Organic Inspector - Temporary, Part-Time

INSPECTOR

EEO Job Category                                                        Professionals
Classification                                                                Part-Time Exempt
Compensation Range (Grade Level)                          (Level 1 – I); (Level 2 – K)
Reports To                                                                    Inspections Supervisor
Supervisory (Y/N)                                                        N
Union Eligible (Y/N)                                                     N

SUMMARY

The Inspector partners with certification staff and clients to assess operational compliance with applicable regulatory standards through on-site observations, record reviews, and evaluations. This role conducts inspections at client locations (on-site or remote), including interviews, audits of records, and direct observation of operations to confirm compliance and identify areas on-site that are not consistent with the Organic system plan as well as potential areas of non-compliance with applicable regulations.

The Inspector provides technical assistance to support client understanding of inspection requirements and works collaboratively with internal teams to strengthen program quality through continuous improvement efforts. This role performs all inspection-related activities in accordance with regulatory requirements, ensuring Oregon Tilth Certification maintains accreditation standards and delivers consistent, high-quality certification services.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The responsibilities of the Inspector include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Evaluate and assess on-site practices alongside the organic system plan for completeness, accuracy, and compliance with applicable standards
• Conduct thorough on-site inspections, including observing facilities, operations, and reviewing records to determine compliance with certification requirements
• Ensure all relevant aspects of an operation’s premises, processes, and documentation meet applicable organic and regulatory standards
• Assist in maintaining accurate, complete, and up-to-date client files, by ensuring all inspection documentation is properly recorded and submitted
• Work collaboratively with certification and inspection teams to ensure consistency, integrity, and quality across certification processes
• Support client service delivery by troubleshooting inspection-related issues and assisting with documentation and compliance requirements
• Provide technical assistance to clients regarding certification processes, regulations, and compliance requirements
• Communicate with clients in a timely, clear, and professional manner to support transparency and a positive client experience
• Engage with clients to ensure understanding of compliance requirements, inspection findings, and next steps
• Assist in the development and delivery of instructional materials and resources related to on-site inspections and certification processes
• Monitor inspection-related expenses and billing to support cost-effective service delivery
• Collaborate with Quality staff to support the development and continuous improvement of inspection documents, processes, and procedures
• Promote high-quality certification services through professional interactions and consistent application of standards
• Represent Oregon Tilth professionally in all interactions, including participation in industry events, trade shows, and client engagements as assigned
• Host and support Oregon Tilth staff or approved personnel during shadow inspections to support training and development
• Demonstrate professionalism, integrity, and respect in all interactions, contributing to a culture aligned with Oregon Tilth’s mission and values
• Assists in the development of program materials as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

•          Minimum 2,000 hours relevant work experience.
•          Experience working in professional office environment
•          Strong attention to detail
•          Strong written and verbal communication skills
•          Experience with conflict resolution techniques
•          Good judgment and excellent critical reasoning skills
•          Excellent customer service skills
•          Adaptability to changing workloads and schedules
•          Strong time management skills

Inspector Level 2

•          All of the above
•          Minimum 2 years professional experience directly related organic inspections
•          Mastery of Inspector tasks, requirements and relevant standards

PREFERRED SKILLS/EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

•          Experience working in a regulatory environment
•          Experience with inspections and auditing
•          Experience in agriculture or food science
•          Experience with technical writing

WORKING CONDITIONS

This position primarily works in various indoor and outdoor conditions.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

•          Ability to lift 50 pounds or less
•          Standing and sitting for long periods of time
•          Walking long distances
•          Maneuvering through challenging terrain or awkward production environments

TRAVEL

This position requires extensive local and non-local travel in all weather conditions.

AAP/EEO STATEMENT

Oregon Tilth provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, genetics or genetic information, marital status, protected veteran status, disability, political belief, expunged juvenile record, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.