PCO Executive Director 511 views0 applications

Pennsylvania Certified Organic (PCO), Spring Mills, PA, is a nonprofit, USDA-accredited, organic certifying agency that educates and certifies growers, processors and handlers of organic crops, wild crops, livestock and livestock products. Founded in 1997, PCO has ensured the integrity of organic products and provided education, inspection, and certification services that meet the needs of its more than 1600 members. PCO has grown to be one of the top five certification agencies in the U.S. with an incredibly talented and dedicated team of 60. PCO is in the unique situation as a nonprofit that generates the vast majority of its revenue from a fee for service which allows for opportunities for future development of innovative services.

Pennsylvania Certified Organic (PCO), is seeking an Executive Director to further its mission to “Ensure the Integrity of Organic Products and Serve our Farming Community” and to empower staff, clients and the organization to realize their fullest potential. The ideal candidate will possess a passion for the industry and a vision for its future. A demonstrated track record of excellent communication skills and the ability to build, cultivate and steward relationships in a variety of settings are essential to the role.

Essential Requirements:

  1. Experience in and a working knowledge of organic agriculture
  2. Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience is needed
  3. Demonstrated track record of successful team leadership experience
  4. Proficiency with technology

 

Desired Experience:

  • Working with a mission-driven organization
  • Participating in a compliance driven, highly regulated industry
  • Collaborating with a Board of Directors
  • A demonstrated history of community involvement

If you are passionate about organic farming and want to lead a highly dedicated team in growing the organization & impacting the organic farming community, this opportunity may be right for you!

Please forward resume and cover letter to our consultants: www.NorthGroupConsultants.com/jobs

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Pennsylvania Certified Organic (PCO) is a USDA-accredited organic certifying agency that educates and certifies growers, processors and handlers of organic crops, wild crops, livestock and livestock products in Pennsylvania and the contiguous United States.

In 1985, a group of organic farmers in the Lancaster County area formed a Pennsylvania chapter of the Organic Crop Improvement Association. The Pennsylvania chapter performed certification services for its members for about 15 years. In 1997, believing that a Pennsylvania-based organization would better serve the needs of our state’s organic community, some chapters members incorporated as a non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization named Pennsylvania Certified Organic.

PCO started out with 27 members and by the end of that first year had certified 54 crops and livestock farms. In 1998 the organization expanded to include dairy. Over the years, PCO added certification services for processing, handling, distribution, brokering, mushrooms, maple products, poultry and more. In 2004, PCO certified about 315 operations based in Pennsylvania. That same year it decided to offer certification services to operations in adjoining states, including Ohio, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware and West Virginia. Currently, PCO certifies over 1600 operations, and can certify operations across all 50 states!

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