Under administrative direction, plans, organizes, directs and administers an agricultural inspection and enforcement program and a weights and measures inspection and enforcement program in accordance with state regulations and requirements; and does other work as required.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
The Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer is a single position class that is exempt from the County Civil Service system and is an at-will position. The incumbent is appointed by the Board of Supervisors for a renewable term of four years and is responsible for carrying out State programs under the administration of the California Secretary of Food and Agriculture as set forth in State law. Responsibilities include leading, managing and administering the programs, functions, budgets and activities of the Agricultural Commissioner’s Office. The incumbent is expected to model a strong work ethic and leadership skills, including accountability for oneself and others.
TYPICAL DUTIES
This specification is a general guideline for the class. The statements below are not restrictive, and the responsibilities and duties assigned to a position in this class may expand beyond those identified in this specification.
Plans, organizes and directs the County’s agricultural inspection and weights and measures programs and functions in accordance with State and County requirements; directs operations to maximize efficiency, improve service levels, reduce administrative and service provision costs, and ensure effective utilization of available resources; exercises good judgment and makes sound business decisions in managing department activities; provides strategic leadership within the department through communication, demonstration, and accomplishment of the organizational mission, vision, and values.
Through subordinate managers and supervisors, manages the work activities and responsibilities assigned to staff; directs and administers department personnel matters, including employee selection, assignment and evaluation; directs employee discipline as required; directs investigations and responds to complaints; directs and oversees staff development and training.
Directs the development and implementation of program and operational policies and procedures; analyzes and interprets existing and proposed legislation as well as various regulations, policies, procedures, and other directives to determine impact on operations; makes recommendations for presentation to the Board of Supervisors and State agriculture and weights and measure officials.
Directs the development and administration of the department’s budget(s); analyzes work accomplishments to determine appropriate levels of service and to ensure cost effectiveness and superior customer service; directs the development and implementation of quality control and improvement measures.
Develops and delivers complex reports, correspondence and other documents as needed to explain information and recommend ways to address issues and improve assigned functions.
Attends meetings of the Board of Supervisors and provides recommendations on matters germane to areas of assignment; confers with County administrative staff on policies, procedures, and workload standards, and directs changes as needed; communicates and cooperates with state and county agricultural and weights and measures officials in standardizing policies and enforcement, exchanging information and recommending legislative and code changes.
Provides information and counsel to individuals and groups pertaining to matters of agricultural inspection and weights and measures; directs and participates in public information programs.
Directs and manages the effective development and utilization of technology to improve systems and processes.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a master’s degree in agriculture or a related biological science.
Experience: Seven years of senior-level management experience involving certificated agricultural inspection, weights and measures, or related public sector enforcement work.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
License: Possession of a valid California driver’s license.
Special Requirement: Possession of valid licenses as both a County Agricultural Commissioner and a County Sealer of Weights and Measures, issued by the California Department of Food and Agriculture.
KNOWLEDGE
Principles and effective practices of public administration, including organization, fiscal management, human resources management and staff supervision; principles, practices, procedures organization and operation of a county agriculture inspection and weights and measures department; applicable local, state and federal laws and regulations pertaining to agriculture and weights and measures; resources available for the investigation, determination and resolution of agricultural problems; agricultural inspection and enforcement techniques; standard weighing and measuring devices and their operation; rules of evidence, investigative techniques and court procedures; social, political and economic issues influencing program administration; modern office automation technology and computer software programs relevant to assigned operations.
ABILITY
Plan, organize and direct the operations and programs associated with an agricultural inspection and enforcement program and a weights and measure inspection and enforcement program in a cost effective manner while also ensuring excellent customer service; efficiently and effectively apply the principles, practices, and techniques of agricultural and weights and measures inspection in a government setting; provide appropriate and effective leadership and management over diverse staff teams, including subordinate managers and supervisors; exercise good judgment and make sound managerial decisions; exercise analytical and critical thinking to analyze complex problems and recommend appropriate solutions; understand, interpret and apply legal codes, regulations and rules pertaining to program operations; prepare and administer budgets, as well as fiscal and financial records; communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; prepare and deliver thorough and comprehensive written reports and give oral presentations to small and large groups; direct the utilization of complex automated systems and manage automation efforts, including the direction of systems development, maintenance, and operation; establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted during the course of work, including other County departments, external agencies, employees, and the public.
PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS
Mobility—frequent sitting for long periods; frequent walking; occasional standing, pushing, pulling, bending, squatting, climbing stairs; frequent operation of a data entry device; Lifting—frequently 5 pounds or less; occasionally 5 to 30 pounds; Visual—constant good overall vision and reading/close-up work; frequent color perception and use of eye/hand coordination; occasional use of depth perception and peripheral vision; Hearing/Talking—frequent hearing of normal speech, hearing/talking on the telephone, talking in person; Dexterity—frequent use of normal dexterity with frequent writing and repetitive motion; Emotional/Psychological—frequent decision making, concentration, and public contact; Special Requirements--may occasionally require working nights and weekends; Environmental—frequent work in an indoor office environment; occasional exposure to varied outdoor weather conditions.
San Joaquin County complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and, upon request, will consider reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.
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