Agricultural Biologist - Inspector I/II/III

Job Responsibilities Under supervision, to learn methods and procedures, make inspections, and enforce laws and regulations pertaining to the California Food and Agricultural Code, Business and Professions Code, the California Code of Regulation, and other pertinent rules, laws, and regulations; to learn and perform pest prevention and pesticide regulation assignments; to learn methods and procedures and inspect and test weighing and measuring devices; to verify consumer transactions and product quality; and to do related work as required. Under general direction, to make inspections and enforce laws and regulations pertaining to the California Food and Agricultural Code, Business and Professions Code, the California Code of Regulation, and other pertinent rules, laws, and regulations; to perform pest prevention and pesticide regulation assignments; to inspect and test weighing and measuring devices; to verify consumer transactions and product quality; and to do related work as required. Under general direction, to coordinate, oversee, and perform inspections and enforcement of laws and regulations pertaining to the California Food and Agricultural Code, Business and Professions Code, the California Code of Regulations, the California Health and Safety Code and other pertinent rules, laws, and regulations; to coordinate and perform pest prevention and pesticide regulation assignments; to coordinate and perform inspection and testing of weighing and measuring devices and verification of consumer transactions and product quality; and to do related work as required. Distinguishing Characteristics This is the entry and basic working level in the Agricultural and Standards Inspector class series. Incumbents work under relatively close supervision until they gain experience and obtain the requisite State licenses to work as an experienced Agricultural Biologist/Inspector. This class is distinguished from Agricultural Biologist/Inspector II by the fact that incumbents in the Agricultural Biologist/Inspector II class perform a broader range of assignments under less guidance and supervision. This is the first experienced working level in the Agricultural Biologist/Inspector class series. Incumbents are expected to be licensed and work in at least three of the eight fields requiring State licensing for the performance of agricultural and weights and measures inspection and enforcement work. This is the journey level in the Agricultural Biologist/Inspector class series. Incumbents are expected to perform in multiple areas of inspection and enforcement work. They may also be responsible for an assigned area of Department programs. This class is distinguished from Agricultural Biologist/Inspector II by the performance of a wider range work and the requirement that an incumbent possess at least five of the eight fields requiring State licensing for the performance of agricultural and weights and measures inspection and enforcement work. Reports To Deputy Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer or Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer Classifications Supervised This is not a supervisory class. Provides lead direction and work coordination for Agricultural Biologist/Inspector I, II, and Agricultural Technician Typical Physical Requirements Sit for extended periods; frequently stand and walk; ability to walk in uneven terrain and on slippery surfaces; normal manual dexterity and eye‑hand coordination; ability to crawl through various areas requiring movement on hands and knees; ability to climb, stoop, crouch, and kneel; lift and move objects weighing up to 50 lbs.; corrected hearing and vision to normal range; verbal communication; use of office equipment, including computer, telephone, calculator, copiers, and FAX. Typical Working Conditions Learns methods, procedures, and policies and performs the following assignments: inspects fruits, nuts, vegetables, honey, eggs, or other agricultural commodities in markets, packing houses, and storage areas for compliance with regulations related to standards and grades; issues certificates of inspection; may order reconditioning or destruction of produce deemed to be below minimum standards; inspects nurseries for plant pests and diseases; inspects incoming plant shipments for evidence of disease, pests, or noxious weed seeds; inspects transported agricultural commodities to insure that they are free from injurious insects or plant disease; may inspect and insure proper pesticide application to crops; inspects apiaries, examines fields, orchards, roadways, and cultivated areas to determine the location and extent of rodent, weed, bird, insect, predator, and plant disease infestations; controls and eradicates plants, weeds, and pests; may certify or specify the treatment of agricultural products for movement or shipment; inspects seeds and seed shipments for noxious weed seeds; inspects, tests, and seals commercial weighing and measuring devices; inspects and insures proper weight, measures, counts, and labeling of packaged commodities; inspects and investigates weighmaster licenses; collects petroleum product samples for testing; investigates complaints related to consumer transactions; prepares records and reports of inspections