Organic Certification Specialist/Inspector
The Minnesota Crop Improvement Association seeks qualified candidates for the position of Organic Certification Specialist/Inspector. Organic certification activities include information collection and distribution, record creation, application reviews, on-site inspections, final reviews, writing certification decision letters, and more. Position requirements are described in the Job Description, below.
This is a full-time position. The MCIA office is located on the Saint Paul campus of the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. Qualified candidates who live in our inspection area (Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, eastern North Dakota, eastern South Dakota) will be considered for hybrid or remote office set-up. We offer a competitive salary and full benefits package.
Job Description: Organic Certification Specialist/Inspector
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Understand and be able to apply the National Organic Standards and MCIA policies as a reviewer and inspector.*
- Possess and exercise advanced knowledge of the organic certification rules formalized by the USDA National Organic Program.*
- Exercise consistent discretion and judgment in evaluating inspections and make final organic certification decisions.*
- Review and prepare files for inspections; schedule and conduct on-site inspections.*
- Prepare and distribute files, background information, and other support materials to organic inspectors to ensure inspections are completed at appropriate times.*
- Prepare and distribute organic certification application materials to new and renewing clients. Provide customer service by explaining organic certification requirements and providing informational resources via phone or written communications.*
- Review organic system plans and evaluate inputs for compliance to certification requirements.*
- Maintain up-to-date records of organic certification activities by updating database and hard copy files.*
- Monitor certification progress weekly to ensure adherence to timelines.*
- Coordinate and serve on organic certification committees, assign committee members, schedule meetings, distribute required information and record committee actions.
- Prepare, distribute, and/or submit seasonal/annual reports to organic clients and regulatory agencies.
- Contribute to ongoing organic program improvement through form modifications, certification process streamlining, and other program enhancements.
- Promote MCIA organic certification services through participation in outreach activities to the organic industry including development of promotional pieces and attendance at industry events.
- Perform miscellaneous other duties as required.
*Essential Functions
Qualifications:
Minimum Qualifications
- High school diploma or GED required.
- Two years of inspection or production experience in agriculture or food industry.
- Valid driver’s license.
Preferred Qualifications
- B.S. in agriculture or business.
- Completion of formal organic inspector training.
- Three years’ experience in organic inspection and certification.
Skills/Physical Demands:
- Accurate, efficient, and detail oriented.
- Strong interpersonal, written, communication, and organizational skills.
- Strong computer skills and working knowledge of Microsoft 365.
- Handle confidential information with great sensitivity, good reasoning abilities, and sound judgement.
- Ability to work with limited supervision, highly self-motivated.
- Ability to multitask and prioritize tasks on a regular basis.
- Familiarity with organic systems in crop, livestock, and food processing.
- Willingness to travel, must possess a valid driver’s license.
- Promote and ensure excellence in customer service.
- Promote good work ethics, positive attitude, and team-work environment.
Interested individuals should submit a letter of interest and resume to employment@mncia.org or mail to Fawad Shah, MCIA, 1900 Hendon Ave, Saint Paul MN 55108.
Minnesota Crop Improvement Association is an EEO Employer.
Organic Administrative Specialist
Minnesota Crop Improvement Association seeks qualified candidates for the position of Organic Administrative Specialist, which supports the day-to-day operations of MCIA’s Organic Services department. This full-time position offers a competitive salary and full benefits. The position is located at the MCIA Office on the St. Paul campus of the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. Position requirements are described in the Job Description, below.
Job Description: Organic Administrative Specialist
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Answer and direct phone calls. Answer client inquiries within subject area*
- Prepare and distribute organic certification application materials to new and renewing clients.*
- Process application materials upon receipt.*
- Record customer payments. Investigate and resolve discrepancies. Send invoices.*
- Conduct an initial review of application materials.*
- Receive and process inspection reports.* Send inspector invoices to accounting.
- Assist in updating Field History Sheets, Material lists, and Organic System Plans, as requested.*
- Assist with client correspondence, including mailings.* Prepare client correspondence for organic services manager.
- Produce organic certificates from OID.*
- Process surrender and withdrawal requests.*
- Maintain up-to-date records of organic certification activities by updating database and hard copy files.*
- Run and distribute weekly certification progress reports, as requested, to ensure adherence to timelines.
- Assist in preparing, distributing and/or submitting seasonal/annual reports to organic clients and regulatory agencies.
- Contribute to on-going organic program improvement through form modifications, certification process streamlining, and other program enhancements.
- Provide input to improve current organic database.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
*Essential Functions
Minimum Qualifications
- High school diploma or GED required.
- Postsecondary degree/certificate or two years relevant administrative experience.
Preferred Qualifications
- Background in organic agriculture or business.
- Five or more years work experience in supporting day-to-day operations of an office or business.
Skills/Physical Demands
- Strong interpersonal, written, communication, and organizational skills.
- Strong computer skills and working knowledge of Microsoft 365.
- Ability to handle confidential information with great sensitivity, good reasoning abilities, and sound judgement.
- Ability to work with limited supervision, highly self-motivated.
- Ability to multitask and prioritize tasks on a regular basis.
- Accurate, efficient, and detail oriented.
- Promote and ensure excellence in customer service.
- Promote good work ethics, positive attitude, and teamwork environment.
- Ability to work well in a dynamic and ever-changing environment.
Interested individuals should submit a letter of interest and résumé by email to fawad.shah@mncia.org.
Minnesota Crop Improvement Association is an EEO Employer.
Organic Contract Inspectors
MCIA’s Organic Services department is always interested in working with organic contract inspectors. MCIA certifies organic operations in Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. To be considered, please send a letter of interest and your resume to: fawad.shah@mncia.org.
Minnesota Crop Improvement Association is an EEO Employer.