****Certification Specialist/Inspector

Full-time, Remote position

The Organic Certification Specialist/Inspector is a full-time remote position for Baystate Organic Certifiers. The ideal candidate will be based in the eastern United States. The primary duties entail working in a collaborative environment with other remote employees, technical review of applications for organic certification and conducting on-site inspections of certified organic farms and food processing locations. The role requires a strong understanding of the USDA National Organic Standards.

Duties:

Inspection:

• - Onsite inspections of new and renewing certified farms and processors to determine compliance with the organic standards.
• - Evaluate the farm or processor's management practices, processing procedures, recordkeeping systems, and any other relevant aspects at inspection.
• - Tissue or product sample collection for residue testing as needed.
• - Comprehensive and accurate report writing for all inspections to be submitted to Baystate in a timely manner.

Technical review:

• - Review applications of crops, wild crops, livestock, and processors to determine their compliance to the organic standards.
• - Assessing applicants' adherence to organic practices, use of approved inputs, and compliance with recordkeeping protocols.
• - Complete review forms and checklists as required.
• - Review labels and packaging to verify accuracy of organic content representation and compliance to the labeling requirements defined by the organic standards as needed.

Other:

• - Administrative tasks and documentation as needed

• _- Assistance with marketing and outreach projects
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• _- Other duties as assigned
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Qualifications:

• Competency in Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Previous experience working with clients and customers in developing working relationships and building rapport.
• Reliable transportation, cell phone, and internet connection.
• Must be willing to travel for inspection and training as needed.

Requirements:

• B.A./B.S. degree or higher in an applicable field, or relevant and equivalent work experience.
• IOIA Organic Inspector training or equivalent experience preferred.
• Previous experience working with regulatory programs and/or the organic industry preferred.
• Thorough understanding of the USDA NOP National Organic Standards preferred.
• Completion of Organic Learning Center Courses is preferred.

This is a full-time position; hourly wage will be determined based on the candidate's level of experience and qualifications. Additional IOIA Organic Inspector training and on-the-job experience will be provided to the qualified candidate for this position. Baystate employees' benefits include competitive compensation, career growth and advancement opportunities within our agency, a collaborative working environment, paid vacation, personal, and sick leave, and 401k retirement plan option.

Baystate Organic Certifiers is operated by Massachusetts Independent Certification, Inc. (MIC). MIC is a non-profit business incorporated in the state of Massachusetts, dedicated to sustainable agriculture and food certification, organized as a 501(c)3 corporation. MIC provides affordable certification services to farms using sustainable agriculture practices and to food processing and handling operations that produce sustainable agriculture products. Through its Baystate Organic Certifiers program, MIC provides affordable and timely organic certifications to farmers primarily in the eastern United States, and to processors and handlers in the continental United States. Baystate Organic Certifiers certifies farms that use organic agriculture practices and certifies food processing and handling operations that produce organic agriculture products.

MIC (Baystate Organic Certifiers) prohibits discrimination in its programs on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital and family status. MIC strives to attain a diverse workforce, ensure equal opportunity, support civil rights and create a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. In support of this policy, equal employment opportunity and civil rights for all contractors, employees and clients are an essential part of all programs administered by MIC.

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