and tests; takes appropriate enforcement actions; performs needed maintenance on equipment; provides information to growers and home‑owners; gathers information for annual crop reports; represents the Agriculture Department in contacts with the public and other government agencies. Inspects fruits, nuts, vegetables, honey, eggs, or other agricultural commodities in markets, packing houses, and storage areas for compliance with regulations related to standards and grades; issues certificates of inspection; may order reconditioning or destruction of produce deemed to be below minimum standards; inspects nurseries for plant pests and diseases; inspects incoming plant shipments for evidence of disease, pests, or noxious weed seeds; inspects transported agricultural commodities to insure that they are free from injurious insects or plant disease; issues pesticide permits and may inspect pesticide application to crops; inspects apiaries; examines fields, orchards, roadways, and cultivated areas to determine the location and extent of rodent, weed, bird, insect, predator, and plant disease infestations; controls and eradicates plants, weeds, rodents, birds, and other pests; may certify or specify the treatment of agricultural products as a condition of movement or shipment; inspects seeds and seed shipments for noxious weed seeds; inspects, tests, and seals commercial weighing and measuring devices; weighs, measures, and counts the contents of packaged commodities to verify the accuracy of labels; inspects and investigates weighmaster licenses; collects petroleum product samples for testing to insure stated qualities; investigates complaints related to consumer transactions; prepares records and reports of inspections and tests conducted; takes appropriate enforcement actions; performs needed maintenance on equipment; provides information to growers and home‑owners regarding pest problems; gathers information for annual crop reports; represents the Agriculture Department in contacts with the public and other government agencies. Plans and coordinates a variety of inspection, enforcement, and control work, including quarantine inspection, pesticide use enforcement, rodent, weed, and bird control, nursery and apiary inspection, and weights and measures enforcement and inspection; may coordinate assigned areas of responsibility with other County departments and government agencies; assists with the development and implementation of Agriculture Department goals, objectives, policies, and priorities; may provide training and guidance for other Department staff; performs a wide range agricultural and weights and measures inspection and enforcement duties; prepares a variety of inspection reports in compliance with Federal, State, and local laws, regulations, and standards; investigates a variety of complaints, including those related to packaging and labeling fraud; enforces pesticide use regulations; may conduct hearings and examinations as delegated by Department management; assists the public with pest control problems and issues restricted materials permits; gathers data and prepares a variety of reports; inspects, tests, and seals commercial weighing and measuring devices, including liquid measurement equipment; verifies the weight, measurement, contents, and labeling of packaged items; reviews and verifies weighmaster certificates and records of weight certificates; tests electric meters; collects commodity samples for testing; files formal complaints; represents the Department with the public, community organizations, and other agencies. Qualifications Any combination of training and experience which would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be: Completion of advanced educational training in biological and agricultural sciences with courses in mathematics and physics in accordance with State of California licensing requirements. Special Requirements Possession of, or ability to obtain a valid class C California Drivers License Possession of at least two valid licenses issued by the California Department of Food and Agriculture, one of which must be either: Pesticide Regulation Pest Prevention and Plant Regulation Weight Verification An incumbent may be appointed without the required licenses, but the appointment will be on a provisional basis, pending acquisition of the required licenses. Failure to obtain one of the licenses within twelve months of appointment may result in termination. Qualifications (Second Level) At least two years of inspection and enforcement experience comparable to that of an Agricultural Biologist/Inspector I with San Benito County. Completion of advanced educational training in biological and agricultural sciences with courses in mathematics and physics in accordance with State of California licensing requirements. Special Requirements: Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate valid California Driver's License. Possession of at least three valid licenses issued by the California Department of Food and Agriculture which must include the following: Pesticide Regulation Pest Prevention and Plant Regulation Weight Verification Qualifications (Third Level) Any combination of training and experience which would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be: At least one year of