Description:
- You will conduct regulatory compliance audits to verify compliance with United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA)organic regulations and applicable international standards. If selected, you will part of the organization that is responsible for the development, implementation, and administration of organic regulations in accordance with the Organic Food Production Act of 1990 (OFPA).
- The duties may include, but are not limited to:
- Receives, categorizes, processes and determines disposition of complaints regarding all elements of the National Organic Program (NOP).
- Conducts investigations of alleged complaints, trade practices, and violations of the NOP regulation and OFPA. The incumbent prepares investigative reports and makes recommendations for enforcement.
- Prepares notices of non-compliances and sends to violators, and provides assistance to the AMS Office of Compliance and to the Office of General Counsel in legal actions in violation cases.
- Recommends and assists in the development of methods for improving compliance with the various program operations through improved prevention, detection, and enforcement practices.
- Participates in the internal review of management controls over NOP programs and makes recommendations for improvement.
- Develops and maintains complaint-tracking database.
- Assists with the execution of investigative policies, practices, procedures, methodologies, and techniques concerning cases of violations of the NOP regulation.
- Shares information and experience and closely collaborates with other NOP staff members to foster a cohesive team.
Requirements:
- Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-12 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates:
- Apply laws and regulations related to the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 and related regulations.
- Interpret USDA organic laws and regulations to develop and implement new approaches, methods, or procedures in data gathering and analysis techniques.
- Communicate with NOP-accredited certifiers to obtain information regarding organic food production, handling, or labeling.
- Manage multiple projects with competing deadlines to direct resources toward the area of highest risk, developing concrete milestones and ensuring timely resolution of regulatory issues resulting from surveillance or compliance cases.
- Obtain statements, document evidence, and write clear and compelling findings through reports and briefing memos.
- Plan and conduct inspections, audits, and/or investigations of accreditation or certification systems to identify evidence and/or root causes of non-compliant activities.
- Note: There is no education substitution for this grade level.
- Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.