Organic Handler Certification Specialist

CCOF Certification Services, LLC Published: April 17, 2017
Location
Skill Level
Mid Level
Job Type
Full-time
Categories
Corporate Sustainability / Certification

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Description

~ CCOF advances organic agriculture for a healthy world. We advocate on behalf of our members for organic policies, support the growth of organic through education and grants, and provide organic certification that is personal and accessible. ~

CCOF is a nonprofit organization governed by the people who grow and make our food. Founded in California more than 40 years ago, today our roots span the breadth of North America and our presence is internationally recognized. We are supported by an organic family of farmers, ranchers, processors, retailers, consumers, and policymakers. Together, we work to realize a future where organic is the norm.

Position Overview

The CCOF Handler Certification Specialist reviews inspection reports, mid-year updates, and/or applications of prospective and currently certified organic food processor and handler operations, including manufacturers, co-packers, private label owners, brokers, and other post-harvest handlers involved in the production or handling of organic products.

This includes review of labels, product formulations, ingredient suppliers, food additives, production methods, equipment sanitation procedures, facility pest control plans, and audit trail documentation for compliance to the USDA National Organic Program (NOP) regulations and other organic standards.

This position does not include on-site inspections of certified organic operations and will not include field work in the future. However, there may be occasional opportunities to represent CCOF at trade shows and conferences, depending on interest and availability to travel.

Applicants must be able to work in a fast-paced office environment with significant job responsibilities. This position requires knowledge of organic production and food processing practices and the ability to work both independently and as a team with other professionals. This position also requires superior customer service skills, the ability to manage data accurately, and work within a regulatory environment. To master this position requires approximately one year, so please only apply if you are willing to make a multi-year commitment.

This is a full-time position. Candidates who will work from the Santa Cruz, CA office are preferred but we will consider remote work for candidates with previous certification or other highly relevant experience. Remote staff must travel to the Santa Cruz, CA office for an initial training period of 1-2 weeks.

Note: There are multiple positions available for Organic Handler Certification Specialists!

Responsibilities

Essential Duties:

  • Provides technical services to certified organic clients, including review and communication with certified operations about mid-year updates such as new labels, product formulations, ingredient suppliers, food additives, production methods, equipment sanitation procedures, facility pest control plans, audit trail documentation, etc.
  • Ensures timely review of client updates and inspection reports and completes a quantity of work on par with other Handler Certification Specialists.
  • Makes autonomous or semi-autonomous decisions about client compliance with USDA NOP and other organic standards and communicates those decisions to clients.
  • Provides written and verbal instructions to CCOF clients regarding compliance to all applicable standards via email, letter, phone, and occasional in-person meetings.
  • Ensures that the CCOF quality system is implemented to required standards.
  • Ensures that database records are consistent and current.
  • Works on special projects as deemed necessary by Handler Certification Leadership (Supervisor, Manager, or Director of Handler Certification) or the President.

Qualifications

Required Skills & Experience:

  • B.A. or B.S. degree or higher in applicable field, such as food science, food technology, or similar OR commensurate and relevant work experience will be considered in lieu of degree requirement.
  • One or more years’ experience in a professional office environment.
  • Competency in word processing, formatting, databases, and email using applications including Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel.
  • Excellent communication skills in writing, on the phone, and in person.
  • Excellent spelling, grammar, and sentence structure.
  • Excellent skills to organize, monitor, and track numerous activities throughout the year.
  • Comfort using a computer for multiple hours at a time.
  • Ability to work with various groups and demographics of people.
  • Ability to multi-task in a busy environment.
  • Ability to logically solve problems under pressure.
  • Strong attention to detail.

Preferred Additional Qualifications:

  • Spanish language skills sufficient to communicate in writing and on the phone with Spanish speaking clients.
  • Experience in working with environmental or food safety regulatory programs.
  • Experience working in a food processing facility.
  • Experience with organic regulations or organic industry.
  • IOIA Organic Handler Inspector training or equivalent experience.
  • Auditor training for food quality production systems or similar field.

Compensation: Salary is dependent upon experience. Competitive benefits include medical, dental, vision, paid vacation and 401k retirement plan with company match.

To Apply

  • Please click "Apply" below to email a cover letter outlining your related skills and experience along with your resume and salary requirements to CCOF Human Resources by email.
  • No phone calls please. You will be contacted only if an interview is requested.
  • Position will remain open until June 15, 2017 or until filled.

~ CCOF is an Equal Opportunity Employer ~

When you apply for this position, please say you saw this job on Green Dream Jobs!!

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