Overview
Certification Specialist- Processing/Handling Jobs in Spring Mills, PA at Pennsylvania Certified Organic
Pennsylvania Certified Organic (PCO) is excited to announce a position opening for Certification Specialist (CS) to join our team. As a CS, you will have responsibility for providing excellent customer service as you review organic files and determine compliance status. Experienced CS (5+ years) with processors/handlers is preferred.
PCO is a growing non-profit organization that works with farmers and food producers across the US. PCO provides organic certification services to more than 1600 operations, employs approximately 40 staff, and sub-contracts with around 50 inspectors. Our staff are dedicated to our vision: A world where agriculture systems prioritize health, ecological balance, fairness and care. and we are committed to a work culture of purpose, caring, and results.
This position is fully remote with minimal travel. The salary for this position will be $63,000 – $70,000. This position will remain open until filled. For more information on our benefits, click here.
Certification Specialist
Class: Full time, Exempt
Reports to: Certification Program Manager
Direct Reports: None
Location: Remote
Position Summary:
The Certification Specialist performs file review, which supports the certification review process responsibility of the Certification Team.
Team Statement:
The Certification Specialist is a member of the Certification Team, which has the following areas of responsibility:
Certification Review Process
Certification Policy and Procedures
Compliance and Enforcement
The Certification Specialists work focuses on all areas listed above.
Primary Duties & Responsibilities:
Certification Review Process
Review certification applications and updates, inspection reports and supporting documentation and determine compliance status as assigned by supervisor
Provide information and respond to requests for information about PCO and organic certification via email, letter, phone and occasional virtual or in-person meetings.
Complete assigned workload in accordance with Certification Review Team timelines and communicate with supervisor about delays
Serve as primary contact person for clients assigned by supervisor
Provide evaluative feedback on inspector performance
Work daily with a complex, proprietary database to perform the regular tasks of the job. Ensures that database records are consistent and current
Certification Policy & Procedure
Support the development and maintenance of certification forms and documents
Maintain an understanding of the USDA National Organic Program regulations, as well as PCO policy and procedures
As applicable, maintain an understanding of Organic Plus Trust Grassfed regulations
Implement certification policies and procedures
Compliance and Enforcement
Make autonomous or semi-autonomous decisions about clients compliance with USDA NOP Rule using accurate sources of data and communicate those decisions to clients in a timely manner
Write compliance findings, including Conditions, Notifications of Noncompliance and Adverse Actions
Perform mediations and draft settlement agreements with support from Certification Program Managers, as needed.
Monitor response deadlines for outgoing compliance, including managing reminders
Ensure compliance responses are received within applicable deadlines.
Work with Certification Program Manager to respond to rebuttals and appeals of adverse certification decisions
Participate in audits and accreditation site visits, as requested by the Quality Team
Other
Participate in Certification Team meetings
Ensure the avoidance of conflict of interest throughout the certification process and update the PCO Conflict of Interest form on an annual basis at a minimum
Serving as a representative of PCO in relevant industry areas as appropriate, and role modeling diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Represent PCO at public events, as needed
Any other task relevant to these duties or the mission of the organization as assigned by the supervisor or Certification Deputy Director
Qualifications:
Position
Bachelors degree or equivalent work experience, preferably in agriculture, biology, environmental studies, or food science.
Experience as a Certification Specialist, minimum 5+ years
Familiarity with regulatory compliance
Knowledge of the certification to USDA organic standards and evidence of education, training or professional experience in the fields of agriculture, science or organic production and handling that relates to assigned duties.
Familiarity with the certification procedure
Excellent organizational skills
Attention to detail
General
Analytical problem-solving ability
Ability to manage multiple priorities and perform within deadlines
Excellent communication and writing skills
Excellent interpersonal skills
Able to work with minimal supervision while understanding the necessity for communicating and coordinating work efforts with others. Must be able to develop a work plan and perform in a team environment.
Computer proficiency: word processing, spreadsheets, internet research, databases. Comfort using a computer for multiple hours at a time.
Performs work with utmost honesty and integrity. Criminal background check is required.
Understands and appreciates the importance of extraordinary customer service
Dedicated to PCOs mission
Physical Requirements / Working Conditions:
Climate-controlled office environment.
Ability to work for long periods of time in front of the computer.
Physical requirements of occasional lifting of less than 50 lbs and bending.
This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by
an employee occupying this position. Employees may be required to perform other related
duties as assigned, to ensure workload coverage. Employees are required to follow any other
job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by their
supervisor. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the
employer and the employee and is subject to change by the employer as organizational needs
and requirements of the job change.
Title: Certification Specialist- Processing/Handling
Company: Pennsylvania Certified Organic
Location: Spring Mills, PA
