Inspection Program Coordinator

Pennsylvania Certified Organic (PCO) is excited to announce a position opening for an Inspection Program Coordinator (IPC) to join our team. The IPC is primarily responsible for coordinating and assigning inspections for all programs (e.g. organic and grass-fed) and types (e.g. unannounced, residue testing, and investigative) in a manner that achieves completion goals, and recurring inspection requirements and conducting inspections, including field evaluations, in accordance with PCO policies and procedures. Minimum 3-year experience in inspections and/or certification related roles, preferably in a regulated industry and inspection coordination experience preferred, but not required.

PCO is a growing non-profit organization that works with farmers and food producers across the US. PCO provides organic certification services to more than 1600 operations, employs approximately 40 staff, and sub-contracts with around 50 inspectors.  Our staff are dedicated to our vision: A world where agriculture systems prioritize health, ecological balance, fairness and care. and we are committed to a work culture of purpose, caring, and results.

This position is fully remote with travel. The salary for this position will be $63,000 - $68,000. This position will remain open until filled. For more information on our benefits, click here.

Inspection Program Coordinator

Class: Full-time, Exempt

Reports to: Inspections Program Manager

Location: Remote

Direct Reports: None

Position Summary:

The Inspection Program Coordinator performs coordination of inspections and supports the responsibilities of the Inspections, Certification, and Quality Teams.

Team Statement:

The Inspection Program Coordinator is a member of the Inspections Team, which has the following areas of responsibility:

1. Inspection Coordination
2. Inspections
3. Inspection Policy and Procedures
4. Inspector Personnel Management

The Inspection Coordinator’s work focuses primarily on areas 1 & 2.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities 

Inspection Coordination

• Coordinate and assign inspections for all programs (e.g. organic and grass-fed) and types (e.g. unannounced, residue testing, and investigative) in a manner that achieves completion goals, and recurring inspection requirements 
• Ensure cost-efficient use of inspection program resources including travel time and expenses
• Update and maintain PCO’s database for communicating inspection assignments
• Coordinate with the Certification Team to ensure that prioritized inspection files are available for inspection in time to meet client and inspector needs
• Serve as primary contact for contract and staff inspectors for inspection assignments, scheduling, and file management
• Track and monitor inspection reports, unannounced inspections, and residue sample submissions to ensure timely submission
• Coordinate and collect annual inspector contracts

Inspections

• Conduct inspections, including field evaluations, in accordance with PCO policies and procedures
• Maintain a high-level understanding of the inspection process and ensure all required qualifications to perform inspections are in good standing 

Other

• Assist the Inspections Program Manager with material development, inspector evaluations, inspector and staff training, policy development and other tasks as requested
• Maintain a system for inspectors to access current and relevant PCO materials
• Develop and generate reports communicating Inspection Team performance metrics
• Assist with Certification and Quality Team tasks as requested
• Participate in staff, inspections, and certification team meetings (additional meetings as needed)
• Serve as a representative of PCO in relevant industry areas as appropriate and role model diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Perform any other tasks relevant to these duties or the mission of the organization as assigned by the supervisor

Job Requirements:

• Position
  • Bachelor’s degree, preferably in agriculture, biology, environmental studies, food science, or other relevant field - or equivalent experience 
  • Knowledge of organic standards and regulations
  • Familiarity with certification procedures
  • Minimum 3-year experience in inspections and/or certification related roles, preferably in a regulated industry
  • Qualifications to conduct inspections in multiple scopes (crops, livestock, and/or processing) from IOIA or equivalent
  • Inspection coordination experience preferred
  • Competency in the subject matter of inspections being performed
  • Excellent organizational skills
  • Attention to detail
  • Ability and willingness to travel for inspections, conferences, meetings, training, and other events 
  • Ability and willingness to represent PCO at selected events
  • Valid driver’s license
• General
  • Analytical problem-solving ability
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and perform within deadlines
  • Excellent communication, writing, and interpersonal skills
  • Excellent interpersonal skills
  • Able to work with minimal supervision while understanding the necessity for communicating and coordinating work efforts with others
  • Must be able to develop a work plan and perform in a team environment
  • Computer proficiency: word processing, spreadsheets, internet research, databases, comfort using a computer for multiple hours at a time
  • Performs work with utmost honesty and integrity - Criminal background check is required
  • Understands and appreciates the importance of extraordinary customer service
  • Dedicated to PCO’s mission

Physical Requirements / Working Conditions

The bullet points below are representative of the physical demands and working environment that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions. 

• Standard / Remote office setting; proximity to office equipment that includes electronic devices.
• Must remain at a workstation for at least 50% of the time; will need to use equipment that includes electronic devices.
• Perceive and interact with text, media, and people.
• Communicate and accurately exchange information with text, media, and people.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Moderate travel required. This role requires travel by car, air, or other transportation and the employee should be able to withstand the demands of regular travel. 
• May be required to be exposed outdoors to sun and other elements.
• May be required to ambulate long distances in fields, facilities, and training locations, and/or other relevant sites.