Placer County

Director of Agriculture Parks & Natural Resources (#11833)

$76.49-$95.54 Hourly / $13,258.27-$16,560.27 Monthly / $159,099.20-$198,723.20 Yearly

DEFINITION

To plan, organize, direct, and review the activities and operations of the Department of Agriculture, Parks, and Natural Resources, including those of the Agriculture, Forest Health, and Parks, Trails, and Open Space Divisions; to oversee County support for the Farm Advisor and the implementation of the Right to Farm ordinance; to coordinate assigned activities with other departments and outside agencies; and may serve as the County Agricultural Commissioner and as Sealer of Weights and Measures.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The Director level recognizes classes with full responsibility for the administration of a County department.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives policy direction from the County Executive Officer.

Exercises direct supervision over assigned management, professional, supervisory, technical, and clerical staff.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following: 
  • Develop, plan, and implement department goals and objectives; recommend and administer policies and procedures.
  • Coordinate department activities with those of other departments and outside agencies and organizations; provide highly responsible and complex staff assistance and administrative support to the County Executive Officer and Board of Supervisors; prepare and present staff reports and other necessary correspondence.
  • Direct, oversee, and participate in the development of the department’s work plan; assign work activities, projects, and programs; monitor workflow; review and evaluate work products, methods, and procedures; coordinate with developers and community stakeholders on park and train development. 
  • Analyze problems and/or issues related to land use, including permitting, rezoning proposals, ordinances, and compatible land use.
  • Plan, oversee, and direct the operation of the Forest Health program.
  • May act as staff to the County Agricultural Commission, Fish and Game Commission, and Parks Commission.
  • Direct funding and financing efforts for capital and ongoing costs, including development and administration of land development-related fee programs, user fees, and grant solicitations; administer professional consultant contracts.
  • Select, train, motivate, and evaluate staff; provide or coordinate staff training; conduct performance evaluations; work with employees to correct deficiencies; implement discipline and termination procedures.
  • Represent the Department to outside groups and organizations; participate in outside community and professional groups and committees; provide technical assistance as necessary.
  • Research and prepare technical and administrative reports and studies; prepare written correspondence as necessary.
  • Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other County employees, and the public using principles of good customer service.
  • Perform related duties as assigned.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is typically performed in an indoor office environment with moderate noise levels and controlled temperature conditions; the position frequently requires travel to other locations within and outside the County including field visits with varying weather conditions and uneven terrain.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Experience and Training:
Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:  

Experience: Seven (7) years of increasingly responsible experience in agricultural inspection, weights and measures testing and inspection, including four (4) years of administrative and management responsibility. Additional experience in forest practices and/or park planning, design, and development is desirable. 

Training: Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in chemistry, agricultural, biological, or physical science, mathematics, statistics, or related field; additional training in leadership, management, or organizational development is desired.

Required License or Certificate: 
  • May need to possess a valid driver’s license as required by the position. Proof of adequate vehicle insurance and medical clearance may also be required.
  • Possession of California State Certificates as both a County Agricultural Commissioner and as Sealer of Weights and Measures if serving as the Agricultural Commissioner and Sealer of Weights and Measures.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of: 
  • Principles and practices of agricultural inspection, pesticide use enforcement, weights and measures testing and inspection, and detection and eradication of diseases and pests related to agricultural commodities.
  • Principles and practices of park planning and development, including environmental and land development processes and associated fee programs. 
  • Land use, zoning, and Right to Farm needs and requirements.
  • Best practices related to forest health and wildlife services.
  • Principles and practices of leadership, motivation, team building, and conflict resolution.
  • Pertinent local, State, and Federal laws, rules, and regulations.
  • Organizational and management practices as applied to the analysis and evaluation of programs, policies, and operational needs.
  • Principles and practices of organization, administration, and staff management.
  • Principles and practices of budget preparation and administration.
  • Principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluation.

Ability to: 
  • On a continuous basis know and understand all aspects of the job; intermittently analyze work papers, including budget and technical reports; interpret and evaluate staff reports; understand, recall, and explain laws, regulations, codes, policies, and procedures; observe performance and evaluate staff; problem solve department-related issues; work under time pressure and complete a high volume of tasks; focus on a single task for long periods of time.
  • On a continuous basis, sit at a desk, in meetings and/or in a vehicle for long periods of time; intermittently walk, twist, stand, kneel, stoop, squat, climb, reach, and bend in the field or to reach office equipment; perform simple and power grasping and fine manipulation, pushing, and pulling; see with sufficient visual acuity to perform essential job functions; use a telephone and write or use a keyboard to communicate, and occasionally lift moderate weight.
  • Plan, direct, and manage the administration and operations of the Department of Agriculture, Parks, and Natural Resources.
  • Interact successfully with elected officials, citizen groups, and individual citizens; recognize politically sensitive issues and handle appropriately.
  • Develop long-range and short-range plans in alignment with anticipated funding.
  • Develop and implement department policies and procedures.
  • Gain cooperation through discussion and persuasion.
  • Successfully develop, manage, and administer departmental budget and expenditures.
  • Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions, and implement recommendations in support of goals.
  • Interpret and apply County policies, procedures, rules, and regulations.
  • Work with various cultural and ethnic groups in a tactful and effective manner.
  • Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
  • Supervise, train, and evaluate staff.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION

Length of Probation: 
This classification serves at the pleasure of the Appointing Authority and has no specific term and no right to continuous employment.

Bargaining Unit: 
Appointed Department Head

FLSA Status:
Exempt

Established: 
May 2023

Revised:  

Last Content Review:
CLASS: 11833; EST: 5/23/2023;