The Customer Certification Specialist is a crucial part of the Where Food Comes From Organic division which includes collaboration with team members that oversee various certification/verification claims. These claims include, but are not limited to, USDA Organic, Regenerative Organic Certified, Non-GMO Project Verified, and Gluten Free certification. The Organic Customer Certification Specialist serves as the primary contact between Where Food Comes From, Inc. (WFCF) and our certified organic clients. This position focuses on assessing and determining compliance of the organic system plan with organic regulations.
Roles and Responsibilities:
- Conducts technical and regulatory review of organic system plans, inspection reports and related compliance documents.
- Complete 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 to maintain efficient workflow, adopt industry best practices and identify key areas for continuous process improvement.
- Certification decision authority in conjunction with managers about client compliance with USDA organic regulations.
- Manages client escalations in conjunction with the Director of Organic Operations and Accreditation & Investigations Manager to provide resolution.
- Communicates with WFCF clients to provide written and verbal instructions regarding compliance to all applicable standards.
- Work with The Accreditation & Investigations Manager to respond to rebuttal, appeals of adverse actions and mediation determinations.
- Works on special projects as assigned by the Director of Organic Operations.
- Identifies opportunities for client growth in bundled program(s) and claim(s).
- 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.
- Maintains alignment with Where Food Comes From, Inc.'s Mission, Purpose, and Values.
Preferred Skills:
- Auditing and/or verification or certification experience.
- Extensive knowledge of agricultural systems, with a primary focus in organic.
- Completed trainings from IOIA, Accredited Certifiers Association, or National Organic Program Organic Learning Center.
- Familiarity with the USDA National Organic Program (NOP) regulations, Non-GMO Project Verified Standard, or other animal protein or consumer packaged goods verification programs.
- Practical field experience in agriculture, food science, or food production, preferably organics.
- Food safety and quality standards experience.
- Able to travel throughout the region nearest to home base with interest in performing audits or inspections.
- 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.
- Ability to sit for extended periods while working at a computer.
- Frequent use of hands to operate office equipment, including computers and phones.
- Visual acuity to read detailed data on a computer screen.
Working Conditions:
- Remote based position.
- Minimal travel required.
- Able to use standard computer keyboard on a regular basis.
- Able to walk up and down stairs and climb as needed at client locations.
- Able to sit for up to 8 hours.
- Able to bend, kneel, and reach overhead.
- 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.