Job Board
IOIA offers the following information as a member service. No employment is implied or guaranteed by these postings. Information will be posted for a limited time.
Job Announcement: Sustainable Agriculture Educator
The Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association announces an immediate opening for a Sustainable Agriculture Educator, who will be responsible for providing direct technical assistance to organic and sustainable farmers, developing and implementing educational programming, and coordinating OEFFA’s conference trade show. The position is based in Columbus, Ohio. The time commitment is negotiable, from a minimum of 25 hours/week to full time. Compensation is on a non-profit scale, will be commensurate with experience and qualifications, and includes health insurance, paid time off, holidays, and sick leave.
Qualifications: OEFFA’s Sustainable Agriculture Educator must have experience in organic and sustainable farming, be adept at locating appropriate information resources, appreciate both farmer knowledge and scientific research, and possess the administrative and organizational skills to successfully develop, promote, and implement educational programs.
The ideal candidate has:
- Substantial experience in organic crop or horticultural production (this is essential); additional background in organic livestock production is highly desirable
- A thorough and accurate understanding of the National Organic Program standards
- Proven excellent oral and written communication skills as well as proficiency with computers
- Previous experience working with farmers
- Proven organizational, planning, and project management skills
- A B.S. or B.A. in natural sciences, environmental education, agriculture, or related area
Responsibilities:
- Provide technical assistance to organic and sustainable farmers and collaboratively problem solve production challenges they may face
- Utilize technical expertise to design, plan, and implement various educational programs focused on sustainable and organic farming (workshops and webinars, OEFFA’s summer farm tour series, etc.)
- Facilitate a farmer-to-farmer knowledge network
- Serve as liaison between OEFFA and various other organizations (OSU-E, NRCS, OPGMA, etc.)
- Coordinate the trade show which takes place at OEFFA’s annual conference
- Provide occasional contributions to OEFFA’s publications and, as needed, assist in writing grants
How to Apply: This position is open until filled. Applications should include a cover letter, résumé, and names of three references (indicate relationship). The cover letter should address how the candidate’s experience and background meet the requirements of the position and include salary history and expectations. Applications should be addressed to Renee Hunt, Program Director, and submitted to jobs@oeffa.org.
About OEFFA: The Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association (OEFFA) is a non-profit organization founded in 1979 by farmers, gardeners, and conscientious eaters who committed to work together to create and promote a sustainable and healthful food and farming system. For more information, go to www.oeffa.org.
posted 5/23/2013
WSDA Organic Program
WSDA Organic Program is requesting bids from qualified inspectors to conduct organic farm and handling inspections in Washington, Oregon and Alaska. Thirteen different inspection packages are available for bid. Work must be completed by December 31, 2013. Proposals must be submitted via email by 5pm on May 31, 2013.
posted 5/20/2013
OMRI - Review Program Technical Manager
Overview of Position:
The Organic Materials Review Institute seeks to fill a vital role in its team with the Review Program Technical Manager. This position presents a tremendous opportunity to contribute to and participate in upholding the integrity of the organic industry.
We are looking for an organized, focused and technically capable manager for our busy and dynamic input product review program. The Review Program Technical Manager is responsible for overseeing the program’s daily operations, implementing OMRI policies and review criteria, and supervision of technical program staff. Additionally, the successful candidate will be able to fully understand applicable regulations and identify and respond appropriately to regulatory changes.
Responsibilities:
- Manage day-to-day operations of the technical review program
- Thoroughly understand and oversee implementation of OMRI policies and review criteria.
- Together with the Program Director, ensure adherence to the Quality System
- Oversee interpretation of OMRI Policies and Standards as they relate to the OMRI Review Program (ORP)
- Ensure proper handling of rebuttals by reviewers and oversee the process of appeals and mediation.
- Oversee technical and regulatory review of all product applications; Oversee resolution of technical issues.
- With the Program Director, ensure proper management of all sampling and inspections.
- Oversee customer service and correspondence with special attention to applicants whose applications are difficult or complex.
- Facilitate OMRI Review Panel meetings including oversight of adherence to OMRI Standards and Policies.
- Manage ORP tracking and reporting system including Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for product application process/pending files; with the Program Director, oversee goals and monitoring of KPIs.
- In consultation with the Program Director, identify policy or standards issues for consideration by the OMRI Advisory Council and/or Board of Directors; focus program on most important areas of investigation.
- Continually stay informed of new developments in applicable regulations and official interpretations.
- With the Review Program Administrative Manager, ensure proper management of confidential business information policy and procedures.
- Manage complaints and compliance issues that affect whole groups of products (see important areas of investigation).
- Ensure timely and appropriate handling of all other complaints.
- Represent the ORP and OMRI at appropriate trade shows and conferences.
- Provide final approval on documents or correspondence (i.e. work instructions, changes to checklists, forms and letter templates) that affect the technical ORP not covered by the Senior Reviewer (if one exists) or Review Program Administrative Manager.
- Oversee product de-listings and forfeits during review by Product Review Coordinators.
- Oversee fees, resource allocation, major projects such as process improvement, and ongoing compliance development
- Oversee Technical Review Program Staff and Review Panels
- Supervise the day-to-day work of Product Review Coordinators and Senior Reviewer (if one exists)
- Together with the Review Program Administrative Manager, coordinate and facilitate meetings of ORP staff.
- Coordinate hiring process for the various ORP staff members that this position supervises.
- Conduct periodic performance check-ins and evaluations of supervised staff.
