Job Description

OVERVIEW

Who we are
CCOF advances organic agriculture for a healthy world. We advocate on behalf of our members for organic policies, support the growth of organic through education and grants, and provide organic certification that is personal and accessible.
CCOF is a nonprofit organization governed by the people who grow and make our food. Founded in California in 1973, our roots now span the breadth of North America, and our presence is internationally recognized. We are supported by an organic family of farmers, ranchers, processors, retailers, consumers, and policymakers. Together, we work to realize a future where organic is the norm.
Position summary
CCOF is expanding its Handler Certification team. The Handler Certification Specialist will provide technical services to certify organic Handler operations and new applicants, ensuring fair and equal access to organic certification. The successful candidate will have regulatory compliance and/or food industry experience and a passion for CCOF’s mission. The Handler Certification Specialist plays a key role in maintaining the organic integrity of products in the marketplace.
This is a full-time, non-exempt position that reports to the Handler Certification Team Lead, Supervisor, or Manager. This is a United States-based remote position. This position has no supervisory responsibilities.
There are no on-site inspections or fieldwork associated with this position, now or in the future.
Applications will be reviewed beginning November 2, 2026, and accepted until November 13, 2026.
Essential responsibilities
- Provide technical services to certified organic processor/handler clients, including the review and communication of mid-year updates such as new labels, product formulations, ingredient suppliers, food additives, production methods, equipment sanitation procedures, facility pest control plans, and audit trail documentation.
- Make autonomous/semi-autonomous compliance decisions under the USDA National Organic Program (NOP) and other organic standards, and communicate decisions to clients.
- Complete special projects as assigned by Handler Certification Leadership or the Chief Certification Officer.
- Maintain accurate client records in CCOF’s complex proprietary database.
Specific duties
- Provide technical assistance on regulatory topics.
- Communicate clearly and accessibly, in writing and verbally, via email, letter, and phone, with occasional virtual or in-person meetings.
- Review client updates and inspection reports in a timely manner, managing your own workload.
- Make compliance decisions from regulatory text and resources, including technical support staff office hours.
- Maintain quality and quantity of work on par with peers of similar tenure.
- Implement the USDA NOP, other organic standards, and the CCOF Quality System.
- Update and audit the client database for consistency and currency.
- Attend recurring staff meetings and monitor internal communications channels.
- Complete special projects as assigned by the Director of Handler Certification.
Required qualifications
- B.A./B.S. in food science, chemistry, or a related field, OR at least 3 years of applicable experience in lieu of a degree.
- Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams) and database programs, with the ability to manage email and notifications and maintain accurate records.
- Clear, direct, and concise communication, with technical support and trust-building customer service skills.
- Excellent attention to detail, organization, planning, and follow-through, managing competing deadlines and a high volume of work without sacrificing quality.
- Critical, logical, quick, and autonomous problem solving; resourceful and comfortable with grey areas.
- An active team contributor and listener.
Desired qualifications
- IOIA Organic Handler Inspector training or equivalent, including auditor training.
- Organic regulations and industry experience, such as an organic food processing facility or a certification agency.
- Complex database experience (Intact Platform), including data analysis and reporting, and performance and integrity/security optimization.
- 1+ years of professional office or QA experience.
- Environmental, QA, or food safety regulatory program experience.
- Passion for the CCOF mission.
- Knowledge of and commitment to anti-discrimination principles.
- Experience working remotely with in-office and remote teams.
Physical and travel requirements
The regular workday is 8 hours, to be worked within 7:00 am to 7:00 pm in the employee’s time zone. Client availability is required during CCOF business hours, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Pacific Time. The role involves prolonged sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Travel at least once a year is possible for staff or industry events in the US or Mexico.
Compensation
CCOF takes pride in offering competitive pay and benefits such as superb health plans, a 401(k) program, and generous sick/personal and vacation time. The Handler Certification Specialist’s starting salary range will be $58,000 to $62,000 and will depend on qualifications and experience.
Hiring process
To apply, submit a cover letter, a current resume, and a list of three professional references. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please, no phone calls. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
CCOF is an equal opportunity employer.