Agricultural Inspector Aide

The Placer County Agriculture Department has upcoming vacancies for the classification of Agricultural Inspector Aide.  Primary responsibilities include protecting the agricultural industry by detecting and eradicating detrimental and invasive pests.  Positions are based in Auburn, but require extensive fieldwork throughout the county in a variety of environments and weather conditions.  Botany, entomology, and GIS experience is desired. 

Individuals may be assigned to one of several seasonal programs including general pest detection, noxious weed eradication, or Pierce's disease/glassy-winged sharpshooter detection.  All positions involve a significant amount of field work, requiring driving, standing, lifting, bending, squatting, walking, and hiking.  A majority of the work is conducted outdoors, often in hot summer weather, and/or in remote locations.  Some pesticide use may be required, depending on the assignment.  All positions include a considerable amount of paperwork and record keeping.

These assignments are seasonal/extra help only and are not eligible for benefits. All shifts are limited to no more than 40 hours per week and cannot exceed 960 hours per fiscal year.   

This list will be used to fill assignments with anticipated start dates between April 1-May 1, 2018.

 Applicants are typically hired at salary step 1. However, the hiring authority may request CEO approval to offer the position at a higher salary step, depending upon qualifications.

(Unclassified)

Provides assistance and support services in the enforcement of agricultural, pesticide use, and weights and measures laws and regulations.

Receives supervision from higher level agricultural department staff.

Essential duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Assemble and bait a variety of insect traps or devices; identify and select appropriate host plants for trap placement; deploy, service, and inspect traps on a regular basis.
• Perform specific pest surveys; count and identify pests in traps; collect, identify and submit pest specimens suspected of being target pests.
• Inspect incoming nursery plant shipments for pests.
• Provide routine  policy, procedure, and regulatory information to the public and regulated industries; explain various pest detection and eradication methods and devices.
• Mix, load, and safely apply appropriate pesticides to noxious weeds and other pests.
• Assist in quantity control, weighing and measuring device inspections, and testing.
• Assist in the enforcement of pesticide laws and regulations.
• Perform general clerical duties including data entry, filing, and sorting.
• Compile and maintain accurate and detailed records for insect traps and noxious weed infestation sites.
• Prepare daily and monthly activity summary reports.
• Assist agricultural department staff with programs as required and perform related duties as assigned.

It is the responsibility of applicants to identify in their application materials how they meet the minimum qualifications listed below.

Experience: No experience required.

Training: Equivalent to completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by college level course work in biology, entomology, agriculture or a closely related field.

License or Certificate: Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid driver's license.  Proof of adequate vehicle insurance and medical clearance may also be required.

Knowledge of:

• Basic biology and botany, especially pertaining to invertebrate and weed pests.
• Physical characteristics of common garden pests.
• Basic pest control techniques.
• English usage, spelling, punctuation and grammar.
• Principles and practices of work safety.
• Modern office procedures, methods, tablet PCs, and computer equipment.

Ability to:

• On a continuous basis, understand and follow oral and written instructions and know and understand all assigned aspects of the job.
• Frequently walk, hike, stand, bend, squat, climb and bend in the field, kneel, or twist to collect traps and specimens; lift heavy weight including backpacks, bags and crates, chemicals, and other related equipment.
• Often work alone in a variety of climatic conditions and environments including remote areas with steep and rugged terrain.
• Understand and interpret policies, procedures and regulations.
• Prepare clear and concise reports.
• Collect and identify a variety of pests, make pertinent descriptions in determining the identity of specimens, and apply appropriate control and eradication treatments using pesticides, traps, and mechanical and other devices.
• Safely drive a county vehicle on a frequent and ongoing basis; operate four-wheel drive vehicle in off road settings.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work; tactfully and effectively interact with the public and regulated industries.

The agricultural Department will review the submitted application materials of all applicants and will contact the most highly qualified applicants to schedule a hiring interview with the department management staff.

Prior to the date of hire, applicants must undergo a fingerprint test by the Department of Justice, pass a medical examination, which may include a drug screening and possibly a psychological evaluation, sign a constitutional oath and submit proof of U.S. citizenship or legal right to remain and work in the U.S.  For some positions, applicants may also be required to submit proof of age, undergo a background investigation and/or be bonded.

Thank you for your interest in employment with Placer County. Placer County is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to an active nondiscrimination program. It is the stated policy of Placer County that harassment, discrimination and retaliation are prohibited and that all employees, applicants, agents, contractors, and interns/volunteers shall receive equal consideration and treatment. All terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, transfer and promotion will be based on the qualifications of the individual for the positions being filled regardless of gender (including gender identity and expression), sexual orientation, race, color, ancestry, religion, national origin, physical disability (Including HIV and AIDS), mental disability, medical condition (cancer or genetic characteristics/information), age (40 or over), marital status, military and/or veteran status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions), or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law. Please contact the Human Resources Department at least 5 working days before a scheduled examination if you require accommodation in the examination process. Medical disability verification may be required prior to accommodation.