Agricultural Inspector Aide

The Placer County Agriculture Department has upcoming vacancies for the classification of Agricultural Inspector Aide.  Primary responsibilities include protecting the agricultural industry by detecting and eradicating detrimental and invasive pests.  Positions are based in Auburn, but require extensive fieldwork throughout the county in a variety of environments and weather conditions.  Botany, entomology, and GIS experience is desired.  A valid driver's license is required.

These vacancies are temporary/extra help assignments and are limited to 1,000 hours, or 960 hours for CalPERS retired annuitants, per fiscal year and are not eligible for benefits. Appointments made from the list of candidates are not eligible for transition to permanent status. These positions are unclassified and, as such, serve at the will and pleasure of the Appointing Authority.

Individuals may be assigned to one of several seasonal programs including general pest detection, noxious weed eradication, or Pierce's disease/glassy-winged sharpshooter detection.  All positions involve a significant amount of field work, requiring driving, standing, lifting, bending, squatting, walking, and hiking.  A majority of the work is conducted outdoors, often in hot summer weather, and/or in remote locations.  Some pesticide use may be required, depending on the assignment.  All positions include a considerable amount of paperwork and record keeping.

To place, inspect, and maintain insect traps; to perform pest surveys; weed eradication; and to provide general assistance to agricultural department staff.

Receives general supervision from higher level agricultural department staff.

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

• Assemble and bait a variety of insect traps or devices; place and maintain traps; inspect traps on a regular basis.
• Perform specific pest surveys; count and identify pests in traps; collect, identify and submit pest specimens suspected of being target pests.
• Provide routine information to the public regarding agricultural policy, procedure, and regulations; explain and describe various pest detection programs and devices.
• Perform general clerical duties including filing, sorting, and maintaining file documents.
• Compile and maintain detailed records; prepare routine summary reports.
• Perform noxious weed control.
• Safely apply proper herbicide to weed pests.
• Assist agricultural department staff with programs as required.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

It is the applicant's responsibility to identify in their application materials how they meet the minimum qualifications listed below:

Experience: No experience required.

Training: Equivalent to completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by college level course work in biology, entomology, agriculture or a closely related field.

License or Certificate: May need to possess a valid driver's license as required by the position.  Proof of adequate vehicle insurance and medical clearance may also be required

Knowledge of:

• Basic biology, especially pertaining to invertebrate pests.
• Physical characteristics of common garden pests.
• Basic pest control techniques.
• English usage, spelling, punctuation and grammar.
• Principles and practices of work safety.
• Modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment.

Ability to:

• On a continuous basis, know and understand all aspects of the job; intermittently interpret regulations; visually identify pests and apply pertinent descriptions in determining identity of specimen.
• On an intermittent basis, walk, stand, bend, squat, climb and bend in the field, kneel, or twist to collect traps and specimens; lift heavy weight including bags and crates, chemicals, and other related equipment.
• Understand and interpret policies, procedures and regulations.
• Prepare clear and concise reports.
• Collect and identify a variety of pests.
• Work in remote areas with steep terrain and operate four-wheel drive vehicle.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

The Agricultural Department will review the submitted application materials of all applicants and will contact the most highly qualified applicants to schedule a hiring interview with department management staff.

Prior to the date of hire, applicants must undergo a fingerprint test by the Department of Justice, pass a medical examination, which may include a drug screening and possibly a psychological evaluation, sign a constitutional oath and submit proof of U.S. citizenship or legal right to remain and work in the U.S.  For some positions, applicants may also be required to submit proof of age, undergo a background investigation and/or be bonded.

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.