Agricultural Programs Biologist

The Monterey County Agricultural Commissioner's Office acts as the local enforcement agency for specific laws and regulations pertaining to agriculture and business. Major areas of responsibility and jurisdiction include pesticide use enforcement, plant quarantine, pest exclusion, pest detection, fruit and vegetable standardization, nursery, seed, and weights and measures enforcement. 

The Agricultural Programs Biologist functions as the department general biologist, entomologist and plant pathologist with primary countywide responsibility for detection, identification and eradication or management of pests and with limited responsibility for enforcement/inspection work. Performs complex professional work in general biology, including the detection and identification of plant disease, insect and weed infestations, conducts or directs chemical, biological and mechanical exclusion, control and eradication of agricultural pests, enforces Federal, State and local agricultural laws and regulations in the areas of pest prevention, plant quarantine, pest exclusion, pesticide use enforcement, nursery and seed regulation, and fruit and vegetable quality control. Supervises, plans, assigns, reviews, and evaluates the work of assigned staff.

The Eligible List established by this recruitment process may be used County-wide to fill current and future vacancies on a regular full-time, part-time, or temporary basis.

• Conducts field surveys and laboratory inspections to detect and identify plant disease and insect infestations, and other pests and pathogens. 
• Determines possible sources of potential new pests including likely entry and high hazard areas, designs surveys for early detection; develops detection protocols and coordinates field staff. 
• Examines plant, insect and soil samples or other biological materials in laboratory or field settings to identify potential pests and diseases; submits samples to state or private laboratories as appropriate. 
• Examines insect specimens, insect traps and other materials in laboratory and field settings to detect and identify pests; submits specimens to state laboratories as needed for official confirmation. 
• Identifies causes, recommends appropriate solutions and plans, organizes and coordinates proper methods for control and eradication of plant diseases, insect pests and noxious weeds. 
• Supervises assigned staff performing a variety of program duties. 
• Disseminates and monitors biological control agents.
• Plans and conducts weed control and eradication activities, may personally address small or remote infestations or plan and direct larger control and eradication operations. 
• Maintains collections of insects, plants and other materials for reference and identification.
• Meets with members of the agricultural industry, other agencies, universities and the public regarding pest and disease issues; makes presentations and represents County interests.
• Evaluates crop losses/damage due to insect and diseases, pesticides, weather, and other causes. 
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with other agencies and clients such as the public, growers, media, schools, etc. 

To view the complete classification description, please visit the County of Monterey website:  Agricultural Programs Biologist 

THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE

Will have a proven track record demonstrating the following knowledge, skills and abilities:

Thorough Knowledge of:

• Investigation procedures and methods used to isolate, identify, evaluate and classify insects, plant diseases, nematodes or other organisms
• Methods and techniques used in the control or eradication of common plant diseases, pests and noxious weeds 

Working Knowledge of:

• General biological science
• Organic and inorganic chemistry
• Laboratory equipment, methods and techniques used in the identification and classification of common insect and plant pathogens, culture of plant pathogens and preparation of plant and insect slides for microscopic examination
• Personal computer usage including the following software: Word, Excel, Outlook, Access, PowerPoint, as well as internet research methods 

Skill and Ability to:

• Use standard laboratory equipment 
• Photograph plant, animal and insect specimens and maintain files for identification and tracking 
• Identify common agricultural crops, ornamental plants and weeds 
• Interpret, apply and enforce agricultural standards, laws and regulations 
• Train, assign, review and evaluate the work of subordinate staff 
• Deal tactfully and effectively with the public and others contacted in the course of work 
• Establish and maintain cooperative relations in enforcement situations that may be difficult or tense 
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing 
• Distinguish basic insects/pests through a hand lens 
• Speak in public before large and small groups 
• Prepare accurate reports and records 
• Analyze data and situations, and make effective recommendations 
• Maintain confidentiality of protected records 

Any combination of training, education and/or experience which provides the knowledge, skills and abilities and required conditions of employment is qualifying. An example of a way these requirements might be acquired is:

