Certification Jobs

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

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

The Certification Officer works as part of a client service delivery team to provide customer service and issue certification decisions. The Certification Officer focuses on assessing and determining compliance of the operation’s organic system plan with organic regulations, evaluating inspection reports, and writing/issuing reports to our clients. The Certification Officer provides customer service and works collaboratively within the client delivery teams.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

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

• Engaged Teams – Evaluating and reviewing inspection and post-inspection documents, mid-year requests and system changes to issue certification decisions; working as a member of the team to ensure consistency of certification processes with a high level of integrity and quality; role modeling a shared vision and caring culture in alignment with our mission.
• Empowered Clients – Providing timely and transparent service and communications with clients to provide answers to questions and general assistance regarding the certification process; providing technical assistance to clients; and engaging with clients to ensure their understanding of compliance matters and process.
• Exemplary Leadership – Ensuring a positive client journey that follows the Oregon Tilth client journey map; demonstrating uncompromising integrity through knowledge sharing and appreciation for diversity, equity and inclusion; striving for continuous improvement; promoting quality certification services and positive interactions; and role modeling diversity, equity and inclusion.

The salary range for this position is $56,000 to $68,000 per year (depending on experience). 

QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field or minimum 4 years equivalent work experience
• Experience working in professional office environment
• Certification Officer Level 2
  • All of the above
    Minimum 2 years professional experience directly related to third-party certifications
  • Mastery of certification officer tasks, requirements, and relevant standards

PREFERRED SKILLS/EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

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

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

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

The Certification Operations Administrator works as part of the client service delivery team to provide administrative support to ensure the smooth and efficient daily operations of the team. The Certification Operations Administrator produces analytical reports to ensure optimal delivery of service, assigns work to team members in the database and supports clients and team members with general needs. 

The salary range for this position is $40,500 to $47,000 per year (depending on experience). 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The responsibilities of the Certification Operations Administrator include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Engaged Teams – Providing overall administrative support to the client delivery team; coordinating team activities and meetings; creating and distributing agendas and meeting notes; providing reports to team to inform key organizational indicators (KOIs), metrics, and/or client issues; assigning work for the client portfolio; processing incoming inspection reports and renewal applications; monitoring and processing certification eligibility and changes (i.e. transitional field certifications, surrenders, suspensions, etc.); setting up new client accounts and services ensuring MYOTCO access; providing regular certification reports and sending notifications of adverse action for timely response and update; monitoring the adverse action process of the client portfolio; and ensuring client records in the database are clear, consistent, and appropriately managed.
• Empowered Clients – Providing timely and transparent service by sending communications regarding certification decisions to clients including decision letters, certificates, adverse actions, etc.; providing support to clients with assistance in answering questions and general support as needed; and sending mass communications to operators as needed.
• Exemplary Leadership – Engaging in continuous improvement by ensuring consistent data entry and file management practices are used by the team; communicating with the Certification Services Supervisor regarding any issues of data inconsistency; serving as the team liaison to other organizational departments to troubleshoot issues; and role modeling diversity, equity and inclusion. 

QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

• Associate’s degree or minimum of 4 years equivalent work experience.
• Demonstrated attention to detail with a high level of accuracy.
• Strong database skills • Excellent writing and communication skills.

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

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

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

• Experience with organic inspections, auditing, or regulatory compliance.
• Experience in agriculture or food science.
• Fluency in Spanish (written and verbal) is a plus.
• Comfort with inspection software, digital tools, or GIS mapping.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

This position requires the following:

• Ability to lift 50 pounds or less
• Standing for long periods of time
• Walking long distances
• Maneuvering through challenging terrain or awkward production environments

WORKING CONDITIONS

This position primarily works in various indoor and outdoor conditions. 

TRAVEL

This position requires extensive local and non-local travel in all weather conditions (approximately 85% of 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.

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

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

The Inspector works with certification staff and clients to assess overall compliance of operations to regulatory standards through on-site observations and evaluation. The Inspector travels to conduct interviews of operations, audits records, and provides technical assistance to support the needs of clients in the area of inspection. The Inspector works with certification staff to enhance the program through continuous improvement.

The salary range for this position is $54,000 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.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field or minimum 4 years equivalent work experience
• Experience working in professional office environment
• Strong attention to detail
• Strong communication skills
• Inspector Level 2
  • All of the above
  • Minimum 2 years professional experience directly related to third-party certifications
  • Mastery of Inspector tasks, requirements and relevant standards

PREFERRED SKILLS/EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

• Experience working in a regulatory environment
• Experience with inspections and auditing
• Experience in agriculture or food science

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

The Inspector works with certification staff and clients to assess overall compliance of operations to regulatory standards through on-site observations and evaluation. The Inspector travels to conduct interviews of operations, audits records, and provides technical assistance to support the needs of clients in the area of inspection. The Inspector works with certification staff to enhance the program through continuous improvement. 

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 $54,230 to $70,000 per year depending on experience. 

QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum of one-year relevant inspection experience
• Strong computer skills beyond basic proficiency
• Mathematical skills equivalent to, or exceeding, post-secondary education level
• Strong attention to detail
• Strong communication skills
• Inspector Level 2
  • All of the above
  • Minimum 2 years professional experience directly related to third-party certifications
  • Mastery of Inspector tasks, requirements and relevant standards

PREFERRED SKILLS/EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• Fluency in Spanish (both written and verbal) is a plus!
• Experience working in a regulatory environment
• Experience with inspections and auditing
• Experience in agriculture or food science
• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field or minimum 4 years equivalent work experience