What are the responsibilities and job description for the Extra-Help* Agricultural Weights and Measures Inspector I - Seasonal Trapper position at Humboldt County?
DEFINITION
*Extra-Help* Agricultural Weights and Measures Inspector I - Seasonal Trapper
The Agriculture Department is dedicated to protecting the agricultural industry and the environment of Humboldt County. The detection trapping position plays a vital role in this process. If you would like to be a part of the team, we encourage you to apply for this opportunity to make a positive impact in our community. This recruitment is for a full-time seasonal trapper for the Pest Detection program. The term of employment is Monday-Friday, May through October 2025. The main duty of the trapper is placement and servicing of detection traps for glassy-winged sharpshooter, spongy moth, Japanese beetle, and other invasive insect pests. The position involves extensive driving in urban and remote areas of the county. The trapper must be able to complete routes in a timely manner with minimal supervision, create accurate maps, keep meticulous daily records, and communicate with landowners.
- The ideal candidate has a background in biological sciences or natural resources.
- Must have independent fieldwork experience whether paid, volunteer, or coursework related.
- Must pass a drug test.
- Must possess a valid California driver’s license. Ability to drive a manual transmission is desired.
- Familiarity with local plant species is desired, but prior insect trapping and ID experience is not required.
- Familiarity with GPS and tablet use is desired.
Typical tasks for this position include, but are not limited to:
- Placement and servicing of detection traps for invasive insect pests.
- Extensive driving in urban and remote areas of the county.
- Create accurate maps, keep daily records and communicate with landowners.
PLEASE NOTE: The duties listed above will be the only ones required of this Seasonal Trapper position.
Where You'll Do It:
This position is located in Eureka, CA.
A typical schedule for this position is Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. with an hour lunch from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
Under general supervision, performs inspections, conducts investigations and enforces relevant sections of the State Food & Agricultural Code, California Code of Regulations, Business and Professions Code as well as Federal laws and regulations pertaining to agriculture and weights and measures regulatory programs; performs related work as assigned.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is a multi-level class in which incumbents may be assigned to any of three levels, depending on experience and proficiency gained and the attainment of State certificates of inspection. The work involves the enforcement of various types of local, State and Federal laws and regulations in either or both the agriculture or weights and measures areas. Initially incumbents work under close supervision while learning the skills to become state licensed in a given area. Once a license is acquired, the incumbent may inspect and enforce regulations in that field and the duties become more diversified and are performed under more general supervision. At the Senior level, inspectors investigate and enforce regulations in a number of inspection categories requiring judgment and independent action, and also may provide lead direction to staff or individually perform the most difficult, complex and varied work.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
- Examines various agricultural products at point of origin or at markets for compliance with standards; issues violation notices indicating required reconditioning and reinspects for compliance; issues permits for disposal of agricultural products.
- Examines plant materials in nurseries for insect pests, plant diseases and for noxious weeds; notes findings and control procedures or plant destruction as required; examines retail nursery stock for proper labeling.
- Issues certificates to farmers who wish to sell agricultural commodities at local Certified Farmer's Markets.
- Makes surveys to locate infestations of noxious or poisonous weeds; assists in field surveys to determine the presence of insect pests, plant diseases or parasites.
- May inspect apiaries and equipment for evidence of disease and issues inspection certificates and permits for removal of apiaries as required; directs appropriate disease control measures.
- Examines plant material and agricultural products held by common carriers for insect pests, plant disease, weeds or weed seeds and for compliance with pertinent State and Federal quarantine regulations; issues rejection notices and/or certificates for approved material or indicates pest or disease found.
- Performs pesticide monitoring inspections for pre-application, application and field worker safety; inspects equipment and storage facilities and reviews records of those who use, store or transport pesticides.
- Processes requests for restricted materials permits; issues grower and site identification numbers; audits use reports; conducts appropriate investigations.
