JOIN US - CONTRACT INSPECTOR

Knowledge: Organic inspectors must have a solid understanding of organic certification and inspection processes, knowing their role and limitations within them. Inspectors must know how to apply the regulations to practical situations and be able to explain applicable standards and certification procedures to the operator. Inspectors must also be proficient and current in their understanding of the specific procedures, policies and forms of each certifier for whom they work for.

Good observation skills: Inspectors must be able to understand the ‘big picture’ of an operating system and to observe the details which support, or contradict, the Organic System Plan.

Communication:

• The ability to conduct an Informational Interview. Asking open ended questions, asking the same question a different way and paraphrasing.

• Documenting/writing: Writing that is clear, concise and easily understood by operator and Certification Specialist. Provide facts (not opinion), reference supporting documentation, citation of the appropriate NOP regulations and explanation of issues of concern.

• Active listening: The ability to make a conscious decision to listen to and understand the speaker. To remain neutral and non-judgmental. Be patient, allow for pauses and short periods of silence.

• Math skills: Being able to convert from one unit of measure to another, calculate yields, calculate annual feed requirements in livestock operations, use of formulas to verify in/out balances and mass-balance audits and use percentages to validate recipes and production reports etc.

• Good Organization and time management skills. Inspections must be conducted with the authorized operator representative, moving from one area of operations to another in an efficient manner.

• Sampling procedures: Sampling methods must be done according to MOSA policy. An inspector must only take samples if they have been trained and are authorized by MOSA.

• Skills specific to inspection scope and complexity of the operation: Inspectors must have specific and advanced knowledge to a specific scope.

No, federal labor law prohibits MOSA from training you to complete work assigned per your contract with MOSA. When applying for contract work as an organic inspector with MOSA you must be fully trained, have completed mentorship and have sufficient experience to conduct the scope and complexity of work assigned. MOSA will provide training in how to use our systems and interpretation of our policies. We can provide group and one on one support as rules change and NOP requirements are clarified.

IOIA offers basic National Organic Standards webinars that are geared toward preparing individuals who intend to take further training to become organic inspectors. These webinars are an introduction into the National Organic Standards and are highly recommended. Additionally, IOIA offers basic Crop, Livestock, and Processing online & in-person Inspector training. All courses include instruction on the certification process, relevant organic standards, inspection protocols, audit trail (record keeping) requirements, input materials, report writing, ethics, investigation skills, risk assessment, and effective communications. After successfully completing these courses you can begin your boots on the ground mentorship.

After successfully completing an Inspector training course you will need to gain experience conducting inspections. The National Organic Standards require you complete an additional 50 hours of training, per scope, before you conduct inspections independently.

IOIA offers some apprenticeship programs. You can also contact the Inspection team at MOSA (inspectiondepartment@mosaorganic.org). We may be able to match you with an experienced inspector to complete this required training.

MOSA requires you to complete a minimum of 10 annual inspections per year. During the interview process we will discuss what you want your workload to be and will assign annual and/or additional inspections based on your capacity and desired workload.

Yes, contract inspecting can be a full-time job. The National Organic Standards require annual inspections are conducted during the production season so inspectors wanting to work throughout the winter typically complete training to the Handling scope or complete unannounced inspections.

Yes, as a contract inspector with MOSA we do not limit your ability to work with other agencies.

Your fees are discussed during the interview process and negotiated based on your experience in various scopes and complexity of operations.

As an Independent contractor you are required to provide your own equipment and supplies. MOSA provides access to client information through our on-line database. You will need access to the internet, a computer, the ability to scan and update PDF’s, a phone or way to contact client to schedule inspections and transportation to and from on-site inspections. You may choose to print client information but it is not required by MOSA.

No, as an Independent Contractor you are required to provide your own insurance.

It is MOSA’s goal to match our Inspectors with clients that are no more than 100 miles away from your home base so you spend less time on the road and to reduce costs for our clients. However, there are opportunities to travel further if you desire.

The National Organic Standards require annual inspections are completed when the production of specific operations can be observed. For crop and ruminant livestock operations annual inspections must be completed during the growing/grazing season. Handling operations that produce are product year-round have more flexibility. In addition to annual inspections, certification agencies are required to complete a number of additional and/or unannounced inspections. These inspections are shorter in duration and focus on a specific issue vs verifying all aspects of an operation. MOSA has a number of unannounced and additional inspections during the winter months available for our contract inspectors.

Yes! MOSA hosts annual on-line training to keep you current on changes to our forms, processes, issues in the organic industry and new regulations. We also host a monthly online video conference with all our inspectors, providing a forum for you to ask questions, share experiences, tips and tricks and learn from fellow contract inspectors. Keep in mind, the National Organic Standards require working inspectors to complete10 hours of training, if inspecting to one scope and an additional 5 hours of annual training for each additional scope. MOSA is committed to keeping you up to date and providing the support you need to complete your assignments. MOSA’s Inspection Team is available Monday through Friday via phone or email.