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ORGANIC CERTIFICATION PROGRAM ADMINISTRATOR

ADMINISTRATOR I

Recruitment #22-002586-0077

Introduction

This is a permanent State position with full benefits, ideal for someone who has training and knowledge of organic regulations, agricultural practices, data management and quality management systems.

GRADE

16

LOCATION OF POSITION

Maryland Department of Agriculture Headquarters - Annapolis, Maryland

Main Purpose of Job

Oversee and manage the Organic Certification subprogram within the Food Quality Assurance Program, to ensure that all federal and state policies, regulations, and procedures are implemented and program activities are uniformly performed by all employees. Develop, implement, maintain and coordinate program data management systems with MDA, State and Federal systems.

POSITION DUTIES

Oversee and manage the Organic Certification Program by analyzing USDA Organic Certification accreditation requirements, National Organic program policies and regulations and Agency policies and regulations to develop and implement a Quality Assurance Program and Standard Operating Procedure (SOP).  The SOP will incorporate elements to monitor program compliance and corrective actions, inputs review and approval, certification decisions, issuance of non-compliances and suspensions, and inspections.  Assign inspections to other employees, and initiate compliance actions for the statewide organic certification program that provide effective and efficient service to the organic industry and are in compliance with State, Federal, Agency and other Departmental requirements.

Independently review organic systems plans, products for certification, and labels submitted by producers and processors for compliance with regulations and program policies; and review inspection to evaluate compliance. Take regulatory action as necessary to secure compliance with the National Organic Program regulation requirements.

Develop implement, maintain and coordinate the transition of department wide software databases/spreadsheets that include the necessary data elements and queries to generate reports for multiple subprograms within Food Quality Assurance. Provide website updates, and instruction to other program employees on use of the systems.

Develop and maintain standard operating procedures and policies for the Food Quality Assurance Program's administrative functions, such as fiscal and records management, that effectively manage workflow and incorporate state, federal, agency and program requirements.

The incumbent of this position will be required to complete related training, meet continuing education requirements, and maintain required USDA licenses.  May perform relief assignments at shell egg plants, grain facilities and conduct Good Agricultural Practices audits. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Experience:   Eight years of experience in administrative staff or professional work.

Notes:

1. Candidates may substitute the possession of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and four years of experience in administrative staff or professional work for the required experience.

2. Candidates may substitute additional graduate level education at an accredited college or university at the rate of 30 credit hours on a year-for-year basis for the required experience.

3. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer involving staff work related to the administration of rules, regulations, policy, procedures and processes, or overseeing or coordinating unit operations or functioning as a staff assistant to a higher ranking commissioned officer on a year-for- year basis for the required experience.

SELECTIVE QUALIFICATIONS

Applicants must meet the selective qualification(s) to be considered. Include clear and specific information on your application regarding your qualifications.

One year of database management experience which includes maintaining data and electronic files, and generating queries and reports.

DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Preference will be given to applicants who possess any one or more of the following preferred qualification(s). Include clear and specific information on your application regarding your qualifications.

  • Experience working with National Organic Program (NOP) regulations, either as an organic producer or in related employment.  (NOP is a federal regulatory program that develops and enforces consistent national standards for organically produced agricultural products sold in the United States.)
  • Experience conducting compliance reviews, handling complaints, and taking regulatory actions related to agricultural commodities or similar products.
  • Experience utilizing Microsoft Word and Excel programs to produce certificates or other official documents.
  • Experience conducting inspections for compliance with National Organic Program (NOP) regulations, or other State or Federal regulatory program.  

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS

Employees in this classification may be assigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle. Employees assigned such duties will be required to possess a motor vehicle operator's license valid in the State of Maryland.

SELECTION PROCESS

Please make sure that you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment. All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date. We will not consider information submitted after this date. Successful candidates will be ranked as Best Qualified, Better Qualified, or Qualified and placed on the eligible (employment) list for at least one year.

BENEFITS

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

For questions concerning this recruitment, please contact:  Mary Darling at 410-841-5847 or mary.darling@maryland.gov.

The online application process is STRONGLY preferred. If you are unable to apply online, you may mail a paper application to: Maryland Department of Agriculture  Human Resource Office, Room 304, 50 Harry S. Truman Parkway,  Annapolis, MD  21401. Resumes will NOT be accepted in lieu of completing the online or paper application. All paper applications must be received by the closing date, no exceptions.  (Postmarks not accepted.)

If you are submitting additional information, such as diplomas or transcripts, the preferred method is to upload them online with your application. If you are unable to upload, you may mail, hand-deliver or fax (HR Fax # 443-602-9831).

TTY Users: call via Maryland Relay 

As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State’s diversity. People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. We thank our Veterans for their service to our country.




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