- Inspects electric, petroleum dispensing and gaseous substance meters, compressed gas meters, livestock, vehicle and marketing scales, linear measuring devices and a variety of other weighing and measuring devices for adherence to state laws, regulations and specifications; inspects petroleum products and advertising; investigates petroleum complaints.
- Checks packaged goods for weight, slack fill, labeling requirements and consumer protection; explains fair packaging and labeling act.
- Pursues enforcement actions when violations of agriculture or weight and measure laws are suspected; gathers and assembles evidence; prepares written reports; presents evidence and assists in the preparation of cases in court or in administrative hearings.
- Surveys and gathers various types of statistical information necessary to complete monthly and annual reports to the State and other appropriate agencies.
- Responds to and investigates inquiries from the public; investigates complaints and prepares an appropriate response.
- Prepares and conducts appropriate training sessions.
QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
- Provisions of the California Food and Agricultural Code, California Code of Regulations, Business and Professions Code, as well as Federal laws and regulations relating to the functions of Agriculture Commissioner Sealer of Weights and Measures.
- Methods and techniques used in the inspection of seeds, plants and produce to determine the presence of noxious weeds, plant diseases and insect pests.
- Identification of crops, vertebrate pests, basic insects, plants and trees.
- Methods and techniques relevant to weights and measures investigation and enforcement.
- Record keeping and report preparation methods.
- Business mathematics as related to calibration of measuring devices.
Skill in:
- Interpreting and explaining State agricultural and weights and measures laws and regulations.
- Making accurate inspections of agricultural seeds, plants and products to evaluate conformance to regulations.
- Making accurate inspections of a large variety of weighing, metering and measuring devices.
- Gathering, assembling and analyzing data and making sound recommendations for enforcement actions.
- Maintaining accurate records of work performed and findings.
- Preparing clear and concise reports, correspondence and other written materials.
- Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.
Other Requirements:
- Must possess a valid California driver's license.
- Specified positions may require a Class A or B license to operate a three-axle truck with large-scale weighing equipment.
- State licenses must be obtained as outlined below.
Desirable Education and Experience:
A typical way to obtain the knowledge and skills outlined above is:
Agricultural/Weights and Measures Inspector I: Equivalent to graduation from a four year college or university with major coursework in agriculture, biological sciences, chemistry, engineering or a closely related field. Must attain at least one (1) full inspection license as a County Agricultural Inspector/Biologist or County Weights and Measures Inspector within the first six months of employment.
Agricultural/Weights and Measures Inspector II: In addition to the above, two years of experience in agricultural or weights and measures inspection at a level equivalent to the County's class of Agricultural/Weights and Measures Inspector I, plus attainment of at least three (3) inspection licenses in agriculture or weights and measures inspection, with at least one full inspection license in each category of inspection.
Senior Agricultural/Weights and Measures Inspector: In addition to the above, two years of experience in agricultural or weights and measures inspection at a level equivalent to the County's class of Agricultural/Weights and Measures Inspector II, plus attainment of at least six (6) "Full Inspection Licenses" in agriculture or weights and measures inspection with a least three (3) in each category of inspection. In agriculture, three of the six licenses must include "Pest Prevention and Plant Regulation", "Pesticide Regulation" and "Investigation & Environmental Monitoring". In weights and measures, three (3) of the six licenses must include "Weight Verification", "Measurement Verification" and "Transaction and Product Verification".
WORKING CONDITIONS & ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
HOW TO APPLY
A complete, original application must be filed for each position you are interested in applying for. Applicants must apply online through the County’s automated application system at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/humboldtcountyca.
Applications must be submitted no later than the final filing date and time listed on the job flyer.
It is important that your application shows all the relevant education and experience you possess. Human Resources staff does not consider or review resumes or attachments. Incomplete applications will be rejected.
Please read the job requirements section of the announcement. Be sure you meet these requirements since they will be carefully evaluated during the selection process.
Your performance in any employment examinations will be compared with the performance of others who take the tests. The examination results will be emailed to you as quickly as possible.
