Certification Team Leader- Crop/Livestock

Job Description: Certification Services Team Leader- Crop/Livestock

The Certification Team Leader provides leadership, supervision, and operational oversight for a designated Certification Team (Crop, Crop/Livestock, or Handler). The primary responsibility of this position is to develop, support, and manage the Certification team members to ensure high-quality certification review services, exceptional client service, and compliance with the National Organic Standards. This position is responsible for staff performance, training, workflow management, and team development while maintaining sufficient technical expertise to support certification activities and organizational goals. 

Reports to: Certification Services Director                                      Department: Certification Services

Employment Status: Full-Time                                                         FLSA Classification: Exempt

Location: Remote                                                                              Revision Date:6/2026

Accepting applicants in the following states:  FL, IA, KY, ME, MN, OH, PA, VA, WI

Supervisory Responsibilities: 

• Provides day-to-day leadership, coaching, and support to the Certification Team


• Participates in the recruitment, training, and onboarding of the Certification Team


• Identifies, plans, facilitates, and documents continuing education training for certification staff as needed and required by the National Organic Standards


• Establishes performance expectations and holds team members accountable for achieving quality, productivity, and service goals. 


• Provides constructive feedback and timely performance evaluations of direct reports 


• Conducts regular one-on-one meetings with direct reports to support employee development and engagement


• Responsible for the workflow of the Certification Review Teams


• Fosters a positive, collaborative, and inclusive team culture


• Resolves personnel and workflow issues in a timely and professional manner


• Enforces personnel policies and rules consistently and in collaboration with Human Resources. 


• Handles discipline and termination of employees in accordance with MOSA policy and in collaboration with HR 

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Provides excellent service to all stakeholders, including staff, inspectors, clients, and consumers.


• Maintains certification review competency by participating in certification review activities as needed to support team production and operational demands 


• Supports the development, maintenance, and continuous improvement of MOSA's certification program: 
  
  
  
  • Analyzes internal systems and processes to ensure compliance with industry regulations and accreditation requirements 
  
  
  • Identifies operational risks and recommends strategies to improve consistency, efficiency, and program integrity 
  
  
  • Participates in internal audits, accreditation audits, and regulatory reviews
  
  
  • Communicates emerging issues, trends, and recommendations related to the certification policies, procedures, and program operations and/or development related to certification policies, as needed or as required
  
  
  • Supports the development, revision, and implementation of databases, systems, Organic System Plans (OSPs), certification forms, policies, and related program documents 
  
  
  • Collaborates with other departments to advance organizational goals and continuous improvement initiatives 
    
    
  
  
  
  

Other Duties: 

• Continue annual education to maintain a comprehensive understanding of the National Organic Program, National Organic Standards, the National List, Certification Department Policy Manual, and other MOSA verifications or certifications


• Maintains a comprehensive understanding of MOSA’s policies and procedures as outlined in MOSA’s Program Manual, Employee Manual, and MOSA’s Mission, Vision, and Values


• Maintains familiarity with current issues affecting the organic industry


• Participates in Working Groups and/or ad hoc groups as needed or directed


• Undertakes any other tasks or duties needed or as assigned
  

Inspection Duties(Optional):

• Conduct inspections as needed to support certification operations


• Must meet MOSA inspector qualification and travel requirements as noted in the Inspector job description

Education/Experience:

• Minimum of two years of experience supervising, mentoring, or leading staff


• Demonstrated experience managing employee performance, workload distribution, and staff development


• Practical experience required, including a minimum of three years of experience and/or education in agriculture, food processing, and/or equivalent organic industry experience

• Minimum of three years of experience in National Organic Program regulatory oversight is required


• Project management experience preferred


• Experience managing remote teams preferred

Skills/Qualifications:

• Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate, and develop staff


• Strong supervisory, coaching, and conflict-resolution skills


• Ability to build trust, foster accountability, and create a positive team culture


• Ability to prioritize work, manage competing demands, and delegate effectively


• Strong decision-making and problem-solving skills


• Strong verbal and written communication skills


• Ability to collaborate effectively across departments


• Strong organizational and administrative skills


• Proficient with Google Suite, word processing, databases, and internet research

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to spend long periods of time working on a computer


• Occasional travel to industry events 
  

Inspection Requirements (optional):

• Ability to traverse uneven terrain at inspections 


• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel independently to and from inspections 


• Work in outdoor weather conditions and around all species of livestock