Overview
Definition and Class Characteristics:
Under supervision, to make inspections and enforce provisions of the Food and Agricultural Code relating to pesticide regulation, pesticide investigation and environmental monitoring, integrated pest and mosquito control, commodity regulation, pest prevention and plant regulation, and enforce provisions of the Business and Professions Code relating to weight verification, measurement verification, and transaction and product verification; and to perform related work as require.
This job classification is used for temporary assignments only. Employees in this classification are not required to possess the necessary minimum qualifications to enter the Agricultural Biologist-Weights and Measures Inspector Classifications; work will normally be performed in areas not requiring certification or in areas where seasonal certificates may be issued by the Department of Food and Agriculture; incumbents will normally be working under field guidance of a licensed Agricultural Biologist-Weights and Measures Inspector.
Examples of Duties:
Essential
- Within a prescribed system, employs early detection techniques designed to locate and delineate pests of statewide importance before they become widespread.
- Assists professional 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.
- Dispenses approved bait and certain other devices for the control of vertebrate pests.
- Assists with inspections of incoming and certain outgoing shipments of plant material for evidence of disease, and prohibited insect and weed pests.
- As directed, inspects apiaries for bee diseases and other pests.
- Assists with inspection of nurseries for compliance with regulations relating to labeling, grades and standards of cleanliness.
- Assists with inspection of established colonies of beneficial organisms and distribution of biological control agents throughout the county.
- As directed, inspects and tests commercial weighing and measuring devices for compliance with laws and regulations.
- Assists with inspection of prepackaged commodities for compliance with stated net contents and labeling requirements.
- Assists with inspection of licensed weigh master for compliance with established laws and regulations.
- As directed, investigates consumer complaints regarding violations of weights and regulations.
- Performs maintenance on departmental equipment.
- Prepares reports of inspections, tests, investigations and other activities.
- As directed, performs care, handling, maintenance, and blood-letting of chickens flocks for the sentinel chicken surveillance program.
Knowledge and Skills Required:
- Distinguish various fruit and nut tree crops commonly grown in surrounding area;
- Read, understand and interpret instructional manuals and materials;
- Interpret and enforce agricultural standards, laws and regulations;
- Inspect, test and seal commercial weighing and measuring equipment;
- Keep records and prepare reports; understand and carry out oral and written directions;
Skill in:
- Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with those contacted during the course of work.
- Accurate and detail written record keeping of daily inspections, observations and duties.
Education and Experience Required:
Equivalent to graduation from high school with coursework in agricultural or biological sciences at the high school or college level.
Licenses and Certificates:
Possession of a valid California driver’s license.
Physical Demands and Working Conditions:
Mobility to transverse uneven terrain and shallow creeks, periodic standing, stooping, bending, climbing and kneeling to perform site inspections; vision to read handwritten and printed material and a computer screen; hearing and speech to communicate in person and by telephone; manual dexterity to operate calculators, cameras, hand tools and computers; ability to lift and carry items weighing up to 50 lbs.; willing to work within approved exposure limits to various chemicals and various weather conditions.
20 to 30 hours weekly.
Wage range: $16.29 to 19.89
Minimum Education and Experience