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Agriculture Biologist/Weights & Measures Inspector Trainee (#321030)
$35.90-$43.64 Hourly / $6,223.21-$7,564.35 Monthly / $74,678.50-$90,772.18 Yearly
Apply as a Reinstatement applicant


Ag Bio/Wts & Meas Insp(Senior) (#324020)
$45.69-$55.54 Hourly / $7,919.80-$9,626.57 Monthly / $95,037.62-$115,518.82 Yearly
Apply as a Reinstatement applicant



DEFINITION

Ag Biologist/Wts & Meas Ins Trainee

Under supervision, learns and performs assigned tasks in either discipline in areas of enforcement. Learns to perform inspections in pest detection, pest prevention, pest control and enforcement activities for an assigned agricultural/weights and measures program, performs related duties as required.

Ag Biologist/Wts & Meas Inspector

Promotes and protects agriculture while ensuring a safe, affordable and abundant food supply and environmental protection through enforcement of State laws and regulations; ensures equity in the marketplace through enforcement of laws and regulations associated with transactions involving a count, weight or measure; performs inspections and pest detection; enforces pesticide use; maintains related records; issues violation notices, and recommend hearings or prosecutions.

Ag Biologist/Wts & Meas Insp (Senior)

Promotes and protects agriculture through enforcement of state laws and regulations associated with transactions involving account, weight, or measure.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

Ag Biologist/Wts & Meas Ins Tr

This class is the trainee and entry level for the Agricultural Biologist/Weights and Measures Inspector series.  Incumbents work with more experienced and licensed staff.  Once a license is gained in a specific area, incumbents may work independently within that area.  Progressively less supervision is received in areas of licensure as knowledge and experience is gained.  This class is distinguished from Agricultural Biologist/Weights and Measures Inspector in that the latter is the full journey level.

Ag Biologist/Wts & Meas Inspec

This is the journey level in the Agricultural Biologist/Weights and Measures Inspector series. Incumbents independently perform daily assignments in their areas of licensing within the assigned program and assist others in areas in which licensing has not yet been attained.  Incumbents may be assigned to multiple program areas, and may assume responsibility for ensuring that program components are completed in a timely manner by program staff.  This class requires extensive public contact in enforcement of laws and regulations. This class is distinguished from that of Agricultural Biologist/Weights and Measures Inspector (Senior) in that the latter works as a lead worker on special projects.

Ag Biologist/Wts & Meas Insp(Senior)

This is the advanced journey level in the Agricultural Biologist/Weights & Measures Inspector series. Incumbents are expected to use considerable independent judgment and discretion in performing agricultural/weights and measures inspection and enforcement work. The Agricultural Biologist/Weights & Measures Inspector (Senior) is required to act as a lead worker for subordinate Agricultural Biologist/Weights & Measures Inspectors on special projects.  Incumbent may be responsible for all areas of work in an assigned geographical area. This class is distinguished from the Agricultural Biologist/Weights and Measures Supervisor class in that the latter is responsible for supervising the staff of a specific work unit within the Agricultural/Weights & Measures Division.

Supervision Received and Exercised

Ag Biologist/Wts & Meas Inspector

Receives general supervision from the Agricultural Biologist/Weights and Measures Supervisor.

May provide training to lower level staff under the supervision of the program supervisor.

Ag Biologist/Wts & Meas Insp(Senior)

Receives general supervision from the Agricultural Biologist/Weights and Measures Supervisor.

Provides technical and functional assistance to lower-level Agricultural Biologist staff. 

Examples of Duties

Depending on assignment, duties may include but are not limited to the following:

