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Clemson has recently been named a top 25 public college in the country by the Wall Street Journal, a top South Carolina employer by Forbes and a Military Friendly Employer for five years running. Through our research, outreach and entrepreneurial projects, Clemson University and its employees are driving economic development and improving quality of life in South Carolina and beyond.
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Works with minimal supervision under the direction of an experienced reviewer and follows specific guidelines to accomplish organic certification activities statewide. Through file reviews, audits, and inspections of operations, verifies the organic system plan's ability to comply with the National Organic Program standards for new and existing clients. Visits a variety of agriculture establishments such as farms, packinghouses, markets, and warehouses to conduct field inspections, interview clients, and complete reports regarding compliance. Works directly with other program staff to achieve program goals, including but not limited to participation in public outreach, developing and implementing new policy, and maintaining accreditation. Specific program work includes extensive training-program completion before serving as a lead review specialist for the program. Assists with client applications and renewal case information with other certification staff to ensure accurate and timely certification. Assists with accurate reporting to the Organic Integrity Database. Provides program communications through website content and outreach materials. Represents the Department at regional and national meetings. Performs other duties as assigned.
40% - Essential - Program Coordination: Reviews organic system plans for new and existing clients in an efficient and timely manner, ensuring compliance with the NOP standards, which includes review of allowed and prohibited materials and methods. Communicates with potential and existing clients to determine certification requirements. Provides input surrounding certification steps with program team. Ensures accurate data collection and entry into program database. Conducts form and template revisions to aid in data collection and retention. Performs routine reviews of data and program processes for accuracy and in keeping with NOP standards. Assists with program updates and implementation of corrective actions and other key components of certification. Reviews web content and coordinate updates. Assists in the development of new data management tools.
30% - Essential - Certification and Compliance: Performs inspections, audits, and records reviews as assigned to determine compliance with the National Organic Program (7 CFR, Part 205). Conducts announced and unannounced inspections as assigned for National Organic Program scopes for Crops, Processing, Livestock, and Wild Crops. Assist in the investigation of suspicions or allegations of fraud based upon National Organic Program standards to ensure organic integrity and strengthen organic enforcement. Conducts unannounced inspections, records reviews, audits, and sampling during investigations. Verifies compliance and capability to comply with National Organic Program standards.
20% - Essential - Reporting: Submits accurate and thorough reports detailing the findings of each review, inspection or investigation using the appropriate Department database or application. Communicates review, inspection and investigation results with managers to expedite completion of organic certification and grant reporting. Assists in National Organic Program audit processes including peer audits, accreditation audits, annual reporting, and witness inspections. Performs timely reporting within other University-assigned data collection systems.
5% - Essential - Education and Outreach: Participates in educational programming and public outreach activities designed in organic community building. Collaborates with University staff, State agencies, or Federal cooperators to organize and attend events. Informs clients and other stakeholders about organic certification and relevant services through participation in trade shows, conferences, public events, and classroom presentations. Assists with the technical assistance to industry.
5% - Essential - Other Duties as Assigned: Carries out an assigned role, often in collaboration with other units or agencies, to meet operational goals. Develops and maintains an understanding of emergency preparedness and agroterrorism prevention strategies, such as ICS trainings and exercises, to protect the State from threats. Assists other units within the Division of Regulatory and Public Service Programs as well as other state and federal agencies as assigned. Seeks and completes training and professional development opportunities. Maintain at least minimum competency and certification levels for assigned position.
Education - High School or Equivalent - Experience in a field related to agriculture
Licenses - Drivers License Class D normal < 26,000
Work Exp 1+ years - experience in a field related to agriculture; or equivalent education plus experience
Education - 1st Bachelor's Degree
Knowledge of organic practices including education or life experience in agriculture
International Organic Inspectors Association (IOIA) coursework.
JOB KNOWLEDGE
Fundamental Job Knowledge - Fundamental working knowledge of concepts, practices and procedures and ability to apply in varied situations
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
No Supervisory Duties - Not responsible for supervising employees.
BUDGETARY RESPONSIBILITIES
No Budget Responsibilities - No fiscal responsibility for the department's budget.
0% - Stand for prolonged period
0% - Sit (stationary position) for prolonged period
0% - Walk or move about
0% - Ascend or descend (i.e. stairs, ladder)
0% - Position self to accomplish task (i.e. stoop, kneel, crawl)
0% - Communicate, converse, give direction, express oneself
0% - Recognize or inspect visually
0% - Move, transport, raise or lower
0% - Extends hands or arms in any direction
0% - Perceive, observe, clarity of vision
0% - Exposure to heat or cold
0% - Exposure to dust/fumes
0% - Wet or humid
0% - Noise
0% - Chemical hazards
0% - Overnight Travel
Standard Hrs: 37.5
Band: 06 Expected salary range ($ 50,000.00 - $55,000.00)
Salary is dependent upon several factors including, but not limited to, a candidate's previous experience, knowledge, skills and performance in accordance with Clemson's compensation guidelines.
Essential Level 1 employee
Required to respond during an emergency closure or modified operations in order to provide the University's initial response to the emergency situation, including the execution of mission essential functions. Some positions in this category may be required to work remotely or be on-call.
This job will be located in the Columbia, SC area.
June 30, 2025
MILITARY EQUIVALENCY:
Clemson University is proud to allow educational equivalency for military technical certifications and trainings that directly relate to the job duties.
VETERAN PREFERENCE:
South Carolina is making our Veterans a priority for employment in state agencies and institutions.
State policy for veteran preference states that for qualifying, full-time permanent positions, a veteran applicant may receive preference if they meet the job's minimum qualifications, were discharged under honorable conditions from the military, and submit their DD-214 for confidential review by the Office of Human Resources.
To claim Veteran Preference for qualifying positions, email hrjob@clemson.edu upon submission of your application.
Clemson University is an EEO/AA employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to characteristics protected by applicable law including disability and protected veteran status.
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