Experience: One year of professional field or laboratory experience in entomology, plant pathology, as an agricultural pesticide control advisor or closely related field is desirable 

AND

Education: Graduation from an accredited four-year institution of higher education with a Bachelor's degree specializing in one or more appropriate disciplines in the agricultural, or biological sciences or other appropriate disciplines as determined by the Secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture to qualify for licensing exam, and sufficient coursework in entomology and plant pathology to acquire the requisite knowledge and skills.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION/TRAINING 

Pursuant to the Food and Agricultural Code of California, Chapter 2, Section 2106, must meet State of California requirements for licensing as a County Agricultural Inspector/Biologist. 

Must possess all five state licenses required for a County Agricultural Inspector/Biologist and become a federal Accredited Certifying Official (ACO) for export certification within four years of employment, must obtain core license (a) within the first year of employment; core licenses (b) and (c) as well as the ACO accreditation by the end of the second year of employment; and the remaining two licenses by the end of the fourth year of employment: 

a. Pest Prevention and Plant Regulation

b. Pesticide Regulation 

c. Investigation and Environmental Monitoring 

d. Integrated Pest Management

e. Commodity Regulation 

Licensure as a Deputy Agricultural Commissioner is desirable. 

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

The required conditions of employment include, but are not limited to the following:

1. Possess and maintain a valid California Class C driver’s license or the ability to provide suitable transportation that is approved by the appointing authority.
2. Be available to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and during times of disaster and/or emergency. 
3. Pass a pre-employment physical exam.
4. Adhere to related Federal, State and local safety laws, regulations, and ordinances as applicable.
5. Wear and use proper and appropriate safety clothing and equipment.
6.  Acquire and maintain safety certifications as required.     
7. Work under such adverse conditions as inclement weather, heat, dust, chemicals, and noise.
8. May come in contact with a variety of toxic elements or irritants while wearing protective equipment.

BENEFITS:

The County of Monterey offers an excellent benefits package. Please visit our website to view the F- Unit Benefit Summary. This information is not legally binding, nor does it serve as a contract. The benefits listed in the Monterey County Personnel Policies and Practices Resolution or Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) prevail over this listing.

NOTES:

As a condition of employment, prospective employees may be required to submit to a background review which may include a review of information concerning present and/or prior employment, driving record, and record of any criminal convictions. Employment is contingent upon acceptable documentation verifying identity and authorization for employment in the U.S.; a list of acceptable documents is available on the USCIS Form I-9. If you are hired into this classification in a temporary position, your rate of pay will be hourly, and you will not be eligible for the benefits listed in the summary. 

Application and Selection Procedures

Apply On-Line at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/montereycounty

by Monday, March 24, 2025, 11:59 PM(PST)

or

Hard copy applications may be obtained from and submitted during normal business hours

Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM by contacting:

Agricultural Commissioner’s Office

Attn: Human Resources 

1428 Abbott St.

Salinas, CA 93901

Phone: (831)759-7378  Fax: (831)754-2632

The selection process is tentative, and applicants will be notified if changes are made. To assess applicants' possession of required qualifications, the examination process may include an oral examination, pre-examination exercises, performance examination, and/or written examination. The competitive examination process includes submittal of required application materials. A complete application package will include:

• A completed County of Monterey Employment Application

• Responses to the Supplemental Questions

Applicants who fail to provide all required materials by the final filing deadline will not be considered. Resumes, cover letters, letters of interest, and other correspondence will not be accepted as a substitute for required application materials. All required application materials will be competitively evaluated. Those applicants that are determined to be the most appropriately qualified will be invited to participate further in the selection process.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION

Monterey County is a drug-free workplace and an equal opportunity employer. The County seeks candidates who can make contributions in an environment of cultural and ethnic diversity. Monterey County is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, contact Jennifer Garcia, Human Resources Analyst, at garciaj7@countyofmonterey.gov

Salary : $7,088 - $9,680