  • Inspects or assists in inspecting incoming shipments of plant material arriving at post offices, railroads, bus terminals, retail nurseries and other points of entry to ensure compliance with federal, state and local quarantines; inspects agricultural products for evidence of diseases or insect infestation; assists with enforcing plant quarantines and supervising treatment or destruction of quarantined products/materials; collects, identifies and submits for analysis specimens from shipments for detection of pests; inspects feed and grain  mills to ascertain freedom from weed seed pests.  Assists with inspections of truck, industrial, cattle and retail scales, including electronic point of sale systems, using test vehicles and standard weights.
  • With assistance of experienced licensed staff: Investigates applications for pesticide applicators certificates and use permits; inspects pesticide mixing, loading, storage and disposal operations; inspects facilities, records, and areas in which pesticides are sold, stored and used; ensures compliance with health and safety laws and regulations; ensures proper notification prior to pesticide applications; issues or denies use permits; conducts pre-site inspections; investigates episodes of alleged human illness, property loss, adverse environmental impact or other effects; trains  pest control advisors, field workers and employees in the proper and safe application of pesticides. Assists with inspections of packaged commodities for weight and/or volume accuracy and proper labeling.
  • Inspects or assists in inspecting commercial crops, range land and right-of-ways to detect manage, control and eradicate pests; visits residents, County and City Parks to assist in identifying and controlling garden and household pests; conducts surveys to determine the presence or spread of pests; collects insects, nematodes and diseased plants for laboratory analysis; sells bait for rodent and other vertebrate pest management/control; sets and inspects traps to detect pests such as gypsy moths and fruit flies.  Assists with inspection of gasoline pumps and their remote consoles, oil and automatic transmission fluid meters, dairy milk tanks, cordage and fabric meters, odometers/taximeters, liquid graduates, and similar measuring devices.  Assists with inspection of devices and petroleum storage tanks for correct labeling.
  • Conducts surveys and checks for infestations of various weeds, especially noxious weeds; controls infestations by cutting or by applying herbicides; surveys high hazard areas and submits samples of unknown plants for identification.
  • Assists in inspecting retail markets, packing facilities, fruit and vegetable stands, warehouses and other places where fruit and vegetables, nuts, honey and/or eggs are sold to enforce standards for quality, freshness, proper labeling of containers, maturity, size, freedom from insects, mold, decay and mechanical damage; with supervision, issues certificates to permit individuals to sell products; certifies fruits, vegetables, nuts and honey for shipment; inspects egg production growers for compliance with federal egg surveillance program; consults with/advises program supervisor of significant incidents for finds.
  • Assists in inspecting nurseries for evidence of insects or diseases, quality and care of plants, proper plants and product labeling; learns to supervise treatment of soil for nematode or other pest control; provides guidance and information to nurseries concerning pest control, plant identification and care.
  • Assists with repair and maintenance of test vehicles, weights, and other department equipment.
  • Visits stores and seed storage facilities to inspect seeds for compliance with federal and state seed laws; checks labeling, purity of seed percentage of mixtures of variety seeds; takes samples; inspects certified mill harvesters and equipment.
  • Inspects beehives for diseased colonies; registers hives and, if certified, enforces regulations for registration, movement notices and notifications of pesticide applications; with supervision, enforces quarantine regulations for imported hives.
  • Assists with and performs calculations; keeps records of inspections; prepares narrative and statistical reports.
  • Learns to issue warnings and instructions for violations; gathers evidence and prepares   reports for administrative hearings or court actions; testify at hearings and in court.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Ag Biologist/Wts & Meas Ins Trainee

Working knowledge of the goals and objectives of a comprehensive agricultural inspection and regulation program; effective public relations methods.

Ability to learn, understand, interpret and apply laws, regulations and policies governing agricultural program operations; learn to make decisions and independent judgments; communicate effectively with people of diverse socio-economic backgrounds and temperaments; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships; learn to determine the appropriate course of action in emergency or stressful situations; understand program objectives in relation to departmental goals and procedures; collect and analyze data to draw logical conclusions and make appropriate recommendations; prepare narrative and statistical reports; comply with laws, regulations and professional practices governing agricultural programs, services and operations; secure cooperation and teamwork among professional and/or support staff; follow written and verbal instructions; deal firmly and fairly with clients of various socio-economic backgrounds and temperaments; maintain accurate records and document actions taken; learn to ascertain and resolve complaints/problems/violations; learn to organize and prioritize work assignments; make routine arithmetical calculations; learn to research regulations, procedures and/or technical reference  materials; learn to gather evidence and testify at administrative hearings and in court; gather samples; learn to identify plants, animals, pests, weeds, diseases and damage to plants and agricultural products; learn to assist growers, residents, retailers and others in complying with agricultural standards and regulations through timely inspections, certifications and issuance of permits and instruction/explanation of laws, regulations, methods and procedures; project a positive image; provide effective liaison between the department and the public.

