Certification Specialist- Crop, Livestock & Handling

                                                                                   Job Description: Certification Specialist

Certification Specialists are responsible for the review and evaluation of client files to verify compliance with the National Organic Standards. 

Reports to: Certification Team Leader                                          Department: Certification Services

Employment Status: Full-Time                                                     FLSA Classification: Exempt

Location: Remote                                                                           Revision Date: 5/25/2023

(Hiring in the following states: MN, WI, IL, IA, ME, FL, KY, PA, VA, OH)

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Uses the National Organic Standards, MOSA policy, and other appropriate resources to conduct annual and additional certification reviews for MOSA clients.
• Documents all review work appropriately, and signs and issues certification documents.
• Enforces compliance with MOSA and NOP requirements.
• Prioritizes work to ensure that reviews are performed in a timely manner.
• Ensures the assessment of fees according to MOSA’s fee schedules.
• Provides excellent customer service to clients and staff including professionalism on phones and in meetings, responds to inquiries regarding certification as needed, and participates in peer review of client letters and certification documents.

   Other Duties: 

• Evaluates materials for use in organic production or handling (materials review) and product labels for compliance.
• Follows established processes for reviewing residue test results files affected by the NOP variances and surveillance activities.
• Performs additional verification and/or certifications offered by MOSA
• Participates in the continued development of MOSA’s certification program through engagement in department communications, assessment of systems, documents, and databases, and contribution to the development of MOSA public comments for NOP notices and National Organic Standards Board recommendations and discussion documents, as requested or as needed.
• Complete a minimum of 15 hours of continuing education annually in order to maintain a comprehensive understanding of the National Organic Program, National Organic Standards, the National List, Certification Department Policy Manual, and other MOSA verifications or certifications.
• Maintains a comprehensive understanding of MOSA’s policies and procedures as outlined in MOSA’s Program Manual, Employee Manual, and MOSA’s Mission, Vision, and Values.
• Maintains familiarity with current issues affecting the organic industry. 

• Attends meetings, conferences, and training, and represents MOSA at industry events as needed or required.

• Undertakes any other tasks or duties needed or as assigned by the Certification Team Leaders or Certification Services Director.

  Inspection Duties (optional):

• Conducts annual and additional on-site inspections of certified operations, unannounced and surveillance inspections, residue samples, and peer evaluations as needed. 

Skills/Qualifications:

• Minimum of 2,000 hours of experience/education in agriculture, food processing/manufacturing, and/or organic industry experience 
• Bachelor's Degree in applicable field preferred
• Familiarity with regulatory compliance
• Strong interpersonal skills and an ability to work with a diverse client demographic 
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively. Must be able to develop a work plan and perform in a team environment.
• Ability to produce high-quality, detailed work while meeting deadlines
• Excellent reading comprehension and problem-solving skills
• Organizational, time management, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills
• Proficient with Google Suite, word processing, databases, and Internet research

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to spend long periods of time working on a computer

Inspection Requirements (optional):

• Ability to traverse uneven terrain at inspections 
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel independently to and from inspections 
• Work in outdoor weather conditions and around all species of livestock
• Occasional travel to industry events 
• Ability to transport equipment up to 30 pounds

Competitive benefits include medical, dental, vision, supplemental, flex spending, paid vacation, paid holidays, paid family, bereavement, and caregiver leave, gym membership discount, wellness reimbursement, paid sabbatical, hardship PTO bank, 401K retirement plan, short-term disability, and life insurance. We offer a friendly and flexible work environment and a strong commitment to integrity. 

MOSA is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, pregnancy, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status or any other applicable characteristics protected by law.