County of Alameda

DESCRIPTION

Weights and Measures Inspectors perform inspections and test all commercial weighing and measuring devices, inspect labels on package commodities for accuracy of weight, measure, or count; and do related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

The Weights and Measures classes are found only in the Agriculture/Weights and Measures Department.

Weights and Measures Inspector is the journey-level class. Inspectors perform technical inspections of devices and packages. Weights and Measures Inspectors may give direction and guidance on specific assignments to Weights and Measures Assistant.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

NOTE: The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed.

1. Interprets Weights and Measures laws and regulations to merchants and the public.

2. Makes formal presentations to organized groups regarding Weights and Measures program.

3. Inspects and tests various types of weighing devices, such as retail, industrial, livestock and vehicle scales for accuracy within established tolerances.

4. Inspects and tests various types of meters, including petroleum products, electric, vapor, water, LPG, bulk plant, vehicle tank, taximeters, and odometers.

5. Inspects and tests packaged goods for proper weight, measures or count, and for proper labeling; and issues orders to conform to standards if necessary; orders short weight and measures packages off scale. Also, inspect automated point of sale terminals, i.e. scanners, federal, state and local codes.

6. Inspects and tests linear measures and glass graduates; investigates complaints and possible violations or misrepresentations, and prepares reports of findings; issues certificates of inspection and condemns or confiscates illegal equipment.

7. Cooperates with State personnel in the enforcement of State regulations regarding petroleum products and commodity advertising; makes undercover purchases in the course of investigations.

8. Maintains inventory control and supervises disposition of commodities purchased or confiscated in connection with the inspection of packages.

9. Supervises and field trains new personnel.

10. Inspects weigh-master records for accuracy and compliance with State Law.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Weights and Measures Inspector

Either I
Experience:

Current employment as a Weights and Measures Assistant in the Alameda County classified service. (Non-classified includes District Attorney’s Office, Hospital Authority, and the Consolidated Courts.)

Or II
Education:

Possession of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major work in chemistry, physics, mathematics, biological science or other job-related majors such as law enforcement, commerce and marketing, OR Possession of an associates in science degree in measurement science with a weights and measures option granted by a California Community College,

And
Experience:

The equivalent of one year of experience in the enforcement of weights and measures laws or in the inspection, maintenance, repair or installation of weighing or measuring instruments or equipment.

Certificates and Licenses - (required of all Applicants):

Possession of one of the following Weights and Measures Inspection Certificates issued by the State of California:
1. Weight Verification
2. Measurement Verification
3. Transaction and Product Verification

(Must acquire one additional certificate within one year from date of appointment.) Candidates must have a valid California State motor vehicle operator's license.

Class A California State Motor vehicle operator's license may be required at the discretion of the Sealer.

NOTE: The Civil Service Commission may modify the above minimum qualifications in the announcement of an examination.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

NOTE: The level and scope of the following knowledge and abilities are related to duties listed under the “Examples of Duties” section of this specification.

Knowledge of:

• Elementary physics and arithmetic.
• Laws, procedures and practices relating to weights and measures and their application (Inspector and Senior only).
• Principles, mechanics, and care of weighing and measuring devices and of methods and techniques of inspecting and testing same (Inspector and Senior only).
• Current weights and measures problems and concerns (Inspector and Senior only).

Ability to:

• Learn laws and regulations pertinent to the work (Assistant only).
• Use and maintain sensitive mechanical weighing and measuring devices.
• Exercise a moderate degree of physical exertion and manual dexterity.
• Interpret, explain and enforce relevant laws and regulations (Inspector and Senior only).
• Prepare complete and accurate reports.
• Develop and maintain cooperative working relationships with the business community, the public and co-workers.
• Communicate orally.
• Provide training and direction to other personnel (Inspector and Senior only).

CLASS SPEC HISTORY

Retyped: 1/82
IB:nt-Retyped: 6/85
JH:jc/Updated: 6/95
VS:lm-Revised: 7/96
Old document: 0781h.doc
New document: Jobspecs/8405-8410-8415
ys/3/01
CSC Date: 8/7/96
DR:po Revised 2/1/06
CSC Date: 3/15/2006

BENEFITS

Alameda County offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that affords wide-ranging health care options to meet the different needs of a diverse workforce and their families. We also sponsor many different employee discount, fitness and health screening programs focused on overall well being.  These benefits include but are not limited to*:

For your Health & Well-Being

• Medical – HMO & PPO Plans
• Dental – HMO & PPO Plans
• Vision or Vision Reimbursement
• Share the Savings
• Basic Life Insurance 
• Supplemental Life Insurance (with optional dependent coverage for eligible employees) 
• County Allowance Credit
• Flexible Spending Accounts - Health FSA, Dependent Care and Adoption Assistance
• Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Voluntary Benefits - Accident Insurance, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity and Legal Services
• Employee Assistance Program

For your Financial Future

• Retirement Plan - (Defined Benefit Pension Plan)
• Deferred Compensation Plan (457 Plan or Roth Plan)

For your Work/Life Balance

• 11 paid holidays
• Floating Holidays
• Vacation and sick leave accrual
• Vacation purchase program
• Catastrophic Sick Leave
• Group Auto/Home Insurance
• Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits Program
• Guaranteed Ride Home
• Employee Wellness Program (e.g. At Work Fitness, Incentive Based Programs, Gym Membership Discounts)
• Employee Discount Program (e.g. theme parks, cell phone, etc.)
• Child Care Resources
• 1^st United Services Credit Union 

*Eligibility is determined by Alameda County and offerings may vary by collective bargaining agreement.  This provides a brief summary of the benefits offered and can be subject to change.