Agricultural Weights & Measures Inspector Trainee

At the County of Marin, our employees overwhelmingly report feeling their work is meaningful, they like the work they do, and they are proud to tell people “I work for the County of Marin.” Discover more about us, our values and our organizational culture here. Read on to find out more about this opportunity:

The Department of Agriculture, Weights and Measures is dedicated to serving the public’s interest by promoting and protecting agriculture, environmental quality, health and welfare, as well as ensuring equity in the marketplace for all of Marin County’s citizens. Are you interested in protecting consumers, the environment and sustainable agriculture? If you are, this may be the right career for you!The Agriculture/Weights and Measures Inspector Trainee will join a team of 8 other experienced and professional inspectors committed to regulating and overseeing a variety of areas including organic integrity, farmers’ markets, commercial devices (scales, meters, etc.), retail sales techniques (scanners, price lookup systems, etc.), pesticide applications, insect trapping, and state and federal pest quarantines. The position is primarily regulatory with a heavy focus on education and outreach with members of a diverse public, including community members, consumers and industry representatives. Successful Inspectors effectively shift between providing education and taking enforcement actions including violations, citations, and fines. 
 
This job allows for a rewarding balance of both office and field work. The ever-changing field work occurs in a variety of settings such as farms, gas stations, retail stores, pesticide storage areas, farmers’ markets, taxi cabs, mail terminals, nurseries, and more. Field inspections generate a range of office work including composing investigative reports, compiling data, issuing permits, interpreting laws and regulations, collaborating with other government agencies, and levying fines. As such, the successful candidate will have great attention to detail and an eagerness to work in a variety of locations. 
 
Work Location: Assignments in this position require working onsite at the Agriculture, Weights and Measures Department Office in Novato and inspection sites throughout the County. Candidates selected for this position must be willing to work outdoors, in all weather conditions and in proximity to potentially hazardous pesticides (with proper safety equipment).
 
There is currently one (1) full-time vacancy in the Department of Agriculture, Weights and Measures that will be filled at the Inspector Trainee OR Inspector I OR Inspector II level. Candidates will be considered for the level(s) for which they apply, assuming minimum qualifications are met. You must submit separate applications for each level for which you wish to be considered. Our Ideal Team Member: 

• Possesses excellent communication skills, both orally and in writing.
• Works effectively both in teams and independently.
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships.
• Is highly detail-oriented and excels at problem-solving, prioritizing and multi-tasking. 
• Has experience performing organic inspections, knowledge of invasive pests, and other related experiences in the agricultural field.
• Has experience in conflict resolution and can communicate effectively in challenging enforcement situations with persons who may be upset or hostile.
• Understands the importance of quality public service.

QUALIFICATIONS

Ability To

• Learn, interpret, apply, explain and enforce various state and federal agricultural and weights and measures laws, codes and regulations.
• Conduct accurate inspections in assigned areas.
• Interview a variety of individuals to obtain needed information.
• Gather, assemble and analyze data and make sound recommendations regarding mitigation or enforcement matters.
• Prepare and maintain accurate, concise and effective records, reports, correspondence and other written materials.
• Make accurate mathematical calculations.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.
• After proper training, safely handle hazardous materials such as herbicides, rodenticides, insecticides and other pesticides, as well as gasoline, diesel, and propane.
• Maintain situational awareness while confidently approaching unknown environments with changing circumstances.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Agricultural/Weights and Measures Inspector Trainee

1. Possession of one or more valid full CDFA state licenses as a County Agricultural Inspector/Biologist; OR
2. Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college with specialization in one or more appropriate disciplines in agricultural, biological, chemical, or physical sciences; OR
3. Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college in any discipline with a minimum of 30 semester units, or equivalent quarter units, in one or any combination of the following disciplines:
   • Agricultural Science
   • Biological Science
   • Chemical Science
   • Physical Science
   • Mathematics, and/or
   • Statistics

Special Requirements: CDFA licenses are NOT required at the Trainee level; however, at least two licenses must be acquired within two years of initial hire or employment will be terminated.

Licenses: Agricultural and Drivers

• Candidates at the Trainee level who possess full state Agricultural licenses and are invited to participate in interviews may be asked to submit copies of their full state Agricultural licenses. 
• This position requires employees to possess a valid “Class C” California driver's license and meet automobile insurability requirements of the County including review of a recent DMV history. Candidates will be required, at the time of selection interview, to furnish a recent DMV driving record.

To learn more about the requirements for this opportunity, please see the class specification. 

All applicants will receive email notifications regarding their status in the recruitment process. Please be sure to check your spam settings to allow our emails to reach you. You may also log into your governmentjobs.com account to view these emails.

Testing and Eligible List: Depending on the number of qualified applications received, the examination may consist of a highly qualified review, application screening, online assessment, written examination, oral examination, performance examination, or any combination to determine which candidates' names will be placed on the eligible list.
  
Disaster Service Workers: All County of Marin 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.

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer: If you have questions regarding equal employment opportunities, please contact Roger Crawford, Equal Employment Opportunity Director, at 415-473-2095. If you have questions concerning this position announcement, please contact Colleen.Beck@marincounty.gov.

Salary : $61,269 - $72,872