Handler Certification Specialist

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in United States.

📋 Description

• Deliver technical services to clients who are certified organic processors/handlers.

• Review and communicate updates mid-year, which include labels, product formulations, ingredient suppliers, food additives, production methods, equipment sanitation procedures, pest-control strategies, and audit-trail documentation.

• Make autonomous or semi-autonomous compliance decisions in accordance with USDA NOP and other organic standards.

• Relay compliance decisions and certification requirements to clients effectively.

• Engage in special projects as assigned by the Handler Certification leadership or the Chief Certification Officer.

• Maintain precise records within CCOF’s sophisticated proprietary database.

• Offer technical assistance concerning regulatory topics.

• Communicate with clients via email, letters, phone calls, and occasional virtual or in-person meetings.

• Review client updates and inspection reports while managing your workload independently.

• Make compliance decisions by utilizing regulatory texts and technical-support resources.

• Ensure implementation of USDA NOP, applicable standards, and CCOF Quality System requirements.

• Update and audit client databases to ensure consistency and currency.

• Attend regular staff meetings and keep abreast of internal communications.

• No supervisory responsibilities are required.

• Report to the Handler Certification Team Lead, Supervisor, or Manager.

• No on-site inspections or future fieldwork involved.

⛳️ Requirements

• A B.A. or B.S. degree or higher in food science, chemistry, or a related field, or a minimum of three years of work experience in a relevant field in lieu of the degree requirement.

• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams) and relevant database applications.

• Capability to manage emails and notifications, learn database programs, and maintain accurate records within the database.

• Clear, direct, and concise written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to provide technical support and foster trust through excellent customer service.

• Ability to articulate certification requirements and address compliance issues in a clear and professional manner.

• Exceptional attention to detail and the ability to identify and rectify errors.

• Strong organizational skills to monitor, plan, and follow through on tasks with competing deadlines.

• Ability to handle a high volume of work while maintaining auditable written/database records.

• Capability to prioritize tasks without compromising quality.

• Ability to think critically, logically, quickly, and independently to propose solutions.

• Ability to utilize internal and external resources to address unfamiliar situations.

• Willingness to contribute to team tasks, goals, and projects.

• Desired: IOIA Organic Handler Inspector training or equivalent, including auditor training for food quality production systems.

• Desired: Experience working with organic regulations or within the organic industry.

• Desired: Background in complex database programs, including data analysis, reporting, database performance, data integrity, and security.

• Desired: At least one year of experience in a professional office environment or quality assurance.

• Desired: Familiarity with environmental, quality assurance, or food safety regulatory programs.

• Desired: Commitment to CCOF’s mission and anti-discrimination principles.

• Desired: Experience collaborating with in-office and remote teams.

• Must be available for an 8-hour workday between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. in the employee’s time zone.

• Ability to sustain prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

• A cover letter, current resume, and three professional references are required for application.

🏝️ Benefits

• Excellent health plans.

• 401(k) program.

• Generous sick/personal time.

• Vacation time.

• Remote work arrangement.

• Opportunities to travel at least once a year for staff events and/or industry events in the US or Mexico.