Agricultural Biologist Aide (#TC1 )
$25.92-$32.80 hourly / $4,492.71-$5,685.22 monthly / $53,913.60-$68,224.00 yearly

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Definition

Under supervision, perform a variety of non-professional tasks in the field in support of agricultural and/or vector control activities; and perform other work as required.

Distinguishing Characteristics

Positions in this class assist agricultural inspectors and/or mosquito and vector control specialists by performing a variety of routine and repetitive tasks which do not require the skill and knowledge of inspectors or specialists.

Typical Tasks

Identify target insects
Comply with the State Insect Trapping Guide's Procedures
Draw accurate maps of property and trap locations
Place, service and relocate insect traps within the County; remove all traps from the field at the end of trapping season
Recognize preferred host plants of the target insects
Handle, document and submit insect specimens
Maintain equipment, supplies and submit accurate daily records Inspection:
Inspect head lettuce for compliance with established regulations and standards relating to quality, size and packaging
Inspect fields, greenhouses and other production areas to prevent and eradicate pest infestation
Inspect plant foliage and nursery stock for specific pests or diseases in accordance with specific guidelines
Collect crop samples from fields or orchards
Package specimens and samples for shipment to labs
Set and service yellow panel insect traps at nurseries within the County
Maintain equipment, supplies and submit accurate daily records Vector Control:
Assist vector control program staff with field activities and laboratory work
Set, pick up and maintain traps for mosquito surveillance and detection of mosquito-borne viruses
Use a microscope to identify and sort mosquitoes using a taxonomic key
Maintain and keep data records and electronic maps
Distribute informational materials and assist with public information events
Assist with trail clearing using hand and motorized equipment
Under supervision assist with mosquito control using mosquitocides
Assist in tick and rodent surveillance and control efforts for other vectors such as wasps
Wade through ponds to thigh depth using backpack sprayers

Employment Standards

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS
Knowledge of:
Some knowledge of:

Record keeping and arithmetic
General computer skills

Ability to:

Maintain accurate and legible field notes and prepare simple reports
Input and access information using a computer and/or mobile device
Learn and apply routine inspection and sampling procedures
Understand and follow oral and written instructions
Make arithmetic computations
Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with the public, co-workers, and others contacted in the course of work
Wade through thigh deep water
Distinguish colors and fine detail to perform tasks such as identifying exotic and common insects
Organize inspection routes for maximum efficiency
Prepare accurate maps marking locations of traps
Read and interpret street maps and use mapping programs for direction
Work independently in the field
Perform tasks requiring bending, stretching, twisting, reaching, or squatting
Move across broken or hilly terrain that may be slippery or wet
Lift objects up to 40 pounds, such as a backpack motorized sprayer filled with insecticide or, a 5-gallon bucket filled with water

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Any combination of education and experience which would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying, unless otherwise specified.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
License: Possession of a valid California Class C Driver License. (Note: Candidates with an out of state license may apply and go through recruitment and examination process, however verification of CA License must be provided at time of appointment).
Special Working Conditions: Exposure to variable temperatures and weather conditions which include exposure to sun; allergens such as poison oak, pollen and bee stings; odors caused by alcohol or lures that may contain dilute pesticides; slippery surfaces; toxic agricultural and public health pesticides; wetness, such as while walking through creeks, ponds and sloughs to conduct mosquito surveillance; odors, such as from marshes and septic water; potential infections, such as tick-borne Lyme disease or mosquito-borne viruses; aggressive animals, poisonous plants and animals; irate or hostile individuals; hazardous gases and chemicals.

EST: 5/81 REV: 6/17, 3/12, 2/95 Analyst: JES, MM, CE

Miscellaneous

PREVIOUS CLASS TITLES: None

Bargaining Unit: 41

EEOC Job Category: 05

Occupational Grouping: 73

Workers' Comp Code: 0285