Agricultural Technician III (Seasonal)

Job Description and Duties

Per CCR 249.3, this job control may be used to fill subsequent vacancies.

This is a re-advertisement. Applications submitted previously are still being considered.  

Under direction of the Agriculture Program Supervisor IV (APS IV) with guidance from the Senior Environmental Scientist Supervisory (SESS), the incumbent plans, organizes and directs the work of a medium-sized crew of seasonal employees in one or more California counties. As a program expert, the incumbent independently performs the most complex, varied, and responsible duties in a field and laboratory setting concerned with assistive and nonprofessional entomological or plant pest work. This is generally exhibited by wide and varied experience in the applicable field of entomological or plant pest work or directing the work of others in the applicable field assignments. Specific responsibilities include but are not limited to: following an established work routine to schedule surveys, deployment and servicing for a variety of insect traps, various aspects of pesticide applications, conducting visual survey of designated areas for host material, pest damage (such as Exotic Wood Borer, Cereal Leaf Beetle, etc.), documentation of work completed, field identification of suspect target insects, interaction with the public (notification for property and field surveys), and packaging and electronic data entry of suspect insects for submission to the identification lab.

• Act as a lead person for personnel in the Agricultural Aide/Agricultural Technician I classifications and/or other equally assigned cooperators.

• Assemble work crews, conduct training involving field related activities, personal and equipment safety precautions, and schedule daily assignments. 

• Ensure all pesticide labels, Materials Safety Data Sheets, maps, hospital information, accident identification forms, and other documentation are in each vehicle and office site.

• Submit field samples via the electronic Pest Detection Report (PDR) and site registered via Global Positioning System (GPS) technology.

As an employee of the California Department of Food & Agriculture (CDFA), you are required to perform the “essential functions” of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation.  If you are interested in becoming part of a diverse and inclusive workforce where talent, experience, and expertise are valued, then CDFA is the place for you!!

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

The APS IV or SESS may not always be on site in the field. The duties of this position are primarily conducted outdoors. The incumbent works in extremes of weather and temperature. Changes in lighting such as alternating bright sunlight and dark shade are encountered. Noise levels constantly vary. Terrain encountered varies from smooth and stable to irregular and unstable. Incumbent may experience regular exposure to dust, pollen, and moisture. Some trap types use a specific chemical insect lure; some of these lures may contain small amounts of pesticide. Incumbent will be provided CDFA uniforms and personal protective equipment when using pesticides. The work area can be urban or rural.

The incumbent will be required to drive, exit, and re-enter the work vehicle numerous times during the workday. The incumbent must possess a valid California driver’s license and maintain a good driving record as documented by the Department of Motor Vehicles to operate a State motor vehicle safely and responsibly. A safe driving record is one free from convictions in the past two years for repeated moving violations, or a single serious violation, such as drunk driving or reckless driving.

The incumbent must also be able to apply pesticides, work well under extreme time constraints, exercise good judgment, determine priorities, make appropriate well-thought-out decisions, allocate staff, and provide resources to achieve maximum results, maintain focus under conditions of duress, and provide an accurate assessment of rapidly changing situations (ex. multiple exotic pest detections requiring multiple operations). The incumbent must be able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted during the course of work, cooperate with other staff members in completing assigned work, communicate effectively verbally and in writing, and meet required deadlines.

Incumbent may be required to travel by State or rental vehicle to perform field active or other public transportation systems to various locations throughout the state. Must be legally able to rent a car. The incumbent may work various shifts (pre-dawn and after 6:00 p.m.), weekends, overtime, and possibly a split shift.

The position may require a background check to be cleared prior to being hired. Some of the work will be conducted at airport facilities, inside and around aircraft. The incumbent will be exposed to warm temperatures and loud noise. They may also work alone inside aircraft for extended periods of time.

Special Requirements

• The position(s) require(s) a valid California Drivers License (CDL). You must answer the questions addressing your CDL on your application. Ensure you provide your CDL number, class, expiration date, and any endorsements and/or restrictions.

Benefits

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

Hard Copy Applications

If you are dropping off or mailing in your application, please use the Examination/Employment Application, STD 678 Revised 06/2024 version.

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

• Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
• Resume is optional. It may be included, but is not required.