What are the responsibilities and job description for the Certification Specialist position at MOSA?
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: 1/20/2022
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.
Other Responsibilities:
- 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, 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.
- 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.
- 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 education or training: College degree or equivalent education/experience in an applicable field
- Previous work experience with the National Organic Standards
- Practical experience in agriculture (preferably organic) and/or the food processing industry
- Familiarity with regulatory compliance
- Strong interpersonal skills and an interest in working 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:
- Sitting and standing for long periods of time
- Typing on a computer keyboard and sitting in front of a computer for long periods of time
- Inspection requirements (optional): Ability to travel by car, walk long distances over uneven terrain and ability to work around all species of livestock
- Valid driver's license (required for inspections)
Competitive benefits for part-time positions include flex spending, supplemental insurance, paid vacation, paid holidays, gym membership discount, wellness reimbursement, hardship pto bank, and 401K retirement plan. We offer sitting/standing desks at our headquarters, a friendly and flexible work environment, challenging work, and a strong commitment to integrity. MOSA is a pet-friendly workplace and dogs often visit.
MOSA does not discriminate on the basis of disability, veteran status or any other basis protected under federal, state, or local laws.