Works with minimal supervision under the direction of an experienced reviewer and follows specific guidelines to accomplish organic certification activities statewide. Through file reviews, audits, and inspections of operations, verifies the organic system plan's ability to comply with the National Organic Program standards for new and existing clients. Visits a variety of agriculture establishments such as farms, packinghouses, markets, and warehouses to conduct field inspections, interview clients, and complete reports regarding compliance. Works directly with other program staff to achieve program goals, including but not limited to participation in public outreach, developing and implementing new policy, and maintaining accreditation. Specific program work includes extensive training-program completion before serving as a lead review specialist for the program. Assists with client applications and renewal case information with other certification staff to ensure accurate and timely certification. Assists with accurate reporting to the Organic Integrity Database. Provides program communications through website content and outreach materials. Represents the Department at regional and national meetings. Performs other duties as assigned.
JOB DUTIES:
40% - Essential - Program Coordination: Reviews organic system plans for new and existing clients in an efficient and timely manner, ensuring compliance with the NOP standards, which includes review of allowed and prohibited materials and methods. Communicates with potential and existing clients to determine certification requirements. Provides input surrounding certification steps with program team. Ensures accurate data collection and entry into program database. Conducts form and template revisions to aid in data collection and retention. Performs routine reviews of data and program processes for accuracy and in keeping with NOP standards. Assists with program updates and implementation of corrective actions and other key components of certification. Reviews web content and coordinate updates. Assists in the development of new data management tools.
30% - Essential - Certification and Compliance: Performs inspections, audits, and records reviews as assigned to determine compliance with the National Organic Program (7 CFR, Part 205). Conducts announced and unannounced inspections as assigned for National Organic Program scopes for Crops, Processing, Livestock, and Wild Crops. Assist in the investigation of suspicions or allegations of fraud based upon National Organic Program standards to ensure organic integrity and strengthen organic enforcement. Conducts unannounced inspections, records reviews, audits, and sampling during investigations. Verifies compliance and capability to comply with National Organic Program standards.
20% - Essential - Reporting: Submits accurate and thorough reports detailing the findings of each review, inspection or investigation using the appropriate Department database or application. Communicates review, inspection and investigation results with managers to expedite completion of organic certification and grant reporting. Assists in National Organic Program audit processes including peer audits, accreditation audits, annual reporting, and witness inspections. Performs timely reporting within other University-assigned data collection systems.
5% - Essential - Education and Outreach: Participates in educational programming and public outreach activities designed in organic community building. Collaborates with University staff, State agencies, or Federal cooperators to organize and attend events. Informs clients and other stakeholders about organic certification and relevant services through participation in trade shows, conferences, public events, and classroom presentations. Assists with the technical assistance to industry.
5% - Essential - Other Duties as Assigned: Carries out an assigned role, often in collaboration with other units or agencies, to meet operational goals. Develops and maintains an understanding of emergency preparedness and agroterrorism prevention strategies, such as ICS trainings and exercises, to protect the State from threats. Assists other units within the Division of Regulatory and Public Service Programs as well as other state and federal agencies as assigned. Seeks and completes training and professional development opportunities. Maintain at least minimum competency and certification levels for assigned position.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
Education - Bachelor's Degree and experience in a field related to agriculture or equivalent experience
PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS:
Education - Bachelor's Degree - Organic practices including education or life experience in agriculture
RESPONSIBILITIES:
JOB KNOWLEDGE Fundamental Job Knowledge - Fundamental working knowledge of concepts, practices and procedures and ability to apply in varied situations
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES No Supervisory Duties - Not responsible for supervising employees.
BUDGETARY RESPONSIBILITIES No Budget Responsibilities - No fiscal responsibility for the department's budget.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Education - Bachelor's Degree - Organic practices including education or life experience in agriculture
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Exposure to heat or cold Exposure to dust/fumes Wet or humid Noise Chemical hazards Overnight Travel
WORK SCHEDULE:
Standard Hrs: 37.5
JOB LOCATION:
Pendleton, SC
APPLICATION DEADLINE:
April 28, 2024
CLOSING STATEMENT:
Clemson University is an AA/EEO employer and does not discriminate against any person or group on the basis of age, color, disability, gender, pregnancy, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status or genetic information.
