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We are currently accepting applications for the Customer Certification Specialist role to build a pool of qualified candidates for upcoming openings. Submitting your application now allows us to review your qualifications and keep you in mind as positions become available. If your background and experience match our needs, we will reach out to you when we begin actively recruiting for this role.
The Customer Certification Specialist serves as the primary contact between Where Food Comes From, Inc. and our certified organic clients. This position focuses on assessing and determining compliance of the operation’s organic system plan with organic regulations. This position is primarily office-based with some very limited travel exceptions.
Roles and Responsibilities:
Conducts technical and regulatory review of organic system plans, inspection reports and related compliance documents.
Complete complex material review of inputs/ingredients used by handler, producer and livestock operators along with product label compliance review.
Demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of the organic certification process, maintaining understanding of USDA National Organic Program regulations, as well as WFCF policies and procedures.
Assist with the development of certification policies and procedures, guidance documents and certification forms in conjunction with the Workflow Manager to maintain efficient workflow, adopt industry best practices and identify key areas for continuous process improvement.
Certification decision authority in conjunction with Compliance Manager about client compliance with USDA.
Serve as a mentor and develop and implement strategies to educate internal and external stakeholders on NOP regulations and WFCF policy.
Manages client escalations in conjunction with Workflow Manager and Compliance Manager to provide resolution.
Communicates with WFCF clients to provide written and verbal instructions regarding compliance to all applicable standards.
Work with Compliance Manager to respond to rebuttal, appeals of adverse actions and mediation determinations.
Works on special projects as assigned by Workflow Manager.
Assist with onsite inspections by completing the verification checklist and submitting all relevant information to applicable internal teams within established timelines.
Other duties as assigned.
Required Skills:
Bachelor’s Degree or higher in applicable field and/or 5 years auditing/verification/certification experience
Exceptional communication skills and heightened attention to detail
Strong sense of urgency towards customer service and task management
Self-motivated with a desire for continuous learning
Ability to multi-task and manage priorities effectively and efficiently with completing deadlines
Must have a positive, solution-oriented attitude and be a team player
Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office
Preferred Skills:
Auditing and/or verification or certification experience
Extensive knowledge of agricultural systems, with a primary focus in organic
Completion of the IOIA Basic Inspection Course(s), in the applicable scopes of Crops, Processing and/or Livestock
Familiarity with the USDA National Organic Program (NOP) rule and ROC
Practical field experience in agriculture, food science, or food production, preferably organics
Non-GMO Project verification experience
Food safety and quality standards
Able to travel throughout the region nearest to home base
Driver’s license or ability to obtain rental vehicle and travel to each location
Physical Requirements
Able to use standard computer keyboard on a frequent basis.
Able to walk up and down stairs and to sit for up to 8 hours.
Working Conditions:
Some travel required (~25%)
Additionally, due to the nature of the information handled within this position, confidentiality and avoiding conflict of interest is required. We are a company that encourages self-starters and we reward highly motivated employees. There is opportunity for growth within this position for the individual who consistently excels in their performance.
Equal Employment Opportunity:
Where Food Comes From, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
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