Overview
Agricultural Technician III (Seasonal)
Employer: California Department of Food and Agriculture
Location: Alturas Border Station
Division: Plant Health and Pest Prevention Services – Pest Exclusion Branch
Work Hours: Various shifts, including weekends, holidays, and peak traffic periods
Wage Rate: $20.54 – $23.36/hr
Job Summary:
The California Department of Food and Agriculture is hiring Agricultural Technician I positions at Border Protection Stations statewide. This role involves inspecting vehicles and commercial shipments to prevent invasive pests from entering California. Successful candidates will work under the supervision of a Station Manager or Shift Supervisor and must demonstrate dependability, attention to detail, and strong communication skills.
Key Responsibilities:
🔹 Vehicle & Shipment Inspections (45%)
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Inspect vehicles (autos, watercraft, moving trucks) for plant materials.
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Review shipping manifests and quarantine documents to assess admissibility.
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Identify and remove pests using tools such as creepers, ladders, and power washers.
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Monitor traffic flow and prioritize inspections based on risk assessment.
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Enter data into tracking systems for pest monitoring and shipment compliance.
🔹 Collaboration with Agencies (20%)
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Assist CalRecycle, CDTFA, and other agencies with verifying shipments of recyclable materials, livestock, eggs, and tobacco.
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Submit inspection reports and regulatory data to state agencies.
🔹 Commodity Inspections & Pest Reporting (15%)
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Examine shipments for pest risks using microscopes, hand lenses, and digital imaging tools.
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Collect and submit pest samples to diagnostic labs.
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Dispose of contaminated materials to prevent infestations.
🔹 Public Relations (10%)
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Communicate inspection policies to the public and truck drivers.
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Distribute informational materials about agricultural regulations.
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Answer public inquiries professionally in person and over the phone.
🔹 Facility Maintenance (5%)
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Maintain cleanliness of workstations, restrooms, and inspection areas.
Qualifications & Skills:
✅ Ability to follow instructions and safety protocols.
✅ Strong verbal and written communication skills.
✅ Physical capability to bend, climb, and lift materials during inspections.
✅ Familiarity with computers for data entry and report generation.
✅ Ability to work cooperatively with colleagues, agencies, and the public.
How to Apply:
Please visit https://www.calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/Jobs/JobPosting.aspx?JobControlId=523521 for application details and deadlines. EOE
Minimum Education and Experience