Organic Certification Reviewer

About Us: Quality Certification Services is the certification body of Florida Certified Organic Growers and Consumers Inc., a nonprofit organization that began certifying organic growers in 1987 and received its USDA accreditation in 2001. As an industry leader with more than 35 years of experience in certification, QCS has clients in 39 states and 20 countries, meeting the needs of operations regardless of type, location, or size in the ever-expanding worldwide market.

To apply for this job, send your resume to careers@qcsinfo.org or submit your resume through Indeed. You must also fill out our questionnaire at the following link: https://forms.office.com/r/HbmMJN2vzK

Your resume will not be reviewed if you do not fill out the questionnaire.

JOB SUMMARY:

Responds to client questions regarding the Organic Certification processes and educates clients on the services provided. Reviews client applications for accuracy in completion and compliance with rules, regulations, and standards that govern Organic Certification. Conducts basic certification and verification reviews per company policies and guidelines. Assists other staff in the certification review process as needed. Performs other duties as requested by manager.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

· Respond to questions from applicants regarding the certification process and general agricultural questions regarding organic farming, and handling or processing of organic products.

· Complete training in National Organic Programs (NOP) and relevant International Trade Agreements/Arrangements and is well versed in subject matter.

· Conduct To Be Reviewed (TBR) express reviews.

· Conduct simple initial review applications for completeness and compliance with regulatory standards.

· Conduct simple to moderate label reviews of ingredients, processing aids, and product labels for compliance with regulatory standards.

· Review assigned inspection reports for compliance with regulatory standards.

· Make certification recommendations under the guidance of manager.

· Issue minor non-compliances and adverse actions as necessary; as approved by manager.

· Evaluate corrective action plans for compliance and implementation and issue approved certifications as assigned by management.

· Assist Tier 2 and Tier 3 Certification Reviewers as needed.

· Learn and obtain knowledge in other scopes of reviews.

· Review information concerning certification on a regular basis to ensure current knowledge of the interpretation of standards and policies.

TEAM RESPONSIBILITIES:

· Present a positive disposition when interacting with clients, build and maintain client satisfaction, and seek ways to improve service delivery.

· Follow fiscal guidelines, regulations, principles, and standards; seek ways to reduce cost.

· Support the company mission in supporting and promoting organic and sustainable agriculture and the company’s services and programs. Link mission, vision, values, goals, and strategies to everyday work.

· Adhere to a set of core values that are represented in decisions and actions. Earns other’s trust and respect through consistent honesty and professionalism in all interactions.

· Seek and acquire new competencies, work methods, ideas, and information that will improve own efficiency and effectiveness on the job.

· Diligently attend to details and pursue quality in accomplishing tasks.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

· Help others navigate complex or sensitive issues, keeping the client’s best interest in mind as well as the integrity of the standards.

· Interpret complex, technical, professional, legal information, publications or regulations.

· Measure distance, area, volume and weight using standard tools and mathematical formulas to calibrate and determine unit conversion.

· Apply logic and complex layers of rules and regulations to analyze and categorize complicated information. Break down complex information into component parts so others understand.

EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE:

• Requires Bachelor degree in agriculture, food safety, biology, chemistry or other relevant field of study or a combination of education and relevant work experience are required. Prefer technical knowledge of organic farming in the area of crop, livestock, processing or related area and knowledge of the National Organic Program, but not required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

· Ability to understand, interpret, and communicate technical aspects of organic processes, regulations, and standards.

· Ability to research information for multiple sources and identify, collect, and organize data for decision making.

· Adapts to changing business needs, conditions, and work responsibilities; and works with a variety of situations, individuals, groups, and varying customer needs.

· Prioritizes tasks by importance and deadlines and adjust priorities as situations change.

· Strong client service orientation, interpersonal skills and relationship building required.

· Requires exceptional verbal and written communication and outstanding presentation skills.

· Proficient in MS Office applications and ability to utilize other software programs as needed.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Environment:

Work is performed in a well-lighted, heated and / or airconditioned indoor office setting with adequate ventilation. There is moderate noise with business computers, printers, phones, etc.

Physical Activity and Ability:

· Work requiresSedentary physical activity performing non-strenuous daily activities of an administrative nature.

· Must have the ability to sit for long periods of time and talk and hear/ listen throughout the work period.

· Must have the manual dexterity sufficient to reach/handle items and work with fingers.

· Must be able to see at close distance with clear vision at 20 inches or less, and have color vision with ability to distinguish colors on a computer screen. (review color labels, charts, graphs, etc.).

· Must be able to walk, stand, and reach with hands and arms to perform work.

· Requires lifting 20 lbs. as needed.

All job requirements are subject to possible revision to reflect changes in the position requirements or to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. This job description in no way states or implies these are the only duties which will be required in this position. Employees will be required to follow other job-related duties as requested by their supervisor/manager (within guidelines and compliance with Federal and State Laws.) Continued employment remains on an “at-will” basis.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $45,000.00 - $55,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Experience level:

• 2 years
• No experience needed

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Work setting:

• Remote

Work Location: Remote