Company description The Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA), formed in 1971, is the oldest and largest state organic organization in the country.

Mission: MOFGA is a broad-based community that educates about and advocates for organic agriculture, illuminating its interdependence with a healthy environment, local food production, and thriving communities. Job description

Overview: The MOFGA Certification Services, LLC (MCS) Inspector and Material Reviewer performs organic inspections, including applicant, annual and unannounced inspections, pesticide residue testing and generates reports and other documents. He or she will also review material inputs, for all scopes of operations, so that MCS can approve, restrict or prohibit their use by clients in organic production and handling. Staff Inspectors are expected to work with office administration and certification specialists regarding scheduling of inspections, timely return of completed files, and to relay any issues associated with the certification process of a particular client.

Direct Supervisor: Director

Position: Salaried, Federal Fair Labor Standards Act Exempt

Work Week: .8 FTE, normally 32 hours per week; some weekend and evening hours as needed

Inspector and Materials Review Requirements (~70%):

• Understands National Organic Standards as it applies to all categories of production.
• A demonstrated working knowledge of organic/sustainable crop and  livestock production. Familiarity with value-added processing of agricultural products a plus.
• Familiarity with regulatory process and inspections.
• Able to work with minimal supervision while communicating work efforts with others on staff.
• Work under time constraints (deadlines) which may be limited based upon the type of assignment.
• Understands how inputs (materials and products used in agriculture) are evaluated for compliance with the standards.
• A demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, especially in writing
• Excellent organizational skills, time management and memory for detail.
• Ability to use computers, Internet and related databases. Knowledge on Filemaker Pro is a plus.
• Must be able to handle difficult situations constructively, with objectivity and professionalism.
• Ability to directly schedule inspections in allotted time tables balancing needs of MCS and the client.
• Audit, interview, observation and intermediate math skills.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable vehicle.
• A commitment to MOFGA’s operating principles.
• IOIA training and prior organic inspection experience a plus
• College degree in agriculture or related field. Applicants with degrees in unrelated disciplines may apply if they have relevant agricultural and/or regulatory experience.
• Must be able to travel to attend meetings, training workshops and conferences, not all of which are local. Overnights a possibility.

Duties and responsibilities:

• Performs a significant percentage of MCS annual inspections.
• Generates electronic inspection reports for evaluation by MCS certification specialists.
• Reports non-compliances to MCS staff as they are discovered in the field.
• Conducts unannounced inspections including taking samples and following chain-of-custody protocol.
• Investigates complaints, allegations of non-compliances and violations.
• Evaluates material inputs for compliance with the National Organic Standards. Maintains verification records for this work. Review annually and update if necessary the material review SOP.
• Assist in the production of documents and publications such as record templates, fact sheets, and material lists.
• Assist in training of new inspectors.
• Attends MCS staff meetings and MOFGA staff meetings as appropriate or required.
• Other duties and responsibilities as deemed necessary to carry out MOFGA’s certification program and maintain accreditation with USDA.

Physical Requirements:

Ability to walk long distances over rough terrain; occasional light lifting; ability to travel long distances by car. Able to work in outdoor conditions that include all types of seasonal weather as well as inside environments where there may be loud noises or strong odors.

Compensation this position is : salaried Application instructions Deadlineno deadline