- Conduct annual evaluations of Review Panel members.
Provide support and information to the public
- Write newsletter articles, NOSB reports, and website copy, as requested by the Program Director.
- Assist with revisions of the Policy and Standards Manual, Generic Materials List, and any other technical publications, as requested by the Program Director.
- Assist with any other areas of OMRI’s operations, as requested by the Program Director or Executive Director.
Qualifications:
Education and formal training
- Minimum of a Bachelors degree in natural resources or related fields required.
- Graduate degree in science or management preferred.
Experience
- Two or more years of project/personnel management.
- Some experience working in a regulatory environment.
- Experience in sustainable agriculture and/or natural food processing preferred.
Skills
- Strong written and oral communication skills required.
- Some proficiency with computer use (Word, Excel, Internet, and e-mail) required.
- Outstanding customer service skills.
- Demonstrated ability to manage and delegate multiple tasks, organize information, and appropriately handle confidential business information.
- Knowledge of organic industry and applicable regulations.
- Familiarity with standardized procedures such as ISO 65 preferred.
Benefits
- Full-time position with competitive salary.
- 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision plan.
- Paid vacation and sick time.
- Opportunities for flexible scheduling.
- Opportunities for training and coursework.
- Small nonprofit organization with established team and demonstrated commercial success.
- Possible travel.
- Casual, fun work environment.
Application Packet Must Include:
- A complete chronological resume
- Names and contact information for 4 references.
- A cover letter
Deadline
May 24, 2013, 5pm PST
How to apply
Submit your resume (or CV) and cover letter in English to: job@omri.org referencing Review Program Technical Manager in the subject line.
Only candidates who have been selected for an interview will be contacted.
No Phone Calls, Please.
EOE M/F/D/V
The Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) plays a critical role in the organic industry as the leading organization providing professional and transparent independent review of material inputs for use in organic production, handling, and processing. OMRI was founded as a nonprofit organization in 1997 by a partnership of certifiers, the industry, and organizations that have an interest in organic farming.
OMRI publishes its comprehensive list of OMRI Listed® products suitable for use in organic production and other reference information in print and online. Farmers, certifiers, gardeners, and agricultural professionals depend upon the OMRI lists of commercial products and generic materials permitted according to the USDA National Organic Program standards.
This job description is intended as a guide only, and does not limit in any way the duties or responsibilities of any employee. Nothing herein shall be construed as a contract of employment, expressed or implied.
posted 4/25/2013
OMRI - Product Review Coordinator
Overview of position:
We are looking to fill a key position on our team. The primary responsibility of this position is to review applications and assist in the product review program. The review program assesses which input products or ingredients are allowed for use in organic agriculture and food processing.
Qualified candidates for this coordinator position will have some background in agricultural, biological, chemical or food science with knowledge of regulatory policy, project coordination, the organic industry, and organic certification.
Major responsibilities
- Participate in on-going work of the OMRI Product Review Program.
- Coordinate technical and regulatory review of product applications, labels, and supplementary information.
- Thoroughly understand and implement OMRI policies and review criteria.
- Facilitate customer service and correspondence with special attention to applicants whose applications are difficult or complex.
- Stay informed of new developments in applicable regulations and official interpretations of organic standards and regulatory compliance.
- Data entry of product application information into database.
- Review product applications and coordinate preparation of Findings of Fact for further review by OMRI staff and the independent OMRI Review Panels.
- Coordinate preparations for, and execution of, OMRI Review Panel meetings, and provide clarification of the Findings of Fact as needed.
- In consultation with the Program Director and/or the Executive Director, identify issues for consideration by OMRI Review Panels and/or Advisory Council.
- Handle confidential business information.
- Manage complaints and compliance issues including OMRI seal misuse.
- Maintain OMRI Listed® product hard copy and electronic files.
- Participate in development of new application procedures and forms, including web-based applications.
- Represent OMRI at conferences and tradeshows of appropriate technical societies and trade associations.
- Regular administrative duties including: monthly staff reports, staff meetings, etc.
Qualifications
- Outstanding customer service skills.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks and organize information.
- Passion for organic food and farming.
- Strong written and oral communication skills.
- Familiarity with MS Office, including Access databases.
- BS in agriculture, biology, chemistry or food science. Preference for graduate degree in a related field.
- Those with significant related work experience also encouraged to apply.
Desired qualifications
- Two or more years of project coordination.
- Experience in sustainable agriculture and/or natural food processing.
- Experience handling confidential business information.
- Knowledge of organic industry and applicable regulations.
- Work in organic certification or similar experience.
- Familiarity with standardized procedures such as ISO 65.
- Spanish fluency strongly preferred.
Benefits
- Full-time position with competitive salary ($33-35,000).
- 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision plan.
- Paid vacation and sick time.
- Opportunities for flexible scheduling.
- Opportunities for training and coursework.
- Small nonprofit organization with established team and demonstrated commercial success.
- Possible travel.
- Casual, fun work environment.
Deadline
May 24, 2013, 5pm PST
How to apply
Submit your resume (or CV) and cover letter in English to: job@omri.org referencing Product Review Coordinator in the subject line.
Only candidates who have been selected for an interview will be contacted.
No Phone Calls, Please.
posted 4/25/2013
CCOF is Hiring
CCOF is looking to hire a few good, experienced people to do organic certification work.
Long-term commitment, 2 positions open. Click here for info.
posted 4/1/2013