Agricultural Biologist/Weights and Measures Inspector I

Salary : $48,193.60 - $78,790.40 Annually

Location : Oroville / Chico Area, CA

Job Type : Regular Help

Job Number : 2510114087

Department : Agriculture Department

Opening Date : 02 / 28 / 2025

Closing Date : 3 / 21 / 2025 11 : 59 PM Pacific

Summary

This recruitment is for Level I.

The salary rage for level I is $1,853.60 -$2,484.00 biweekly ($23.17 -$31.05 per hour).

FLSA : Non-Exempt

DEFINITION

Under immediate or general supervision, direction, or general direction, performs agriculture and / or weights and measures inspections by enforcing federal, state, and local laws and regulations to promote and protect agriculture, public health, the environment, consumers, and businesses; and performs related duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives direct supervision (I-level), general supervision (II-level), direction (III-level), or general direction (IV-level) from assigned supervisory or management personnel. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This is a multi-level, deep class in which incumbents may be assigned to any of four levels depending on experience and the attainment of valid state certificates of inspection. The work involves the enforcement of various types of federal, state, and local laws and regulations related to agriculture and / or weights and measures. Once certificates are acquired, the incumbent may inspect and enforce regulations in that field and the duties become more diversified and are performed with less supervision.

Agricultural Biologist / Weights & Measures Inspector I : This is the entry-level in the Agricultural Biologist / Weights & Measures Inspector classification series. Under immediate supervision, incumbents learn to perform a variety of inspection duties and learns federal, state, and local agricultural and weights and measures laws and regulations. Duties are performed in a learning capacity as the incumbent achieves licensing in the required subject matter area(s). Positions at this level exercise limited discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods. Work is supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern. Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise.

Agricultural Biologist / Weights & Measures Inspector II : This is the journey-level in the Agricultural Biologist / Weights & Measures Inspector classification series. Incumbents perform assigned duties in the areas in which they are qualified and licensed. Positions exercise independent discretion and judgment in selecting and applying work procedures and methods. Assignments and objectives are set for the incumbent and established work methods are followed. Positions at this level receive instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise. Incumbents must possess three (3) valid agricultural licenses or two (2) weights and measures licenses, depending on assignment.

Agricultural Biologist / Weights & Measures Inspector III : This is the experienced journey-level in the Agricultural Biologist / Weights & Measures Inspector classification series. Incumbents perform a variety of difficult and complex duties in the areas in which they are qualified and licensed. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. Incumbents may assume specialized responsibility for a function within the class. Incumbents must possess five (5) valid agricultural licenses or three (3) weights and measures licenses, depending on assignment.

Agricultural / Weights and Measures Inspector IV : This is the advanced-journey level responsible for performing the most complex work assigned to the Agricultural Biologist / Weights & Measures Inspector classification series. Incumbents perform a variety of duties in the areas in which they are qualified and licensed. Incumbents regularly work on tasks which are varied and complex, requiring considerable discretion and independent judgement. Positions in the classification rely on experience and judgement to perform assigned duties. Assignments are given with general guidelines and incumbents are responsible for establishing objectives, timelines, and methods to deliver services. Work is typically reviewed upon completion for soundness, appropriateness, and conformity to policy and requirements. Incumbents assume specialized responsibility for a function within the class. Incumbents must possess five (5) valid agricultural licenses and three (3) weights and measures licenses.

Positions in the Agricultural Biologist / Weights & Measures Inspector classification series are flexibly staffed; positions at the II-, III-, and IV-levels may be filled by advancement from the I-, II-, and III-levels, respectively; progression to the next level in the series is dependent on (i) management affirmation that the position is performing the full range of duties assigned to the classification; (ii) satisfactory work performance; (iii) the incumbent meeting the minimum qualifications for the classification including any licenses and certifications; and (iv) management approval for progression to the next level in the class series.

Essential Job Functions

EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Typical functions may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, abilities, and other characteristics. The list that follows is not intended as a comprehensive list; it is intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed, and may be required to perform additional, position-specific tasks.

For entry-level (I-level) positions, the typical functions are limited and performed in a learning capacity.

