Animal Welfare Careers: Contract Auditor
Contract Opportunity: Animal Welfare Auditors (Poultry)
PCO Certified Organic is seeking qualified contract Animal Welfare Auditors to support a new animal welfare certification program for Bell & Evans, with PCO serving as the independent third-party certifier.
This is an exciting opportunity to join a growing certification initiative focused on advancing animal welfare standards across the poultry production chain.
Position Overview
Auditors will conduct animal welfare certification inspections at various points within the poultry supply chain, including:
- Hatcheries
- Poultry farms
- Bird catching operations
- Processing and slaughter facilities
Auditors will work closely with PCO and program leadership to assess compliance with program requirements and complete detailed audit reports.
Qualifications
Preferred qualifications include:
- Experience in poultry or egg production
- Animal welfare auditing experience
- PAACO Poultry Certification preferred
- Strong observation, documentation, and report writing skills
- Ability to travel throughout Pennsylvania
Project Timeline
Selected auditors will be required to complete program training prior to conducting audits.
Training: Targeted for July 2026
Audit Season: July through November 2026
Approximately 300 sites are expected to be audited during the initial certification cycle. To maximize efficiency, auditors should expect to be assigned multiple audits within a given week. This program is expected to continue beyond 2026, creating ongoing auditing opportunities in future years.
Location
Audit sites are located throughout Pennsylvania.
Notice to Auditors: If selected, you will be engaged as an independent 1099 contractor, not a W-2 employee. This means you will be responsible for managing your own taxes, insurance, and compliance with applicable laws, as you will operate as a self-employed professional and are not eligible for health benefits or other perks provided to PCO employees. By proceeding with the interest form, you are acknowledging that you have read and understand this statement.
Expression of Interest
Qualified individuals interested in auditing to this standard are encouraged to submit a current CV or résumé as soon as possible due to the short timeline for onboarding and training.
Selected candidates may be invited to participate in a brief virtual interview.
PCO will serve as a primary point of contact for auditors throughout the project and will provide additional details regarding training, scheduling, and program requirements during the onboarding process.
We look forward to hearing from professionals who are committed to animal welfare, audit excellence, and integrity in certification.