Ag Biology/Standards Tech

Position Description

This is a seasonal position, working 20-24 hours per week from approximately the end of April until the beginning of November.

Under general supervision offers varied technical and administrative support to Agricultural Biologist / Standards Inspectors performing routine inspections, enforcing agricultural and weights and measures programs and projects.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS :

This is a technical support class performing a variety of field and office duties in support of Agricultural and Weights and Measures programs and projects. Employees in this classification are not required to possess the State certification necessary as a minimum qualification to enter the Agricultural Biologist / Standards Inspector classifications. Job duties are normally performed in areas not requiring certification or in areas where seasonal certificates may be issued by the Department of Food and Agriculture. Incumbents normally work under the guidance of a licensed Agricultural Biologist / Standards Inspector but may be assigned to fieldwork on their own. An employee in this class is responsible for performing technical fieldwork related to trapping, identifying, and eradicating pests; educating and communicating with the public; assisting licensed staff with special projects and activities; and maintaining field and office records. Incumbents are expected to become familiar with State agricultural and weights and measure administrative codes and may be assigned to perform work in the field or office as needed.

Example of Duties

• Leads and performs a variety of non-licensed technical and administrative support duties related to the enforcement of agricultural and weights and measures laws.
• Prepares reports of inspections, tests, investigations and other activities as directed.
• Performs pest surveys by assembling and baiting pest detection traps or devices; places and maintains traps in good physical conditions; inspects traps regularly and records results; performs other technical duties as assigned to assist licensed staff.
• Communicates with the public to convey the purposes and importance of the pest detection survey program and / or other assigned programs.
• Assists licensed staff in inspection of fruits, vegetables, nuts, honey, eggs and other agricultural commodities in markets, packing houses and storage areas for compliance with regulations relating to standards and grades.
• As directed, inspects nurseries and seeds for compliance with laws and regulations.
• As directed, applies pesticides as appropriate for the control of weed, insect and vertebrate pests in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
• Assists with inspections of incoming and certain outgoing shipments of plant material for evidence of disease, insect and weed pests which are prohibited.
• As directed, inspects apiaries for honeybee diseases and other pests.
• Assists with inspections of nurseries for compliance with regulations relating to labeling, grades and standards of cleanliness.
• Assists with inspection and testing of commercial weighing and measuring devices for compliance with laws and regulations.
• Assists in inspection of licensed weighmasters for compliance with established laws and regulations.
• Prepares and conducts appropriate training sessions.
• Performs maintenance on departmental equipment.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Skill in :

Making accurate inspections of seeds, plants, pests and other agriculturally related products; making accurate inspections and testing of weighing and measuring devices.

Ability to :

Distinguish various fruit and nut tree crops commonly grown in Calaveras County; read, understand and interpret instructional manuals and materials; perform outdoor manual labor relating to agricultural and weights and measures programs in varying weather conditions; maintain detailed and accurate records of work performed and findings; prepare clear and concise written reports, correspondences, and other written materials; use a variety of office equipment; read maps, GPS units, and plot locations on maps; lift and carry fifty (50) pound test weights; interpret and assist in enforcing agricultural standards, laws and regulations; assist in inspecting commercial weighing and measuring equipment; understand and carry out verbal and written directions; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted during the course of work; work independently with minimal direct supervision.

Knowledge of :

Methods of pest surveillance, including the identification of crops, pests, basic insects, plants and trees; methods and techniques used in the inspection of seeds, plants and produce; trapping, recognition, and elimination of target pests; laws, rules and regulations related to storage, transportation and application of varied pesticides laws; rules and regulations related to the transportation of agricultural products; basic principles of public relations; safe driving practices; standard office practices and procedures; personal computer systems and general office computer software; correspondence, letter, and report formats; recordkeeping and report preparation methods; business arithmetic; basic provisions of the California Agriculture Code relating to the functions of the Agriculture Commissioner and related laws, rules and regulations.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE :

Education :

Equivalent to graduation from high school. Where college degrees and / or college course credits are required, degrees and college units must be obtained from an accredited college or university. Courses from non-accredited institutions will not meet this requirement.

Experience :

Two years performing biological or agricultural research, pest survey, or inspection-related fieldwork. Substitution : Completed coursework in agricultural science, biology, or a closely related field from an accredited college or university may be substituted for the above-required experience, where thirty (30) college units is considered equivalent to one (1) year of experience. In addition to the above, one (1) year of public contact which included explaining services and / or procedures to the public, OR one (1) year of experience ensuring public compliance with various rules and / or regulations.

The equivalent to completion of two (2) years of college which includes at least ten (10) units in agriculture or biological science is desirable.

Special Requirements

Must be willing to work on evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Must possess a valid Class C California driver's license (or other state equivalent) issued by the State Department of Motor Vehicles.

Possession of an appropriate California driver’s license issued by the State Department of Motor Vehicles may be required.

Salary : $28