Want to work with people committed to assuring the integrity of organic food production in Pennsylvania and surrounding states? If you have education or experience in agriculture or a related field, consider applying to join PCO’s certification team, or becoming an organic inspector.

Positions Available:

Organic Inspector

The Organic Inspector will be responsible for performing assigned inspections in a timely manner in accordance with PCO policies and procedures. This is a part-time or full-time position. Please see below for more information.

Organic Certification Specialist

The Organic Certification Specialist will work with organic farmers and processors by reviewing organic system plans, researching materials used, working with organic inspectors and providing ongoing technical support on organic standards and certification.  The certification specialist will also help plan educational events, contribute to our newsletter, work with advisory committees, write guidance sheets, and attend meetings and workshops in the region.  This is a full-time position.

Wondering what a day in the life of a PCO certification staff member is like?  Click here to find out!

For a full description of duties and qualifications, click on the job title above.

Both full- and part-time positions include benefits; salaries will reflect experience. The staff members will work at our Spring Mills, PA, office.

PCO Internship

The PCO Internship would assist in all duties associated with office management and organic certification as directed by the Administrative Team and the Certification Team. The Administrative Team is responsible for all operational aspects of the organization and the Certification Team is responsible for all aspects developing and administering the PCO certification program. Applicants should have organizational, communication, writing and computer skills, as well as strong abilities in team cooperation. Responsibilities include answering and making phone calls, paper and filing management, assisting our office manager and certification director, and preparing for and participating in staff meetings. This is a part-time position at our Spring Mills, PA office. Please direct applications and further inquiries to Heather Donald, Internship Program Coordinator, at heather@paorganic.org or 814-422-0251.

How to Apply: Send us a résumé and cover letter (electronic submission of application materials is preferred). Make sure to state the position for which you are applying and highlight coursework, training, and experience relevant to the position. This announcement will remain in effect until the positions are filled. Direct inquiries and applications to:

Organic inspectors work for PCO as independent contractors. They are not PCO employees and do not work from the PCO office — they work on their own schedule and are paid for each inspection based on the type of operation and amount of time spent. As consumer demand for organic products expands--especially organic dairy--so does our need for organic inspectors. If you are interested in seeking work with PCO as an inspector, contact Johanna Mirenda in the PCO office for more information (johanna@paorganic.org).

If you are not a trained organic inspector but would like to become one, you may also be interested in checking out the Independent Organic Inspectors Association (IOIA) website:http://www.ioia.net/. There you can find a training schedule along with other useful information relevant to organic inspectors.

This page last updated 10/02/2009