Farm Investigations Specialist

Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York

Farm Investigations Specialist responsible for reviewing complaints and investigations while supporting organic certification processes. Join CCOF in advancing organic agriculture for a healthier world.

Posted 6/24/2026full-timeRemote • 🇺🇸 United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $69,696 - $75,845 per yearWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Develop investigation plans and ensure consistent application of NOP regulations and Handbook.
Execute investigation and sampling plans in collaboration with the Inspection Operations Department.
Effectively manage an ongoing and dynamic workload of complaints, investigations, and positive sample results.
Review inspection reports, positive sampling results and investigation results in a timely manner.
Review high-risk client files and Major Noncompliance Inspection Reports.
Complete and send complaint reports to the CA SOP and NOP and issues resolution notices to nongovernmental complainants.
Make nuanced decisions and recommend compliance outcomes based on analysis of compliance information.
Assist in the development of investigation tools and resources, e.g. Action Item templates, Work Instructions, and Intact Platform text templates.
Provide technical services to certified organic clients, including reviewing and communicating with certified operations about mid-year updates, such as new land, input materials, suppliers, labels, etc.
Communicate with clients to provide written and verbal instructions regarding compliance to all applicable standards.
Review new certification applications, mid-year updates, and/or inspection reports to ensure timely review.
Work daily with a complex, proprietary database to perform the regular tasks of the job and to ensure that database records are consistent and current.
Ensure that the CCOF Quality System is implemented.
Work on special projects as required.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Five years’ experience as a Farm Certification Specialist including demonstrated leadership/expertise or equivalent experience in a similar role or equivalent relevant industry experience.
Understanding of organic certification standards including familiarity with the National Organic Program (NOP) regulations, certification processes, and certification requirements.
Strong computer proficiency in Microsoft Office suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, Power Point, Teams) and database programs. Able to effectively manage emails and notifications, learn database programs, and maintain accurate database records.
Ability to think critically, logically, and autonomously through complex investigations to propose solutions to problems. Comfortable navigating grey areas, asking for help when needed.
Highly organized, motivated, with a strong attention to detail to manage and prioritize multiple complex cases simultaneously. Focuses attention on providing consistent decisions for complaints and investigations.
Clear, direct, and concise written and verbal communication skills with the ability to work with various groups and demographics of people. Proficiency providing technical support and building trust through customer service. Capable of effectively conveying certification requirements to clients, ensuring standards are met, and addressing compliance issues with clarity and professionalism.
Team Collaboration. Actively contributes to team success by completing tasks, meeting goals, and supporting and sharing responsibility for the work. Demonstrates respectful collaboration by actively listening to colleagues and valuing different ideas. Ability to provide and receive constructive feedback.
B.A. or B.S. degree or higher in agriculture or related field, or equivalent relevant work experience in lieu of degree requirement.

Benefits

Comp & perks

superb health plans
401(k) program
generous sick/personal and vacation time

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

investigation planningcompliance analysisorganic certification standardsdatabase managementreport reviewsampling planstechnical servicesproblem-solvingattention to detailproject management

Soft Skills

critical thinkingorganizational skillscommunication skillsteam collaborationcustomer serviceautonomymotivationadaptabilitylistening skillsconstructive feedback