Remote Certification Specialist: Organic Compliance

Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association; Portland (ME); Remote; USD 50,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Parental Leave

Paid time off

Job summary

The Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA) is seeking a Certification Specialist to review organic system plans and inspection reports, and to assist producers through the certification process. The role requires collaboration with staff, inspectors, and program managers, with occasional travel within MOFGA’s service territory.

Responsibilities include audits, regulatory compliance, and contributing to policy development, with a strong emphasis on writing and communication.

Qualifications

• Education or experience in organic certification or regulatory compliance.
• Knowledge of USDA-NOP standards, especially for crop, maple syrup, and processing.
• Experience with organic farming, maple syrup, and food processing.
• Strong writing and communication abilities.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Proficiency with databases and collaboration platforms.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable vehicle.
• Willingness to travel within MOFGA’s service territory.
• IOIA training and prior organic inspection experience a plus.
• Future degrees in agriculture or related field are a plus.
• Must be able to travel to attend meetings, training workshops and conferences.
• Participation in MOFGA’s Common Ground Country Fair as needed.

Responsibilities

• Perform technical reviews of organic system plans. Communicates according to policy with producers about the results of these reviews.
• Review inspection reports for these same clients. Communicates according to policy with producers about the results of these reviews.
• Assist applicants by explaining the organic standards and the certification process, encouraging them to use MOFGA’s technical services.
• Pursues adverse actions with clients with colleagues’ coordination.
• Keeps track of clients; ensures auditable files are in good order.
• Conduct annual, investigative and/or unannounced inspections or residue sampling.
• Performs material review of products with MCS staff and agency affiliates.
• Investigates complaints to protect the integrity of the organic label.
• Pursues adverse actions, as necessary.
• Participates in MCS internal audits and NOP accreditation audits.
• Performs other duties to maintain MOFGA’s accreditation.

Skills

Communication skills

Writing ability

Organizational skills

Database proficiency

Driver's license

Education

College degree in agriculture or related field

Job description

The Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA) is seeking a Certification Specialist to review organic system plans and inspection reports, and to assist producers through the certification process. The role requires collaboration with staff, inspectors, and program managers, with occasional travel within MOFGA’s service territory.

Responsibilities include audits, regulatory compliance, and contributing to policy development, with a strong emphasis on writing and communication.