Pest Detection Specialist - Project

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. 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 Responsibilities: Identifies basic fruit trees and vegetable/plant species that are hosts for specific insect pests Identifies specific target pests that are caught in detection traps Organizes effective trapping routes in an efficient manner Deploys and services insect detection traps according to State guidelines Works with various insect traps that contain insect food lures, pheromone lures and pesticides Draws neat and accurate maps of trap locations Reads and utilizes simple diagrams and maps efficiently Maintains legible and accurate records and prepares reports Works within close proximity and with large quantities of insects Works safely around dogs, stinging insects, and allergic plants Performs basic mathematical calculations Assists with surveys to detect plant pests and diseases Complies with laws, regulations and professional practices governing agricultural programs Establishes and maintains cooperative working relationships Manages time efficiently to complete assigned tasks Communicates effectively and tactfully with home and property owners, coworkers, supervisors and the general public Operates assigned vehicles safely Works independently to assess situations for risk and responds in a safe and effective manner Performs other work as required which may include the use of pesticides when assigned to Pest Management Programs License Required Possession of a valid California motor vehicle operator’s license. A 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. Seasonal Position The Pest Detection Specialist position is a seasonal position, typically lasting from April through November, and is dependent on state contract funds. 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. Constitution 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr