Placer Employment Opportunities

Agricultural and Standards Inspector - Supervising

Recruitment #2013-11750-01

Introduction

Only current Permanent Placer County employees may apply for this promotional recruitment. 

POSITION INFORMATION

The current Agricultural and Standards Supervising Inspector vacancy is in the Agriculture and Weights and Measures Department in support of the Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer.  The Supervising Inspector will oversee daily operations of Agricultural and Standards Inspectors and Agricultural Aides including training, project and program assignments, scheduling and coordination and performance evaluation under direction of the Deputy Commissioner/Sealer.

DEFINITION


To plan, organize, direct and supervise agricultural and standards inspections; enforce laws and regulations pertaining to agriculture, pesticides and weights and measures; and perform a variety of technical tasks relative to assigned area of responsibility.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS


The Supervisor level recognizes positions that perform full, first-line supervisory responsibilities, including planning, training, assigning and evaluating the work of subordinates; and are responsible for a program area within a work unit or department.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general direction from management staff.

Exercises direct supervision over technical and clerical staff.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Conduct complex agricultural, pesticide and weights and measures inspections and perform all related activities.
  • Recommend and assist in the implementation of goals and objectives; establish schedules and methods for inspections; implement policy and procedures.
  • Plan, prioritize, assign, train, supervise and review the work of staff involved in agricultural, pesticide and weights and measures inspections.
  • Participate in the selection of staff; provide or coordinate staff training; work with employees to correct deficiencies; implement discipline procedures.
  • Evaluate operations, inspections and activities of assigned responsibilities; recommend improvements and modifications; prepare various reports on operations, inspections and activities.
  • Participate in budget preparation and administration; prepare cost estimates for budget recommendations; submit justifications for budget recommendation; monitor and control expenditures.
  • Answer questions and provide information to the public; investigate complaints and recommend corrective action as necessary.
  • Prepare administrative civil penalty documents for violations of agricultural, pesticide and weights and measures laws and regulations; apply investigative techniques, collect and document evidence; and represent the department in civil penalty hearings.
  • Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other County employees, the public and regulated industries using principles of good customer service. Perform related duties as assigned.

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: Three years of responsible advanced journey level agricultural and weights and measures inspection experience performing duties similar to a Senior Agricultural/Weights and Measures Inspector with Placer County, including one year in a lead or supervisory capacity.

Training: Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in agricultural, biological, chemical or physical sciences; OR.

Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in any discipline with a minimum of 30 semester units, in one or any combination of the following disciplines:  agricultural, biological, chemical, or physical sciences.

License or Certificate:

  • Possession of eight State issued licenses as an Agricultural Inspector and a Weights and Measures Inspector.
  • Possession of Class C, or ability to obtain, a valid, Commercial Class A, B, or C driver's license with air brake, hazardous materials, and/or tanker endorsements as required depending upon the position.  Proof of adequate vehicle insurance and medical clearance may also be required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

  • Principles and practices of agricultural, pesticide and weights and measures inspection.
  • Rules for proper evidence gathering and sampling procedures.
  • Agricultural laws, rules and regulations governing general inspection for agricultural pests.
  • Detection and eradication techniques of diseases and pests relating to agricultural commodities.
  • State laws and regulations of weights and measures.
  • State laws and regulations of pesticide use enforcement.
  • Principles of supervision, training and performance evaluations.
  • Principles of budget preparation and monitoring.
  • Principles and practices of safety management.
  • Policies and procedures of the Agriculture Department.
  • Modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment.
  • English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation.
  • Arithmetic, basic statistics and mathematical calculations.

Ability to:

  • On a continuous basis, analyze situations and develop solutions to situations involving pest identification and eradication and determination of accuracy of weighing and measuring devices; and enforce regulations; review, interpret and explain laws and regulations; identify and interpret technical and numerical information; and observe safety precautions, especially in the field.
  • Intermittently, sit a desk while compiling data and writing reports; walk, stand, climb and bend in the field; perform simple and power grasping, pushing, pulling and fine manipulation; write or use a keyboard to communicate; and lift very heavy weight.
  • Organize, implement and direct agricultural and weights and measures inspections and operations/activities.
  • Supervise, train, assign, review and evaluate work of subordinate personnel.
  • Understand, interpret, explain and apply pertinent laws, regulations and County and Department policies and procedures.
  • Assist in the development and monitoring of an assigned program budget.
  • Develop and recommend policies and procedures related to assigned operations.
  • Drive a large weight truck and operate a mechanical hoist that lifts 1000 pound standards for testing large capacity scales.
  • Pull and maneuver a trailer.
  • Identify and understand the operation of technical equipment used for pest eradication and/or control; understand the effect of various weather conditions and patterns on pesticide applications.
  • Compile, analyze and evaluate difficult and complex technical and statistical information.
  • Work with various cultural and ethnic groups in a tactful and effective manner.
  • Obtain information through interview; work fairly and courteously with the public; and work effectively with interruption.
  • Act quickly and calmly in emergency situations.
  • Analyze situations quickly and objectively and determine proper course of action.
  • Use a computer and modern office equipment.
  • Understand and follow written and oral instructions.
  • Attend public meetings before various community groups and citizens regarding agricultural, pesticide and weights and measures issues.
  • Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

SELECTION PROCEDURE

Training & Experience Rating (100%)

Based upon responses to the supplemental questionnaire, the applicant’s education, training and experience will be evaluated using a pre-determined formula.  Scores from this evaluation will determine applicant ranking and placement on the eligible list.

CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT


Prior to the date of hire, applicants for regular full and part-time positions must pass a medical examination which may include a drug screening and possibly a psychological evaluation. Applicants for extra help positions may be subject to a drug screening. All applicants must sign a constitutional oath, submit proof of U.S. citizenship or legal right to remain and work in the U.S. and be fingerprinted. For some positions, applicants may also be required to submit proof of age, be bonded or undergo a background check.

MODIFIED AGENCY SHOP

All new permanent employees, with the exception of sworn law enforcement and management, shall be required to join the employee organization or pay an 'Agency Fee' as a condition of employment.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER


Thank you for your interest in employment with Placer County. Placer County is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to an active nondiscrimination program. It is the stated policy of Placer County that harassment and retaliation is prohibited and that all employees and applicants shall receive equal consideration and treatment. All recruitment, hiring, transfer and promotion will be based on the qualifications of the individual for the positions being filled regardless of sex, sexual orientation, race, color, ancestry, religious creed, national origin, physical disability (Including HIV and AIDS), mental disability, medical condition (cancer or genetic characteristics/information), age (40 or over), marital status, pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions, or any other classification protected by federal, state or local laws or ordinance. Please contact the Personnel Department at least 5 working days before a scheduled examination if you require accommodation in the examination process. Medical disability verification may be required prior to accommodation.

BENEFITS

The following information represents benefits currently available to permanent Placer County employees and may be subject to change.  It is advisable that applicants inquire as to the most current benefit package during hiring interviews or by contacting the Personnel Department.

Click here to view benefits for General bargaining unit

Selection Plan

11/15/2013 - Minimum Qualifications Screening

11/15/2013 - Eligible List Established



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