food Science, Biology, Environmental Science, Sustainability, or a related field; equivalent proven experience in the organic sector or certification/audit activities will also be considered.
• Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
• This is a remote position; however, candidates must be based in one of the following hiring regions:East Coast, Midwest, or West Coast.

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