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Want to be an inspector?
Application and additional qualification information for potential Food Alliance inspectors.
In addition to the requirements listed under Inspector Qualifications, Food Alliance inspectors must be:
- Able to work independently;
- Able to meet deadlines;
- Able to keep organized and accurate records;
- Willing to travel throughout a specified region, on weekends and evenings when necessary.
Duties
Inspectors must gather and analyze information in order to make a complete, fair and accurate evaluation of the performance of applicants against Food Alliance certification standards and criteria. It is the inspector’s
responsibility to schedule and coordinate site inspections. Upon completion of
an inspection, inspectors must submit a report detailing the findings, along
with hard copies of all scored evaluation criteria. Inspectors may also
be asked to participate in conference calls to discuss their recommendations
and to answer questions about inspection findings.
Training
New inspectors receive training from Food Alliance and/or ICS staff and are mentored by current site inspectors. After training, new inspectors are required to observe at least one inspection conducted by an experienced Food Alliance inspector. They are not paid for time during this observation.
Performance Expectations
|
Action Items |
Time Frame |
|
The site inspector receives a Food Alliance application from ICS and contacts the farm/ranch manager to schedule the inspection. The site inspector then reports date of scheduled site inspection to ICS. Prior to evaluating the farm/ranch, the site inspector prepares by thoroughly reviewing the completed application. |
Contacts applicant within 1 week of receiving application. |
|
The site inspector conducts an inspection in accordance
with their training. The inspector is prompt, courteous, and service
oriented. |
Conducts inspection within 3 weeks of receiving application. |
|
Following the site inspection, the inspector
completes the report form. This report is sent to ICS, along with all
scored evaluation criteria and an inspection invoice. |
Sends report scored evaluation criteria, and invoice to ICS within two weeks of inspection. |
|
If necessary, the site inspector will provide clarifications to ICS and/or Food Alliance staff and participate in any appeals process. |
On an ongoing basis. |
|
Site inspectors are paid directly by ICS. |
Invoice should be submitted along with reporting materials. |
Compensation
Site inspectors are considered independent contractors, and bill ICS at an hourly rate for the site inspections, report writing, and travel expenses.
If you have additional questions about the qualification and expectations for inspectors, please contact our Certification Manager.
Applicants should submit a resume and cover letter to ICS.
The cover letter should clearly detail:
- Production systems the applicant is qualified to inspect.
- Work experience with those production systems.
- Educational background related to the production system.
- Experience and education specific to conservation practices and sustainability concepts in agriculture.
Please send application materials to:
International Certification Services, Inc.
Attn: Tammy Schlecht
301 5th Ave SE
Medina, ND 58467
Email: tammy@ics-intl.com
