Work Week: This is a full-time position; 40 hours per week; some weekend and evening hours as needed.

Salary Range: This position is salaried and considered Exempt under the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act. The employee is not eligible for overtime payment. The starting salary range for this position is $42-$46,000 annually, dependent upon experience. MOFGA has an excellent benefits package including medical, dental and vision insurance, paid parental leave, and sabbatical policy (8 weeks after 7 years of employment). Employees receive a generous time-off package including paid vacation and sick time, three personal days, and 14 paid holidays annually, with additional paid holiday time at the end of the year. MOFGA closes its office for one week in July and December and staff are paid during these closures.

Location: This position is remote, requiring travel within MCS’ service territory, and off-site visits to clients. The service territory includes the entire state of Maine, the state of New Hampshire, and the northeastern areas of Massachusetts. Our offices are located in Unity, Maine and inspectors are welcome to work from this office as much as they like. Will need to travel to Unity for occasional meetings, and the Common Ground Country Fair. This position is required to be based within the service territory.

Preferred Qualities of the Inspector:

• Familiarity with the National Organic Program regulations as it applies to all categories of organic and conventional production.

• A demonstrated working knowledge of organic/sustainable food production. Familiarity with livestock and value-added processing of agricultural products a plus.

• Familiarity with regulatory processes and the role of inspections.

• Ability to manage their own schedule and prioritize their work with regards to the needs of the team and seasonal nature of inspecting. Ability to work remotely and under time constraints and to meet deadlines, depending upon the type of assignment or required by MCS policy.

• Ability to communicate effectively, especially in writing.

• Excellent organizational skills, including: time management, attention to detail, and the ability to recall from memory or detailed notes.

• Excellent interpersonal skills.

• Ability to independently use computers, internet and related databases, and video conferencing technology.

• 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, observational and intermediate math skills, as well as a memory for detail.

• Valid driver’s license and reliable vehicle (necessary to complete job duties).

• Must be able to travel to attend meetings, training workshops and conferences, not all of which are local. Overnights are expected for efficiency.

• Due to the geographic scope of MCS’ service area, the inspector must be based within the service territory.

• IOIA training (or equivalent) and prior organic inspection experience preferred.

• College degree or equivalent experience in agriculture or related fields. Applicants with degrees or experience in unrelated disciplines may apply if they have relevant agricultural and/or regulatory experience.

  Duties and responsibilities:

1. Performs a significant percentage of MCS annual inspections (one-fifth of total inspections annually, at least 100) across all of MCS’ programs.

2. Generates electronic inspection reports for evaluation by MCS certification specialists.

3. Reports non-compliances to MCS staff as they are discovered in the field.

4. Conducts unannounced inspections and takes pesticide residue samples, following chain-of-custody protocols.

5. Investigates complaints, allegations of non-compliances and violations, as needed.

6. Assist in the production of documents and publications such as policies, report templates, newsletter articles, and fact sheets. Leads annual inspector training.

7. Trains and evaluates inspectors employed and contracted by MCS.

8. Attends MCS staff meetings and MOFGA staff meetings and trainings as appropriate or required.

9. Participate in and support MOFGA’s Common Ground Country Fair held each September.

10. At slower times of the year (typically December-March), assist other program areas at MCS, including administration and operations, inspection planning, and file review work.

11. 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 drive and 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. Ability to sit for long periods to participate in meetings and conduct organic inspections, whether in person or over video conference platforms.