• Conducts services, inspections, and investigations to prevent or eliminate environmental and pesticide health hazards and ensure worker health and safety, may be assigned to regulate pesticide applications and other agricultural service programs.
• Enforces federal, state, and local pesticide laws and regulations by issuing permits, conducting on-site inspections, auditing records, and monitoring application and use of pesticides.
• Inspects and certifies agricultural products and commodities for compliance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations, grades, standards, and / or labelling requirements; issues Phytosanitary Certificates; regulates, inspects, and certifies producers, markets, apiaries, nurseries, and growers; monitors and accredits grain and seed mills; assists in developing schedules for inspection of markets and growing grounds.
• Investigates pesticide use complaints, pesticide illness, pesticide residues reported on produce, pesticide damage incidents, and pesticide environmental effects; takes appropriate action when non-compliance is found, including issuing notices of violations, citations and / or preparing cases for administrative civil penalty actions and / or referrals to the District Attorney.
• Issues certificates for non-compliance with orders and instructions to recondition, dispose, or bring into compliance fruit and vegetable standards.
• Identifies agricultural pests and diseases; enforces plant quarantine regulations; assists in the detection, eradication, and control of pests and diseases; collects various agricultural samples for delivery to state lab for testing and identification.
• Inspects agricultural and commercial businesses for compliance to safety, sanitary, and calibration regulations; enforces worker safety laws and regulations; works with businesses to develop solutions for long-term protection of public health and the environment; provides resources; coordinates with other government agencies as appropriate.
• Inspects apiaries; identifies bee diseases and treatment protocols; interprets and enforces provisions related to bees; maintains communications with beekeepers and serves as a resource.
• Inspects and tests commercial weighing and measuring devices for accuracy and notifies owners of test results; identifies and resolves problems and condemns devices not brought into compliance.
• Inspects petroleum vapor recovery systems; monitors petroleum octane, labeling, price signs, and advertising to ensure accuracy and compliance with regulations; tests for sediment and water contamination in petroleum fuels.
• Verifies the work and license requirements of registered service agents.
• Investigates complaints of improper weight, measure, or count; conducts random sampling of packaged commodities to ensure content is equal to amount on label.
• Assists with or verifies the accuracy of price scanning equipment; verifies weighmaster licenses, and determines whether certificates of weights and measures are being issued correctly.
• Inspects junk dealer / recyclers for stormwater permit, photographic, thumb printing, and theft alert notification requirements.
• Operates a variety of specialized equipment, including gas and electric meter test apparatus, taximeter fifth wheel, scanner gun, heavy-capacity weight truck, hydraulic crane, and weight mover.
• Performs public speaking and educational outreach at various venues; answers questions and provides information and assistance to the public, private industry, government agencies, and community groups; conducts studies and gathers information for surveys.
• Develops effective working relationships with the agricultural and business communities; provides customer service in compliance with departmental policies.
• Prepares and maintains records of inspections and analyzes statistical reports; gathers evidence for appropriate enforcement action by the department; initiates corrective actions as needed; testifies in court and hearings as needed.
• Attends meetings, conferences, workshops, and training sessions, and reviews publications to remain current on principles, practices, and new developments in the field of agriculture and weight and measures.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

In addition, Agricultural Biologist / Weights & Measures Inspector III performs the following :

In addition, Agricultural Biologist / Weights & Measures Inspector IV performs the following :

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge of :

In addition, Agricultural Biologist / Weights & Measures Inspector IV :

Ability To :

In addition, Agricultural Biologist / Weights & Measures Inspector IV :

Education and Experience :

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be :

Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with specialization in one or more appropriate disciplines in agriculture, biology, chemistry, entomology, plant pathology / phytopathology, or physical sciences; or in any discipline with a minimum of 30 semester units, or equivalent, in one or any combination of the following disciplines, agricultural science, biology, chemistry, physical science, mathematics, and / or statistics for licensing examination by the California Department of Food & Agriculture; and

Agricultural Biologist / Weights & Measures Inspector I : None

Agricultural Biologist / Weights & Measures Inspector II : One (1) year of experience enforcing agricultural or weights and measures regulations in a California county, or one (1) year of experience at a level equivalent to the County's Agricultural Biologist / Weights & Measures Inspector I.

Agricultural Biologist / Weights & Measures Inspector III : Two (2) years of increasingly responsible experience enforcing agricultural or weights and measures regulations in a California county, or one (1) year of experience at a level equivalent to the County's Agricultural Biologist / Weights & Measures Inspector II.

Agricultural Biologist / Weights & Measures Inspector IV : Three (3) years of increasingly responsible experience enforcing agricultural or weights and measures regulations in a California county, or one (1) year of experience at a level equivalent to the County's Agricultural Biologist / Weights & Measures Inspector III.

Certifications and Licenses :

Agricultural Biologist / Weights & Measures Inspector I :

Agricultural Biologist / Weights & Measures Inspector II :

Obtain and maintain an Authorized Certification Official (ACO) accreditation by the United States Department of Agriculture Animal Plant Health Inspection Services within one (1) year of appointment in order to perform Phytosanitary Export inspections; and

Agricultural Biologist / Weights & Measures Inspector III :

Obtain and maintain an Authorized Certification Official (ACO) accreditation by the United States Department of Agriculture Animal Plant Health Inspection Services within one (1) year of appointment in order to perform Phytosanitary Export inspections

Agricultural / Weights and Measures Inspector IV :

Obtain and maintain an Authorized Certification Official (ACO) accreditation by the United States Department of Agriculture Animal Plant Health Inspection Services within one (1) year of appointment in order to perform Phytosanitary Export inspections

Take the State Structural Pest Control training course in order to perform pesticide structural pest control inspections within two (2) years of appointment.

Environmental Factors and Conditions / Physical Requirements

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

When assigned to an office environment :

When assigned to field inspection :

WORKING CONDITIONS

EQUIPMENT AND TOOLS UTILIZED

Disaster Service Worker

All Butte County employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). 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.