Ag Biologist/Wts & Meas Inspector

Knowledge of:

  • Goals and objectives of a comprehensive agricultural inspection and regulation program.
  • Federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations governing agricultural inspection and weights and measures regulations in the areas of licensing.
  • Depending upon licenses, considerable knowledge is required in several of the following areas: types and uses of pesticides, herbicides and baits.
  • Types of weeds and pests found in the County and effective methods for the management, control, eradication or prevention of infestations.
  • Various species of plants; types of agricultural products from the County and symptoms/causes of damage to these products.
  • Symptoms of diseased beehives.
  • Methods and techniques used in the inspection of various weighing and measuring devices, including those dispensing petroleum and compressed gases.
  • Geographical, topographical, demographical and entomological make up of Solano County botany and zoology.

Skills to:

  • Utilize basic office equipment, including computers and various software programs, and related tools including trapping poles, staple guns, hand tools, microscopes, and an Anemometer.

Ability to:

  • Work independently in areas for which licensing has been obtained.
  • Understand, interpret and explain laws, regulations and policies governing agricultural program operations.
  • Project consequences of decisions.
  • Determine the appropriate course of action in emergency or stressful situations.
  • Understand program objectives in relation to departmental goals and procedures.
  • Collect and analyze data to draw logical conclusions and make appropriate recommendations.
  • Comply with laws, regulations and professional practices governing agricultural programs, services and operations.
  • Implement and carry out a variety of agricultural program objectives.
  • Maintain accurate records and document actions taken.
  • Research regulations, procedures and/or technical reference materials.
  • Gather evidence and testify at administrative hearings and in court.
  • Gather samples to identify plants, animals, pests, weeds, diseases and damage to plants, and agricultural products.
  • Assist growers, residents, retailers, and others in complying with agricultural standards and regulations through timely inspections, certification and issuance of permits and instruction/explanation of laws, regulations, methods and procedures.
  • Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; compose correspondence independently.
  • Establish, maintain, and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with those contacted in the course of work; exhibit tact and diplomacy; provide effective liaison between the department and the public.
  • Keep abreast of major changes in assigned program.

Ag Biologist/Wts & Meas Insp(Senior)

Knowledge of:

  • Policies, procedures, and activities of the County and of departmental practices as they pertain to the performance of duties; departmental and County rules and regulations which impact on program operations, equipment, and staff.
  • Federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, standards, and regulations governing agricultural/weights and measures inspection and regulation in the areas of certification.
  • Terminology, principles, and methods utilized within the department.
  • Considerable knowledge of the goals/objectives of a comprehensive agricultural/weights and measures inspection and regulation program.
  • Types and uses of pesticides and baits.
  • Types of weeds and pests found in the County and effective methods for the management, control, eradication, or prevention of pest infestations.
  • Various species of plants.
  • Types of agricultural products, fruits, vegetables, and nuts raised, sold, imported, or exported from the County and symptoms/causes of damage to these products.
  • Symptoms of diseased beehives.
  • Methods and techniques used in inspection of various weighing and measuring devices, including those dispensing petroleum and compressed gases.
  • Working knowledge of state-of-the-art equipment, substances, techniques, and/or computer hardware and software that will assist in meeting program objectives;
  • Location and needs of users of the program’s services.
  • Effective training methods.

Skills to:

  • Drive a motor vehicle and/or truck at varying speeds in urban and rural areas, in all types of weather and road conditions.
  • Use a microscope and other specialized tools.
  • Operates a personal computer and other general office equipment.
  • Operate equipment, scales, and tools associated with work activities.

