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Senior Agricultural Biologist Entomologist (#RA0201)


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DEFINITION

Under general supervision, acts as a technical advisor to the Office of The Agricultural Commissioner; performs work in enforcing state, federal, and local agricultural laws and ordinances; and does other work as required in accordance with Rule 3, Section 3 of the Civil Service Rules.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This is the journey level of the Agricultural Biologist Entomologist series. An incumbent of this class is responsible for providing technical support in insect detection, identification, biology, and control and for enforcing provisions of the Food and Agriculture Code and the California Code of Regulations. The incumbent conducts comprehensive specialized activities in all areas of enforcement requiring the highest degree of independent judgment.

TYPICAL DUTIES

  • Performs laboratory and field inspections to identify and classify insects; researches and provides information to farmers, other government agencies, private industry, and the general public on insect biology and taxonomy.
  • Performs and/or supervises field surveys for detection of various quarantine insect pests not common to the area, stays abreast of new detection methods, may supervise special eradication programs and supervise the distribution of beneficial insects in various test fields.
  • Assists and advises biologist in the inspection of plants, orchards, and field crops; assists and advises in the identification of quarantine or otherwise injurious pests found during inspections done by the office or submitted by growers, government agencies, private industry, or the general public.
  • Prepares and maintains insect collections; serves as curator for the department's insect collection.
  • Inspects a wide variety of agricultural produce, eggs, and other related items to insure compliance with minimum standards; issues certificates of inspection; restricts sale and movement of sub-standard items.
  • Inspects apiaries and abates diseased hives when necessary; carries out eradication programs against introduced pests; inspects nurseries for pest cleanliness and compliance.
  • Inspects a wide variety of items for compliance with plant quarantine regulations; determines and enforces appropriate treatment of inspected items which do not conform to regulations.
  • Identifies and controls pests to protect crops; explains use of pesticides, and other pest control materials; conducts experiments to determine effectiveness of various control measures.
  • Enforces pesticide regulations to insure safety of users, field workers, crops, consumers, and the environment; investigates complaints of damage from pesticide use; collects and prepares samples for laboratory analysis; investigates pesticide related illnesses.
  • Gathers information and prepares inspection reports; compiles and maintains records of crops and acreage; prepares other statistical reports.
  • Conducts surveillance, certification, and quarantine inspections for Federal agencies as required.

    • MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

    Education: Graduation from an accredited four year college or university with a major or minor in an entomology field.

    License:  Possession of a valid California driver's license.

    Special Requirements:  Possession of five (5) Agricultural Inspector's/Biologist Registered licenses issued by the California Department of Food and Agriculture.

    KNOWLEDGE

    State, federal, and county laws regulating agriculture; agricultural inspection methods and techniques; economic entomology and insect taxonomy; general agriculture including crops, soils, equipment and related items; basic horticulture, plant pathology, pest vertebrates, insects, weeds, and other agricultural pest; pesticides, traps, bait and other pest control measure; basic mathematics; experimentation procedures including sampling, testing, control methods, and data collection; basic public relations; report writing practices.

    ABILITY

    Identify common insect pests and those subject to quarantine restrictions; use standard insect identification keys; research and advise others in matters concerning insect biology and control; read, understand, and interpret regulations and guidelines firmly, tactfully and impartially; make decisions on enforcement problems in accordance with established policies and procedures; communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.

    CLASS: RA0201; EST: 6/14/1995;