Pest Detection Specialist - Project

The Position

Bargaining Unit: Local 1 - Agricultural & Animal Control Unit

The Contra Costa County Department of Agriculture is recruiting to fill multiple Pest Detection Specialist positions. All interested and qualified individuals are encouraged to apply. Why join the Contra Costa Department of Agriculture, Weights & Measures? Contra Costa County is one of the largest employers in the area, offering multiple career opportunities in public service. The Agriculture/Weights & Measures Department has a staff of 44 employees County-wide and provides a wide range of services for the public and industry. Our goal is to promote and protect agriculture, the environment, and the people of Contra Costa County. We are responsible for operating many statewide programs through a combination of education, outreach and enforcement. The Weights and Measures side of Agriculture protects buyers and sellers by promoting fair packaging and by checking commercial weighting, measuring and timing devices for accuracy. The main office is located in Concord, CA and the branch office is in Knightsen, CA. The primary function of the Pest Detection Specialist is to deploy and service insect traps designed to detect the presence of specific non-endemic insect pests that pose a serious risk to California agriculture. Ideal candidates should be able to:

• identify common landscape plants and fruit trees
• work outdoors in all types of weather conditions
• operate a county vehicle and have a good driving record
• draw basic maps of insect trap placements
• interact professionally with the public
• work independently without supervision
• maintain detailed records
• work with small amounts of insecticides

The Pest Detection Specialist Position is a seasonal position, typically lasting from April through November, and is dependent on state contract funds.

Typical Tasks

The typical tasks of the Pest Detection Specialist include:

• identifying basic fruit trees and vegetable/plant species that are hosts for specific insect pests
• identifying specific target pests that are caught in detection traps
• organizing effective trapping routes in an efficient manner
• deploying and servicing insect detection traps according to State guidelines
• working with various insect traps that contain insect food lures, pheromone lures and pesticides
• drawing neat and accurate maps of trap locations
• reading and utilizing simple diagrams and maps efficiently
• maintaining legible and accurate records and preparing reports
• working within close proximity and with large quantities of insects
• working safely around dogs, stinging insects, and allergic plants
• performing basic mathematical calculations
• assisting with surveys to detect plant pests and diseases
• complying with laws, regulations and professional practices governing agricultural programs
• establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships
• managing time efficiently to complete assigned tasks
• communicating effectively and tactfully with home and property owners, coworkers, supervisors and the general public
• operating assigned vehicles safely
• working independently to assess situations for risk and responds in a safe and effective manner
• performing other work as required which may include the use of pesticides when assigned to Pest Management Programs

Minimum Qualifications

License Required: Possession of a valid California motor vehicle operator's license. Valid out of state motor vehicle operator's license will be accepted during the application process.

Education: Possession of a high school diploma or G.E.D. equivalency or a high school proficiency certificate.

Selection Process

The selection process includes:

1. Application Filing and Evaluation: Applicants will be required to complete a supplemental questionnaire at the time of application; applications will be evaluated to determine which candidates will move forward in the next phase of the recruitment process.
2. Hiring Interview: Applicants selected to move forward will participate in an interview conducted by the hiring department, which will assess candidates in job-related competencies and qualifications.

Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an invitation to participate in the selection process. The Human Resources Department may change the examination steps noted above in accordance with the Personnel Management Regulations and accepted selection practices.

CONVICTION HISTORY: After you receive a conditional job offer, you will be fingerprinted, and your fingerprints will be sent to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The resulting report of your conviction history (if any) will be used to determine whether the nature of your conviction conflicts with the specific duties and responsibilities of the job for which you have received a conditional job offer. If a conflict exists, you will be asked to present any evidence of rehabilitation that may mitigate the conflict, except when federal or state regulations bar employment in specific circumstances. Having a conviction history does not automatically preclude you from a job with Contra Costa County. If you accept a conditional job offer, the Human Resources department will contact you to schedule a fingerprinting appointment.

DISASTER SERVICE WORKER: All Contra Costa County employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law. Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY: It is the policy of Contra Costa County to consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, or other protected category under the law.

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