SELECTION PROCEDURE
The County utilizes a set of rules to ensure that our hiring processes are fair and equitable. Applications will be screened and those considered qualified will be invited to appear for an oral and/or written examination. Meeting the requirements does not guarantee inclusion into the selection process. Depending upon the number of applications received, the selection process may consist of additional application screening, written and/or practical exam(s), oral interview, or any combination thereof.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How long does it take to fill out the application?
- You should allow 30 – 45 minutes to fill out your application.
Can I change my application after submitting it?
- No. Once an application has been submitted, it is final. Applicants may submit a new application with updated information during the filing period if they wish. Only the most recent application submitted will be considered. All other applications will not be considered.
How long until I hear back from you and how can I check for updates on my application?
- You may receive communications regarding your application at different stages of the selection process. Important updates will be sent to the email address listed in your governmentjobs.com account at the time of notification. To ensure you don't miss any critical information, we recommend keeping your email address current and regularly checking both your inbox and junk mail folders throughout the process. You can also log into your governmentjobs.com account at any time to check your application status. If you have any questions about your application's progress, please contact the County of Humboldt Human Resources Personnel Division at 707-476-2349 or personnel@co.humboldt.ca.us.
Will I be informed if I am not selected for an interview / Oral Exam?
- Yes, you will be informed via email if you are not selected for an interview / Oral Exam.
OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION
Research indicates that individuals in protected classes can be less likely to submit a job application. The County of Humboldt is dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace where our employees are free to bring their full selves to work each day in an environment that allows them to reach their full potential. The County Board of Supervisors has made organizational commitments to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and the County is working to ensure that these commitments are reflected in all we do. The County recognizes that certain populations (BIPOC, Disabled Persons, Veterans, LGBTQIA community members, etc.) face systemic and structural challenges which may inhibit their ability to satisfy every requirement of the position. In recognition of these structural and systemic factors, the Human Resources Department understands that experience can be gained in many ways – oftentimes, outside of formal institutions – and strives to take a holistic approach in assessing an applicant’s qualifications for a position.
If you’re excited about this role but your past work experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we strongly encourage you to apply.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS
The County of Humboldt is committed to providing equal access and opportunities in its programs, activities, and employment, and does not discriminate on the basis of mental or physical disabilities. The Human Resources Department is located in the Humboldt County Courthouse, which has an accessible entrance on 4th Street. Accessible parking is available adjacent to the 4th Street entrance and on the 4th Street side of the K Street lot. Special testing arrangements may be made to accommodate disabilities or religious convictions. If invited to an examination and you are in need of a reasonable accommodation, please contact Human Resources immediately at (707) 476-2349 so arrangements can be made.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The county is an equal opportunity employer. We enthusiastically accept our responsibility to make employment decisions without regard to race, religion or religious creed, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, marital status, medical condition, mental or physical disability, military service, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local laws or ordinances.
MEDICAL EXAMINATION
A pre-employment medical examination provided by the County may be required upon offer of employment.
OTHER EXAMINATIONS
Some positions also require psychological evaluation and/or extensive background investigation.
LICENSES
Some classifications require possession of valid professional and/or technical licenses. Some classifications may require the possession of a valid California driver’s license.
PROBATIONARY PERIOD
Persons appointed to regular County positions serve a probationary period. This is normally six (6) months but could be up to one (1) year. All designated safety employees serve a one-year probationary period.
EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY
It is the County’s intention to hire only those workers who are authorized to work in the United States, pursuant to the Immigration Act of 1990. If you are offered employment, you will be required to verify your eligibility to work in the United States. For law enforcement positions you will be required to verify your U.S. citizenship or legalized status.
DISASTER SERVICE WORKERS
All County of Humboldt 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.
THE PROVISIONS OF THIS BULLETIN DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESS OR IMPLIED CONTRACT. THE COUNTY OF HUMBOLDT RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MAKE NECESSARY MODIFICATIONS TO THE EXAMINATION PLAN IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE HUMBOLDT COUNTY MERIT SYSTEM RULES.
