Compliance Coordinator - Organic Certifiers

Compliance Coordinator (Remote, US)

Job Description

Responsible for conducting investigations of complaints and investigation requests in accordance with OC’s Complaints and Investigation Requests Policy and Procedure. Works as part of an investigative team to determine next steps in OC investigations, and prepares and reports the final results of an investigation. This is a remote position. Must be able to work independently and as part of a team with other professionals.

Duties and Responsibilities

- Completes intake of complaints and investigation requests from the National Organic Program/CDFA, identified third parties, and anonymous third parties.

- Reviews complaints and investigation request submissions in their entirety, including but not limited to sampling results, inspection reports, and supporting documents for the allegations made.

- Processes complaints and investigation requests in accordance with OC’s Complaints and Investigation Requests Policy and Procedure, including development of the investigative plan. Peer review of the investigative plan may be required by the Senior Compliance Coordinator or the Quality & Accreditation Manager.

- Conducts investigations of complaints and investigation requests from the National Organic Program, identified third parties, and anonymous third parties in accordance with the determined investigative plan.

- Maintains and tracks complaints and investigation requests, including the timeline of activities and due dates.

- Prepares Investigation Reports in accordance with OC policy and procedures.

- Prepares Requests for Information, notices of noncompliance, and proposed adverse actions, and submits them to the Senior Compliance Coordinator for review and approval prior to issuance.

- Communicates with appropriate staff and personnel regarding activities, findings, and conclusions.

- Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

- Must have sufficient expertise in organic production or handling techniques to successfully perform the duties assigned. Sufficient expertise must include knowledge of certification to USDA organic standards and evidence of education, training, or professional experience in the fields of agriculture, science, or organic production and handling that relates to assigned duties.

- Must have the knowledge, skills, and experience required to perform certification review of operations of the scope and complexity assigned and to evaluate compliance with the applicable regulations of the USDA National Organic Program.

- Bachelor of Science degree, or five years of working knowledge and experience with the USDA National Organic Program (NOP) standards and regulations.

- Meets all qualifications listed in the Certification Specialist and Final Reviewer Job Descriptions.

- Excellent communication skills in person, on the phone, and in writing.

- Ability to clearly communicate complex and technical concepts.

- Comfort using a computer for multiple hours at a time.

- Competency in word processing, formatting, databases, and email applications, including Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel.

- Excellent skills to organize, monitor, and track numerous activities throughout the year.

Training Requirements

Prior to Formal Authorization
- Initial basic training on policies, forms, files, web system, etc.

- Monitored training period as needed to demonstrate competence.

Yearly Requirements to Maintain Authorization
- Attendance of department update meetings and review of all notifications of industry updates.

- Attendance of Annual OC Training Seminar.

- All certification review personnel continuously maintain adequate knowledge and skills in the current USDA organic standards, certification and compliance processes, traceability audits, mass-balance audits, and practices applicable to the type, volume, and range of review activities assigned.

- Certification review personnel with less than one year of certification review experience m