inspection and enforcement experience comparable to that of an Agricultural Biologist Inspector II with San Benito County. Completion of advanced educational training in biological and agricultural sciences with courses in mathematics and physics in accordance with State of California licensing requirements. Special Requirements: Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate valid California Driver's License. Possession of at least five valid licenses issued by the California Department of Food and Agriculture, three which must be: Pesticide Regulation Pest Prevention and Plant Regulation Weight verification The two remaining licenses may be any combination of the following: Investigation and Environmental Monitoring Integrated Pest Management Commodity Regulation Measurement Verification Transaction and Product Verification Possession of a Federal Cooperator's License for phytosanitary certification issued by the United States Department of Agriculture. Knowledge Basic knowledge of the functions and responsibilities of the County Agricultural Commissioner and Sealer of Weights and Measures; Statistical testing methods and procedures; Basic knowledge of agricultural practices and crops pertinent to the County of San Benito; Basic knowledge of pest and noxious weed control methods. Federal, State, and local laws, rules, and regulations related to the functions of the County Agricultural Commissioner and Sealer of Weights and Measures; Enforcement powers, procedures, and policies of the Agriculture Department; Proper inspection methods and procedures; Statistical testing methods and procedures; Agricultural practices and crops pertinent to the County of San Benito; Pest and noxious weed control methods. Federal, State, and local laws, rules, and regulations related to the functions of the County Agricultural Commissioner and Sealer of Weights and Measures; Enforcement powers, procedures, and policies of the Agriculture Department; Proper inspection methods and procedures; Statistical testing methods and procedures; Agricultural practices and crops pertinent to the County of San Benito; Pest and noxious weed control methods; Principles of program development, implementation, and coordination. Ability to Learn and perform agricultural and weights and measures inspection and enforcement work; Learn, use, and apply a variety of inspection methods and techniques; Analyze, interpret, and apply Federal, State, and local rules and regulations, relating to agricultural and weights and measures standards; Gather and maintain information related to County crops; Make mathematical calculations quickly and accurately; Communicate effectively both orally and in writing; Enforce regulations with firmness and tact; Prepare clear and concise reports; Represent the functions and policies of the County Agricultural Commissioner/ Sealer in a courteous and professional manner; Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships. Perform a wide range of agricultural and weights and measures enforcement and inspection assignments; Use and apply a variety of inspection methods and techniques; Analyze, interpret, and apply Federal, State, and local rules and regulations, relating to agricultural and weights and measures standards; Gather and maintain information related to County crops; Make mathematical calculations quickly and accurately; Communicate effectively both orally and in writing; Provide advice on acceptable agricultural and weights and measures practices; Enforce regulations with firmness and tact; Prepare clear and concise reports; Represent the functions and policies of the County Agricultural Commissioner/ Sealer in a courteous and professional manner; Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships. Plan, develop, coordinate and be responsible for assigned inspection and enforcement areas in the Agriculture Department; Perform a wide range of complex agricultural and weights and measures enforcement and inspection work, using a variety of methods and techniques; Analyze, interpret, and apply Federal, State, and local rules and regulations, relating to agricultural and weights and measures standards; Make mathematical calculations quickly and accurately; Communicate effectively both orally and in writing; Provide advice on acceptable agricultural and weights and measures practices; Enforce regulations with firmness and tact; Gather a variety of information and prepare clear and concise reports; Represent the functions and policies of the County Agricultural Commissioner/ Sealer in a courteous and professional manner; Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships. Supplemental Information The contents of this class specification shall not be construed to constitute any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee, nor shall it constitute a contract of employment. The County of San Benito assumes no responsibility beyond the general accuracy of the document, nor does it assume responsibility for any errors or omissions in the information contained herein. The contents of this specification may be modified or revoked without notice. Terms and conditions of employment are determined through a "meet and confer" process and are subject to the Memorandum of Understanding currently in effect. #J-18808-Ljbffr