Ability to:

  • Comprehend, interpret, explain, and apply laws, regulations, policies, procedures, and related information governing agricultural/weights and measures program operations; comply with laws, regulations, and professional practices regarding agricultural programs.
  • Understand program objectives in relation to departmental goals and procedures; implement and carry out a variety of agricultural/weights and measures program objectives; keep abreast of major changes in assigned program.
  • Work independently in all areas of licensing.
  • Lead the work of others engaged in performing agricultural/weights and measures inspection and enforcement work.
  • Collect and analyze data to draw logical conclusions and make appropriate recommendations.
  • Work safely with flammable gases and fumes, and with related equipment.
  • Test a wide variety of packaged products using scales, liquid measures, and linear/cubic measures.
  • Gather samples.
  • Identify plants, animals, pests, weeds, diseases and damage to plants, and agricultural products.
  • Instruct and assist growers, residents, retailers, and others in complying with appropriate laws and regulations during the course of conducting inspections.
  • Effectively communicate and interact with people of diverse socioeconomic backgrounds and temperaments; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships.
  • Ascertain and resolve complaints, problems, and violations.
  • Issue permits and certificates.
  • Read, understand, and interpret technical, biological, and agricultural reports and related materials.
  • Follow precisely procedures designed to ensure safety.
  • Research regulations, procedures and/or technical reference materials; prepare narrative and statistical reports; maintain accurate records and document actions taken.
  • Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
  • Establish, maintain, and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
  • Gather evidence; prepare court cases and documents; testify at administrative hearings and in court.

Education and Experience

Experience: No experience is required. 

Education/Training: Must be qualified to take the County Agricultural Inspector/Biologist examination administered by the State of California Department of Food and Agriculture (See the California Code of Regulations, Title 3, Section 105), which requires:  

Either I  

Possession of one or more valid statewide specific category licenses as a County Inspector/Biologist (e.g., in Pesticide Regulation; Pest Prevention and Plant Regulation; Investigation and Environmental Monitoring; Integrated Pest Management; or Commodity Regulation);  

Or II  

Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college with specialization in either:   Bachelors Degree in  Agricultural, Biological Science, Chemical Science, Physical Science, Math, Statistics

or any Bachelors Degree program including any combination of one or more of the disciplines mentioned above totaling at least 30 semester units.

LICENSING/CERTIFICATION REQ

Possession of or ability to obtain a valid Class C or higher level California driver's license is required. 

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Possession of a valid Class C or higher California driver's license is required.  Some assignments may require an incumbent to obtain a valid Class A California driver’s license.

 

Independent travel will be required.

 

As a condition of continued employment, incumbents must possess or obtain at least one of the specific category licenses  issued by the California Department of Food and Agriculture as a County Inspector/Biologist (e.g., in Pesticide Regulation; Pest Prevention and Plant Regulation; Investigation and Environmental Monitoring; Integrated Pest Management; or Commodity Regulation) within the six month probationary period.  As an additional condition of continued employment, incumbents must possess or obtain within 24 months of appointment both of the following Agriculture Inspector/Biologist specific category licenses: 

 

     a) Pesticide Regulation;

     b) Pest Prevention and Plant Regulation;

 

and must possess or obtain at least one (1) of the following Weights/Measures Inspector specific category licenses:

 

     a) Weights Verification; or

     b) Measurement Verification. 

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

Ag Biologist/Wts & Meas Ins Trainee

  • This class may be used to underfill positions allocated to other classes in the series for training purposes.

ADA Compliance

Ag Biologist/Wts & Meas Inspector

Physical Ability:  Tasks require the regular and sustained performance of moderately physically demanding work, typically involving some combination of climbing and balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and crawling, and that generally involves lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling of moderately heavy objects and materials (20-50 pounds); may occasionally involve lifting or moving heavier objects and materials (up to 100 pounds).

Sensory Requirements:  Some tasks require visual perception and discrimination.  Some tasks require oral communications ability.

Environmental Factors:  Performance of essential functions may require exposure to adverse environmental conditions, such as dirt, dust, odors, wetness, humidity, rain, temperature and noise extremes, fumes, hazardous materials, machinery, electric currents, traffic hazards, bright/dim light, toxic agents, disease, pathogenic substances, animal/wildlife attacks, or animal/insect bites. Incumbents may be exposed to chemicals, plant/animal diseases, or poison oak; must have a tolerance for chemical and agricultural odors.


CLASS: 321030;
CLASS: 324020;