The Deputy Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer plans, directs, and coordinates one or more of the following specialized functions:  plant quarantine and pest detection; pest exclusion, nursery and seed regulations; pesticide use enforcement, pest management, insect and disease pest management; fruit, vegetable and egg quality control; vertebrate pest management; weed control; apiary regulation; weighing and measuring devices; quantity control; electric meters; compressed gases; and weigh master and petroleum products.

Additionally, the Deputy Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer who is assigned by the Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer to manage the day-to-day departmental administrative duties shall receive a five percent (5%) salary differential.

Ideal candidates will possess –

Knowledge of:

•   The agricultural commissioner/sealer organization, including operations and procedures;

•   Principles and practices of administration, organization, and management;

•   Fiscal management techniques and budget control;

•   Personnel management practices, including supervision, selection, training, and discipline;

•   Applicable local, State, and Federal laws and regulations;

•   Organization of the California Department of Food and Agriculture;

•   Resources available for the investigation, determination and resolution of agricultural and weights and measures code violations;

•   Standard weighing and measuring devices;

•   Agricultural and weights and measures automated systems.

The skills and abilities to:

•   Plan, organize, coordinate, and direct the activities and staff of an Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer’s Division;

•   Interpret and/or develop rules, regulations, policies, and procedures;

•   Display a high degree of maturity, integrity, loyalty, accountability, and sound judgment;

•   Analyze budgetary and staffing requirements and make recommendations;

•   Exercise well-developed organizational and administrative skills;

•   Supervise and evaluate the work of others;

•   Establish and maintain a close working relationship with the department head;

•   Make presentations to the Board of Supervisors, other agencies and the public;

•   Prepare clear and concise correspondence and reports;

•   Effectively communicate orally and in writing;

•   Establish and maintain effective interpersonal relationships at all organizational levels including with staff, other departments, and the public.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:  Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in agriculture or biological sciences or any major approved by the Secretary of Agriculture, pursuant to the California Food and Agriculture Code Section 2106, that is acceptable within the United States’ accredited college or university system.

Experience:  Three (3) years of full-time, paid work experience equivalent to that gained as an Agricultural/Standards Specialist III, Supervising Agricultural/ Standards Specialist, Entomologist, or Agricultural/Standards Investigator with Fresno County.

Licenses:  Possession of a valid California license as a Deputy County Sealer of Weights and Measures or Deputy Agricultural Commissioner.  The remaining license must be obtained within thirty-six (36) months of employment.  Please include your license information on your application.

License:  Possession of a valid driver's license.  Please include your driver’s license number and expiration date on your application.

Note:  Certification may be limited to candidates possessing a specific license(s) related to the specific vacancy.

SAMPLES OF DUTIES:

•   Plans, directs and manages the activities of a major division of the Department of Agriculture.

•   Develops and recommends administrative policies and procedures that provide orderly efficient and cost-effective department operations.

•   Interprets laws, rules and regulations regarding administration of programs to staff and the general public.

•   Coordinates divisional activities with state, federal and local officials within their respective area of responsibility.

•   Represents the department in meetings with the Board of Supervisors, community agencies, commissions, committees and other public groups.

•   Prepares and assists in the management control of the division budget.

•   Supervises the preparation of case files and documentation of evidence for administrative, civil or criminal proceedings.

•   Trains, develops and evaluates subordinate staff and initiates appropriate disciplinary action.

•   Prepares or supervises the preparation of reports, memoranda, contracts and special studies or research.

•   May assume duties of the Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer in his/her absence.

ATTRACTIVE BENEFITS PACKAGE:

•   Health Insurance

•   Competitive Retirement Plan

•   Eleven (11) paid holidays

•   Disability and Life Insurance

•   Leave Plan (paid time off)

•   Employee Assistance Program

Optional benefits include:

•   Deferred Compensation Plan - (County sponsored tax shelter savings plan.)

•   Flexible Spending Plan(s) – (Set aside pre-tax $ to pay for eligible medical, dependent care, and qualified parking and mass transit expenses.)

•   Fresno County Federal Credit Union – (County employees can take advantage of low interest rates, no annual fees for checking accounts, direct deposit, online banking, and many other services.)

SELECTION PROCESS:

Depending upon the number of applicants meeting the minimum qualifications and filing requirements, applicants may be scheduled for one or both of the following processes:

•   Oral examination (weighted 100%).  An oral examination includes a panel consisting of at least two members within a similar field of expertise as the vacancy. Candidates are asked structured questions and must respond orally to allow the panel to evaluate the specific qualifications of each applicant.

•   Achievement Rating Panel (weighted 100% or pass/fail). An ARP includes a panel consisting of at least two members within a similar field of expertise as the vacancy. Candidates' education, experience, and personal qualifications are evaluated based on application materials submitted.  Candidates deemed most qualified will be considered further.

Successful candidates will be placed on an employment list effective for a minimum of 3 months (may be extended up to an additional 12 months), and certified in final rank order as vacancies occur.

REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALS:

•   Fresno County Application

•   Comprehensive Résumé

HOW TO APPLY:

Submit a Fresno County employment application and a current comprehensive résumé to Fresno County Personnel Services by the posted filing deadline.  Materials may be submitted by mail, in person, or online via our Website.  Postmarks will not be accepted.  Résumés are not accepted in lieu of application materials.

Online:    www.jobaps.com/fresno

                Open Job Information Flyer and follow "to apply online" instructions.

By mail or in person:       Fresno County Personnel Services

                                        Fresno County Plaza

                                        2220 Tulare Street, 14th Floor

                                        Fresno, CA  93721

OFFICE HOURS:  Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., excluding holidays

Please note:  All required application materials must be received by mail, in person, or online by the posted filing deadline.  E-mailed and faxed applications will not be accepted.

Please be advised that it is the applicant’s responsibility to notify Personnel Services of any mailing address and/or telephone number changes.  Notices sent via U.S. mail from Personnel Services are not forwarded (“Return Service” is requested, therefore mail will not be sent to a forwarding address).

You may check the status of this recruitment at any time by logging on to www.jobaps.com/fresno and clicking on the “Closed Jobs Status Board” link.

Should you feel you need special accommodations for this examination due to a qualifying disability, please contact Personnel Services at (559) 488-3364 at least 5 days prior to your examination.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER