Agricultural and Standards Investigator I-IV

Position Overview The County of Riverside's Agricultural Commissioner's Office is seeking an Agricultural and Standards Investigator I-IV. Investigators enforce agricultural and/or weights and measures laws, regulations, and policies to protect consumers and the agricultural industry. Work is primarily outdoors, often in varying weather, and involves traveling throughout Riverside County for inspections and investigations. Candidates must upload a copy of your official/unofficial transcripts or license(s) issued by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) at the time of application. Applicants who have passed the State License exam but have not yet received their license should upload documentation indicating exam completion. Assignments are based on departmental needs. Incumbents become eligible for promotion to the next higher level, up to Investigator IV, upon receipt of the required State Licenses, as specified in the Recruiting Guidelines at each level. Salary Range Agricultural and Standards Investigator I: $28,912.9 – $35,773.4 Agricultural and Standards Investigator II: $32,131.0 – $42,803.2 Agricultural and Standards Investigator III: $35,683.9 – $47,211.0 Agricultural and Standards Investigator IV: $39,675.7 – $50,125.6 Responsibilities Attend training sessions to receive instruction in agricultural and weights and measures laws and regulations, biosecurity policies, and pest detection methods. Conduct periodic inspections and complaint investigations involving agricultural properties and businesses, mobile home parks, food markets, gas stations, and other commercial establishments for compliance with applicable codes. Take appropriate enforcement action such as quarantine, embargo, and condemnation of pesticide‑contaminated food products or pest‑infested/infected plant materials. Participate as part of the County Hazardous Materials 24‑hour Emergency Team; assist during pesticide clean‑up operations as a pesticide expert and active coordinator between Hazmat, law enforcement agencies, environmental specialists, and Risk Management departments. Inspect, test, and seal commercial weighing and measuring devices; investigate complaints of improper weights, measures, or counts and take appropriate enforcement action. Collect pesticide samples of plant or animal products for laboratory analysis, interpret laboratory findings, and prepare required reports. Inspect plant material entering the County for compliance with federal and state quarantines for detrimental insects, diseases, noxious weeds, and weed seeds. Maintain accurate records of work performed; gather evidence of violations and non‑compliance with agricultural and/or weights and measures laws and regulations, and County ordinances. Enforce state laws concerning packaging of commodities and other phases of weights, measures, or counts; issue warnings and citations, and condemn defective apparatus or improperly represented commodities or packages. Assist in preparing court cases by completing inspection reports, attending office hearings, and conferring with city or county district attorneys and County Counsel. Testify in court or office hearings as the investigating authority. Licensing and Education Options Option I – Licenses: Possession of one or more of the following valid statewide specific category licenses as a County Agricultural Inspector/Biologist or as a Weights and Measures Inspector: Agriculture (Pesticide Regulation; Investigation & Environmental Monitoring; Integrated Pest Management Monitoring; Commodity Regulation; Pest Prevention & Plant Regulation) and Weights & Measures (Weight Verification; Measurement Verification; Transaction & Product Verification). Option II – Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree and specialization in one or more appropriate disciplines in agricultural, biological, chemical, or physical sciences, or other appropriate disciplines as determined by the Secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture. Licensing requirements by level: Investigator I – Possession of at least one valid statewide specific category license. Investigator II – Possession of at least two valid statewide specific category licenses. Investigator III – Possession of at least five valid statewide specific category licenses. Investigator IV – Possession of all eight valid statewide specific category licenses. Knowledge and Skills Knowledge of biological and physical sciences used in agriculture and/or weights and measures. Ability to learn agricultural and weights and measures laws and regulations, investigate, and enforce principles and procedures. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public, various governmental agencies, and other staff members. Analyze situations accurately and take effective action; communicate clearly both orally and in writing. Prepare clear and concise reports; use a personal computer. Other Requirements Valid California Driver’s License. Physical requirements: stand, climb stairs and ladders, walk on uneven, wet, or slippery ground; lift items from high or low shelves; manual dexterity for hand‑writing and computer use; corrected vision; walk or stand for extended periods; navigate rough terrain; work at heights >10 feet; support with core and lower back when lifting. Environmental requirements: work in an office and all field environments; be exposed to inclement weather conditions; contact with materials/wastes, including odors and fumes from industrial and agricultural processes, cleaning solvents, chlorine, and insecticides; tolerate very hot and cold temperatures. Contact Contact Danilo Lozano at View email address on click.appcast.io or View phone number on click.appcast.io. Please allow 1–2 business days for a response to general inquiries. #J-18808-Ljbffr County of Riverside