SUPERVISOR, ORGANIC CERTIFICATION PROGRAM

Code: 10824 Unknown Unknown

Official job specification

The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.

Definition

Under the direction of the Chief, Bureau of Commodity Inspection and Grading, Division of Marketing and Development, Department of Agriculture, directs the State Organic Program to include organic certification activities for the certification of organic produce, livestock, and processed products and commodities; maintains accreditation of the certification program with the National Organic Program; develops aspects of the program for the successful and continued growth of the organic agricultural and processing sector; does related work as required.

Examples of work

Administers a comprehensive organic certification program through the creation, adoption, and implementation of policies and procedures that are consistent with State and Federal law and generally recognized best organic practices. Manages accreditation by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) under the National Organic Program (NOP) and any other accrediting agency; prepares certification forms, reports, filings, and notices as necessary. Plans, develops, and administers organic certification services to producers and handlers. Evaluates applications and inspection reports based on rules, regulations, and program policies for organic food certification. Plans, develops, and administers marketing projects designed to promote, encourage, and support the production, distribution, and consumption of New Jersey certified organic products. Assesses existing organic market infrastructure and practices and recommends possible measures for improvement. Works closely with other agencies and research institutions to build the capacity and interest in organic production. Supervises Agricultural Product Agents and/or private inspectors who perform organic certification processes and procedures. Conducts on-site enforcement inspections resulting from a report of complaint of violation. Coordinates the work required under any contract, partnership or agreement with certifying agents and the state organic program. Coordinates program public relations and press activities with the Public Information Officer with respect to press releases and inquiries. Speaks at public meetings/conferences as a technical resource person to represent the agency's agricultural interest. Provides information and training regarding certification standards to new and renewing organic certification applicants, certified organic producers and handlers, and others providing services to the organic industry. Prepares and oversees the preparation of reports and correspondence containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations concerning organic certification policies and procedures including the notification of decisions and preparation of certificates, to inform agency management and other government agencies and individuals. Supervises and/or reviews requests for grant proposals; supervises the preparation of applications for same; supervises the appropriate expenditure of grant monies received. Provides technical assistance to appropriate committees or task forces. Plans, organizes, and prioritizes the work of the program and supervises the work operations. Directs the establishment and maintenance of records and files. Supervises the work operations and/or functional programs and has responsibility for employee evaluation and for effectively recommending the hiring, firing, promoting, demoting, and/or disciplining of employees. Will be required to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, and related units.

License

Applicants must possess a Certificate of Training as a Basic Organic Farm Inspector, issued by the Independent Organic Inspectors Association (IOIA) and, one other Certificate of Training in either of the following areas: Basic Organic Process Inspector, Organic Livestock Inspector, or Advanced Organic Inspector, issued by the Independent Organic Inspectors Association (IOIA). Appointees may be required to complete re-training as required. Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

Knowledge of the Federal Standards for Organic Production and Processing. Knowledge of the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990. Knowledge of the New Jersey State Organic Program rules and regulations. Knowledge of procedures, processes, and techniques used to produce, harvest, handle, package, store, and transport organic commodities. Knowledge of allowed and prohibited materials used in the production, processing, and storage of organic commodities. Knowledge of organic crop production and conventional farming practices, food processing, and food distributing systems. Knowledge of the current research in crop production, sustainable agriculture, and conventional agricultural systems. Knowledge of the methods used to review grant proposals. Ability to coordinate and supervise activities and staff. Ability to recruit and manage independent contractors and organic inspectors. Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those interested or involved in the work of the program. Ability to comprehend, interpret, and apply the laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures of the New Jersey Department of Agriculture (NJDA), the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the Federal Standards for Organic Production and Processing. Ability to effectively communicate regulatory requirements to producers, processors, and agricultural professionals such as cooperative extension service employees and academic personnel. Ability to prepare clear, sound, technically accurate, and informative reports and articles containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations. Ability to review, recommend, revise, and develop policies/procedures related to organic production and processing. Ability to participate at meetings, conferences, or work sessions dealing with organic production and processing. Ability to maintain essential records and files. Ability to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units. Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication. Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible if they can perform essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it may cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.

Note

The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed. Applicants must meet one of the following or a combination of both experience and education. Thirty (30) semester hour credits are equal to one (1) year of relevant experience. Seven (7) years of professional experience in inspecting organic production and/or handling operations under the National Organic Program, and/or organic certification administration involving the application of regulations and certification procedures, including or supplemented by twelve (12) semester hour credits in one or any combination of the following: agriculture, natural resource management, or environmental science. OR Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, including or supplemented by twelve (12) semester hour credits in one or any combination of the following: agriculture, natural resource management, or environmental science; and three (3) years of the above-mentioned professional experience. "Professional experience" refers to work that is creative, analytical, evaluative, and interpretive; requires a range and depth of specialized knowledge of the profession's principles, concepts, theories, and practices; and is performed with the authority to act according to one's own judgment and make accurate and informed decisions.