Certification Teams - Oregon Tilth

CERTIFICATION SERVICES OFFICER

Oregon Tilth is a leader in organic certification working to make our food and agriculture biologically sound and socially equitable. Who we are is based on principles that define the beliefs that guide us, the intent that shapes our vision, and the ways we engage our work and our communities. We believe our identity is unique. We believe our identity is powerful.

Oregon Tilth offers a full suite of benefits including medical, dental, and life insurance; generous paid time off including paid volunteer time; employer matching contribution to retirement plan; and the opportunity to work with a dedicated team devoted to building a brighter food future for people and planet.

SUMMARY

To be considered, please upload your resume and cover letter as one document

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The responsibilities of the Certification Services Officer include, but are not limited to, the following:

Engaged Teams – Evaluating and reviewing mid-year requests and system changes to issue decisions; evaluating and working with new client applicants to assess completeness and readiness for certification; working as a member of the team ensuring consistency and a high level of integrity and quality; and role modeling a shared vision and caring culture in alignment with our mission.
Empowered Clients – Supporting clients with mid-year requests, changes and general technical assistance; assisting new clients with onboarding and understanding of OTCO requirements; and providing timely and transparent service and communications with clients to ensure their understanding of compliance matters and procedures.
Exemplary Leadership – Proactively communicating with OTCO clients to ensure positive customer service; ensuring a positive client journey that follows the Oregon Tilth client journey map; assisting clients with use of OTCO’s online tools; and role modeling diversity, equity and inclusion.

This position is included in a union-represented bargaining unit, and specific employment terms and conditions are subject to collective bargaining.

The salary range for this position is $44,612 to $51,900 per year (depending on experience).

QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

Bachelor’s degree in relevant field or minimum 4 years equivalent work experience
Experience in professional office environment
Excellent customer service skills

PREFERRED SKILLS/EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

Experience in regulatory environment
Experience with inspector training
Experience with quality control

WORKING CONDITIONS

This position primarily works indoors. This is a fully remote work position.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

N/A

TRAVEL

This position does not require travel.

AAP/EEO STATEMENT

Oregon Tilth 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, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, genetics or genetic information, marital status, protected veteran status, disability, political belief, expunged juvenile record, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.

APPLY AND LEARN MORE

INSPECTOR (LEVEL 1 & 2) – MULTIPLE LOCATIONS

SUMMARY

To be considered, please upload your resume and cover letter as one document

We are hiring multiple inspector roles across the U.S. with the following location requirements:

Southwest (1 position): Must reside in Southwest region to primarily cover Southern California and surrounding areas.
Midwest (2 positions): Must reside in Illinois, Minnesota, or Wisconsin to primarily cover the Midwest region and surrounding areas.
Northwest (2 position): Must reside in the Northwest region to primarily cover Washington State and surrounding areas.

While these roles are generally aligned to these regions, there may be occasions where travel outside your primary region is required, based on organizational needs. We aim to keep assignments as localized as possible, but inspectors should be comfortable traveling anywhere in the U.S., and occasionally beyond, to meet client and organizational priorities.

The salary range for this position is $54,230 to $70,000 per year (depending on experience).

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The responsibilities of the Inspector include, but are not limited to, the following:

Engaged Teams – Evaluating and assessing organic system plans for completeness and accuracy; working as a member of the team to ensure consistency of certification processes with a high level of integrity and quality; supporting clients and staff by assisting with the development and delivery of instructional materials regarding on-site visits; supporting client service delivery teams by troubleshooting inspection related issues and general support of documentation and compliance needs; ensuring client files are appropriately managed and current; and role modeling a shared vision and caring culture in alignment with Oregon Tilth’s mission.
Empowered Clients – Ensuring a positive client journey that aligns with the Oregon Tilth client journey map; providing timely and transparent service and communications to clients; providing general and technical assistance regarding the certification process; engaging with clients to ensure their understanding of compliance matters and processes; assessing all relevant parts of the operation’s premises and records to determine compliance with applicable standards; ensuring a high level of service and quality; and monitoring expenses and billing to ensure cost effectiveness.
Exemplary Leadership – Demonstrating uncompromising integrity through knowledge sharing and appreciation for diversity, equity and inclusion; promoting quality certification services and positive interactions; working with certification staff to develop documents, processes and procedures that support high quality inspections and continuous improvement; professionally representing Oregon Tilth at various trade shows and events; and role modeling diversity, equity and inclusion.

This position is included in a union-represented bargaining unit, and specific employment terms and conditions are subject to collective bargaining.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

Inspector Level 1

Minimum of 1 year of relevant experience (e.g., farm operations, auditing, certification, compliance, or related work).
Knowledge of National Organic Program (NOP) standards, or a demonstrated curiosity and willingness to complete inspector training (e.g., IOIA, USDA/NOP modules).
Strong communication and computer skills, with the ability to perform basic arithmetic calculations for measurements, conversions, and recordkeeping.
Enthusiasm and willingness for extensive travel, including to rural and remote areas
Ability to work independently with minimal oversight.
Valid driver’s license and commitment to professional integrity.
Demonstrated commitment to being a lifelong learner, staying current with evolving organic standards and practices.

Inspector Level 2

Meets all Level 1 qualifications.
Minimum of 1 year of inspection experience.
Minimum 2 years of professional experience directly related to third-party certifications.
Mastery of inspector tasks, requirements, and relevant standards.
Must have direct experience conducting organic inspections.

Preferred Skills/Education/Experience