Ag Compliance Investigator – IDALS Certified Organic Program Print (https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/iowa/jobs/newprint/4846919) Apply  Ag Compliance Investigator – IDALS Certified Organic Program Salary $54,121.60 - $82,035.20 Annually Location Des Moines - 50313 - Polk County, IA Job Type Full-time Job Number 25-02431 Agency 009 Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship Opening Date 02/25/2025 Closing Date 3/16/2025 11:59 PM Central LinkedIn Tag #LI-POST Point of Contact Paul Ovrom, Ag Diversification Bureau Chief (paul.ovrom@iowaagriculture.gov) + Description + Benefits + Questions Job Description The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) is dedicated to improving the quality of life for all Iowans through a wide range of impactful programs. We are seeking a dynamic and motivatedOrganic Program Ag Compliance Investigatorto join our Agriculture Diversification and Market Development Bureau. This role offers the opportunity to contribute to the resilience and development of Iowa’s organic food systems with work within the three primary scopes of certified organic production: crops, livestock, and processing. Key Responsibilities: File Management for Organic Certification: + Review client files to ensure they meet USDA Organic rules. + Do yearly checks of client files, focusing on their Organic System Plans (OSPs) to make sure they follow USDA standards. + Review inspection reports after inspections and follow up with clients if needed to complete the review. + Perform checks to verify that the products clients are selling are certified organic. + Communicate with clients to ensure their files are clear and complete. + Help clients understand the requirements for organic certification. + Participate in team meetings to review materials used in organic operations, and research the ingredients of those materials. + Stay updated on USDA Organic rules and regulations that impact clients. Operations Inspections: + Schedule and conduct on-site inspections of organic businesses to make sure they follow USDA Organic standards. + Review clients’ certification applications before the inspections. + Verify that clients’ practices match their Organic System Plans during inspections. + Inspect areas like production, storage, and equipment, and perform audits and interviews. + Write and submit reports after inspections. + Do follow-up inspections if there's a need to investigate possible fraud. + Collect samples from farms for residue testing. Preferred Qualifications: + Strong organizational and project management skills. + Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. + Experience with clients in the ag industry. + Knowledge of State and Federal regulations related to organic programs. + Ability to work collaboratively with various stakeholders. Applicants are encouraged to attach a cover letter and resume to their applications. Application materials can be uploaded in the Attachments Section during the application process. Benefits: As an employee of IDALS, you are a State of Iowa employee and are eligible for a comprehensive benefits package that includes: + Paid Time Off:9 holidays, sick leave, vacation, military leave, and jury duty leave. + Medical Insurance:High-quality coverage with premiums as low as $205.00 per month for family coverage and $61.00 per month for single coverage. + Dental Insurance:Free for single coverage and $46.00 per month for family coverage. + Life Insurance:Basic $20,000 policy at no cost, with additional voluntary supplemental life available at a cost, and long-term disability insurance available at no additional cost. + Exceptional Retirement:Includes IPERS (Iowa Public Employee Retirement System), a fixed income or defined benefit pension plan, and a deferred compensation plan (similar to a 401K) with a state match of up to $75.00 per month. To learn more about the benefits of working with the State of Iowa, visit our benefits webpage. (https://iowa.attract.neogov.com/recruitment/p/benefits) Join us! Apply today! Join us in our mission to enhance Iowa’s agricultural landscape and contribute to the well-being of our communities. If you are passionate about agriculture and have the skills to drive program success, we encourage you to apply. We also strongly encourage you to upload a cover letter and resume in the attachments section of your application. Apply now to make a meaningful impact in Iowa's agricultural future! Minimum Qualification Requirements Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in animal science, animal husbandry, animal industry, livestock management, crop production, agricultural law, motor fuels and renewable fuels, or closely related field,andthe equivalent of two years' full-time technical experience in livestock inspection, production, auction market, sale barn work, work on an organic farm, motor fuels and renewable fuels or work as an auditor, inspector or compliance investigator with agricultural operations; OR an equivalent combination of any of the above qualifying experience substituting for the required education (on the basis that one year of experience equals 30 semester or equivalent hours of education) with a maximum substitution of four years; OR certification by the Federal Department of Agriculture as an Agricultural Products Inspector and the equivalent of two years' full-time technical experience in state and federal inspections of livestock feed manufacturing firms; OR certification as an Organic Inspector by the Independent Organic Inspectors Association (IOIA) and one year of experience as an organic inspector; OR employees with current continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes the equivalent of two years of full-time experience as a Livestock Inspector, Weights and Measures Inspector, Meat Inspector or a Dairy Product Inspector shall be considered qualified. For additional information, please click on thislink to view the job description. (https://das.iowa.gov/sites/default/files/hr/documents/class\_and\_pay/JobClassDescriptions/AgricultureComplianceInvestigator-05120.pdf) Additional Qualification Requirements Extensive travel is required for positions in this class. Employees must arrange transportation to and from assigned work areas. Why Choose the State of Iowa? At the heart of our commitment to excellence is a dedication to our most valuable asset – our employees. Discover the outstanding benefits that set us apart as an employer of choice. Our Robust Benefits Package Includes: Competitive Compensation: Enjoy a competitive salary that reflects directly on your skills and expertise. Keep in mind, your wage is just one part of your total compensation. Unlock the complete value of your employment with the State of Iowa by using our user-friendlyTotal Compensation Calculator (https://das.iowa.gov/media/3773/download?inline) .Gain insights into your comprehensive annual compensation, including salary and State-provided benefits. Health and Wellness: Prioritize your well-being with our comprehensive health plans, including medical, dental, and vision coverage. Enjoy the peace of mind knowing that the State of Iowa covers 90% of the premiums, providing you and your loved ones with excellent coverage at a remarkably low cost. Retirement Planning: We are proud to offer the Iowa Public Employees Retirement System (IPERS). A defined benefit plan, IPERS benefits are guaranteed for life, meaning once you retire, you will receive the same monthly benefit for the remainder of your life (once vested). We invest in your long-term financial well-being, so you can retire with peace of mind.Click here to learn more about IPERS (https://ipers.org/members) . Paid Time Off: Life is unpredictable, and at the State of Iowa, we understand the importance of work-life balance. Our leave policies, including paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave with unlimited accrual, ensure you have the flexibility you need for personal and family matters. Professional Development: Elevate your career with continuous learning opportunities. We support your growth through training programs, workshops, and tuition reimbursement. Employee Assistance Program (EAP): We care about your well-being beyond the workplace. Access confidential counseling, resources, and support through our Employee Assistance Program. Diversity and Inclusion: Be part of a diverse and inclusive workplace that embraces all backgrounds and perspectives. We believe diversity is a strength that drives innovation. Join Us - Elevate Your Career: Ready to elevate your career with the State of Iowa?Click here (https://iowa.attract.neogov.com/recruitment/p/benefits) to explore more about our unparalleled benefits and discover what makes us unique. Your success is our priority! 01 Do you understand that the answers to all of the following questions must be truthful, honest, and accurate to the best of your ability? Please read all questions and answers thoroughly and make sure you understand them completely.Ensure the answers to your questions match the information filled out on your application and the attachments you have uploaded. If the answers to your questions are inconsistent with your application information or uploaded attachments, you will be given zero points for the question.Knowingly misrepresenting the facts when submitting any information related to an application, examination, certification, appeal, or any other facet of the selection process will result in your disqualification from this application and future employment with the state of Iowa. + Yes - I understand and agree. + No 02 PLEASE READ CAREFULLY Have you filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq? + No - I have NOT filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq + Yes - I HAVE filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq 03 Have you graduated from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in animal science, animal husbandry, animal industry, livestock management, crop production, agricultural law, motor fuels and renewable fuels, or closely related field? IF YES - How many years do you have of full-time technical experience in livestock inspection, production, auction market, sale barn work, work on an organic farm, motor fuels and renewable fuels or work as an auditor, inspector or compliance investigator with agricultural operations? + I have not graduated from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in animal science, animal husbandry, animal industry, livestock management, crop production, agricultural law, motor fuels and renewable fuels, or closely related field + I have graduated from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in one of the identified areas AND have less than one year of experience in the required areas + I have graduated from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in one of the identified areas AND have one year to less than two years of experience in the required areas + I have graduated from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in one of the identified areas AND have two years or more of experience in the required areas 04 How many years do you have of a combination of accredited college or university course work in animal science, animal husbandry, animal industry, livestock management, crop production, agricultural law, motor fuels and renewable fuels, or closely related field, AND/OR full-time technical experience in livestock inspection, production, auction market, sale barn work, work on an organic farm, motor fuels and renewable fuels or work as an auditor, inspector or compliance investigator with agricultural operations? 30 semester hours of post high school course work equals one year of full-time experience + I do not have any of the required education and/or experience + I have less than two years of the required education and/or experience + I have two years to less than four years of the required education and/or experience + I have four years to less than six years of the required education and/or experience + I have six years or more of the required education and/or experience 05 Do you possess certification by the Federal Department of Agriculture as an Agricultural Products Inspector and have the equivalent of two years' full-time technical experience in state and federal inspections of livestock feed manufacturing firms? + I possess the certification and have the required full-time experience + I do not have BOTH the certification AND full-time required experience 06 Do you possess certification as an Organic Inspector by the Independent Organic Inspectors Association (IOIA) AND have one year of experience as an organic inspector? + Yes - I have the certification and the required experience + No - I do not possess BOTH the certification AND the required experience 07 Are you a current permanent State of Iowa employee - executive branch? IF YES - Do you have two years of full-time experience in the classifications of Livestock Inspector, Weights and Measures Inspector, Meat Inspector or a Dairy Product Inspector? + I am a current State of Iowa employee and have one year of experience in the identified classifications for the State of Iowa + I am a current State of Iowa employee BUT DO NOT have one year of experience in the identified classifications for the State of Iowa + I am not a current State of Iowa employee Required Question Employer State of Iowa Agency 009 Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship Address Wallace State Office Building 502 E 9th St Des Moines, Iowa, 50319 Website http://www.iowaagriculture.gov/ Apply Please verify your email addressVerify Email