Professional Employees Association (PEA)

THESE BENEFITS DO NOT APPLY TO EXTRA HELP EMPLOYEES

Salary Step Increases :

The beginning salary and the top of the salary range are usually shown on the job announcement. Upon satisfactory service, salary increases of approximately 5% may be given annually until the top of the salary range has been attained.

Cell Phone Allowance :

County issued cell phone or $70 / month allowance with appointing authority approval.

Holidays :

12 paid holidays per year.

Vacation :

0-4.99 years : 15 days / yr.; 5-9.99 years : 20 days / yr.; 10-19.99 years : 25 days / yr.; 20 years : 27 days / yr. Note - accrued vacation leave may not be used until after six months of employment.

Administrative Leave :

7 days per year for FLSA Exempt employees.

Sick Leave :

96 hours of sick leave are earned each year with no maximum accrual.

Bereavement Leave :

Maximum of 40 hours for each occurrence in the immediate family.

Health Plan including Dental Insurance and Vision Insurance :

Coverage under the Butte County Health Plan is for employees and their eligible dependents. Depending upon the plan selected by the employee, the County contributes a substantial amount of the total cost of the complete health package, which consists of medical, vision, and dental insurance. Currently, the amount the County contributes for family coverage is $1357.42 / month. For those employees who have health coverage from other sources, and who elect to not participate in the Butte County Health Plan, the County offers a monthly taxable Cash-Back allowance. The current of the taxable Cash-Back allowance is $503.34 per month (prorated for less than fulltime employees). This benefit is $300 per month for Employees hired on or after January 1, 2014.

Life Insurance :

The County provides $25,000 in life insurance with additional coverage available at a minimal cost.

Retirement :

The County is in the Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) coordinated with Social Security.

Classic Members"- 2% @ 55 . Final compensation based on Single Highest Year. Employee responsible for full 7% employee share effective 1 / 1 / 2013.

New Members" to PERS- 2% @ 62 . Final compensation based on Highest Three Year Average. Employee responsible for one half (1 / 2) the normal cost of the CalPERS Pension.

New Member" is defined by law (PEPRA) as an " 1) individual who has never been a member of any public retirement system prior to 1 / 1 / 2013 or 2) An individual who becomes a member of a public retirement system for the first time on or after January 1, 2013, and who was previously a member of a public retirement system, but who was not subject to reciprocity. or 3) An individual who was an active member in a public retirement system and who, after a break in service of more than six months, returned to active membership in that system with a new employer

Deferred Compensation :

The County offers a 457 Deferred Compensation program. Deposits into this plan are strictly voluntary and are made through a payroll deduction on a tax-deferred basis. The County does not make contributions to the employees' Deferred Compensation accounts.

Disability Insurance :

For short-term disability, the County participates in California State Disability Insurance (SDI) fund. County employees are also covered by an employee-paid long-term disability program. The long-term disability insurance benefit is 60% of the disabled employee's biweekly wage.

Flexible Spending Program :

County employees can elect to participate in a Flexible Spending Program. This program allows employees to use pre-tax dollars to pay for certain health care and / or dependent care expenses. In addition, employees can choose to have their portion of the monthly Health Plan premium withheld from their checks on a pre-tax basis as well. Generally, employees who participate in the Flexible Spending Program have less taxes withheld for their payroll checks than if they had elected not to do so.

Tuition Reimbursement :

Up to $500 / year.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) :

The County of Butte provides an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for employees and their eligible dependents. The EAP offers confidential, professional counseling services.

Refer to specific labor agreements (PEA) for additional benefit information.

BUTTE COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Any information on this page or links is subject to change without notice.

Butte County Human Resources Department

3 County Center Drive, Oroville, CA 95965

530) 552.3552

Comments, please email :

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be : Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with specialization in one or more appropriate disciplines in agriculture, biology, chemistry, entomology, plant pathology / phytopathology, or physical sciences; or in any discipline with a minimum of 30 semester units, or equivalent, in one or any combination of the following disciplines, agricultural science, biology, chemistry, physical science, mathematics, and / or statistics for licensing examination by the California Department of Food & Agriculture; and Agricultural Biologist / Weights & Measures Inspector I : None

Your responses to the following questions and any information in your application may be used to make a better assessment of your qualifications. This questionnaire may be used to rate your qualifications and to determine your ranking on the eligible list. Thus, it is to your advantage to be as clear and thorough as possible when completing the supplemental questions.Has you work experience included any of the following? Select all that apply.

Please indicate below how many years (full time equivalent) of direct experience you have in agriculture-specifically related to the cultivation of plants and / or livestock :

Summarize your work experience and level of responsibility related to your answer in the previous question.

Do you possess a County Agricultural Inspector / Biologist or County Weights & Measures Inspector License from CDFA?

What is your highest level of education?

Do you possess a US Driver's License?

How did you discover this job opportunity?

Required Question

Salary : $48,194 - $78,790