Placer Employment Opportunities

Agricultural & Standards Inspector - Senior

Recruitment #2015-14504-01

Introduction

THIS PROMOTIONAL OPPORTUNITY IS OPEN TO PERMANENT PLACER COUNTY EMPLOYEES ONLY.

Please include with your application materials the required eight (8) State issued liscenses.  Upload the documents to your electronic application.

DEFINITION

To interpret and enforce laws and regulations of the State of California and the County pertaining to agriculture, pesticides, and weights and measures standards.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is the advanced journey level class in the Agricultural Inspector series.  Positions at this level are distinguished from other classes within the series by the level of responsibility assumed, complexity of duties assigned, independence of action taken, the amount of time spent performing duties and nature of the public contact made.  Employees perform the most difficult and responsible types of duties assigned to classes within this series including specialized inspection duties of a complex and difficult nature and exercise technical and functional supervision of technical staff.  Employees at this level are required to be fully trained in all procedures related to assigned areas of responsibility.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives direction from assigned supervisory or management staff.

Exercises technical and functional supervision over technical staff.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES

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

  • Train and lead other technical staff in agricultural, pesticide use enforcement, and weights and measures inspection functions.
  • Enforce State and County pesticide laws and regulations through issuance of permits, including restricted materials permits; on-site inspection and investigation; monitor application and use of pesticides; requiring a high level of skill.
  • Investigate pesticide illness and property loss and environmental effects related to pesticide use.
  • Conduct inspections of a difficult and complex nature at plant nurseries and feed stores for detection of potentially harmful diseases and pests; take appropriate action.
  • Conduct quarantine inspections requiring a high level of skill and issue certificates of quarantine compliance for out going plant material.
  • Perform difficult and complex detection surveys in areas of known insect, weed and disease infestations; identify, document and delineate new infestations; supervise pesticide applications.
  • Conduct nursery inspections requiring a high level of skill and expertise for detection of pests; take appropriate action to eradicate harmful pests, issue certificates of compliance and notices of non-compliance, and recommend appropriate alternative actions.
  • Conduct fruit, vegetable, honey and egg quality control; perform apiary and swarm inspections requiring a high level of skill.
  • Inspect field harvesting equipment for seed certification program.
  • Review phytosanitary certificate applications, conduct commodity field inspections, issue certificates in accordance with Federal and State protocols.
  • Conduct quality control audits of packaged commodities and price verification inspections of commercial outlets.
  • Conduct weights and measures inspections of commercial devices (including scales, water meters, electric meters, taxi meters, retail meters and high volume meters) for accuracy and compliance with laws, regulations and established tolerances and issue County seal, as required; respond to and investigate complaints.
  • Investigate firewood complaints in order to verify accurate measurement. 
  • Conduct inspections of vapor recovery systems at gasoline stations for compliance with air quality standards.
  • Prepare initial drafts of administrative civil penalty documents for violations of agricultural, pesticide, and weights and measures laws and regulations for supervisory and management review; apply investigative techniques, collect and document evidence; and represent the department in civil penalty hearings.
  • Take appropriate compliance and enforcement action; issue notices of violations of agricultural, pesticide, and weights and measures laws and regulations.
  • Provide technical assistance to supervisory or management staff as necessary.  
  • Represent the department to outside groups and organizations.
  • Prepare technical, administrative and regulatory reports and statistical studies of a complex nature; prepare written correspondence as necessary.
  • 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: Two years of responsible journey level agricultural and weights and measures inspection experience performing duties similar to an Agricultural/Weights and Measures Inspector II with Placer County.

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. 
  • Policies and procedures of the Agriculture Department.
  • Modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment.
  • Principles and practices of work safety.
  • 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.
  • Utilize inspection and exam procedure manuals.
  • Interpret, explain and enforce the full range of agricultural, pesticide and weights and measurements laws and regulations.
  • Train, assign, review and evaluate work of subordinate personnel.
  • Utilize, follow and reference inspection and exam procedure manuals.
  • Compile and maintain detailed inspection records and utilize computer databases to input, track and review inspections.
  • 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.
  • Perform agricultural, pesticide use enforcement and weights and measures regulatory inspections of a complex and difficult nature.
  • Inspect and certify the accuracy of all commercial weighing and measuring devices.
  • 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.
  • Quickly recognize and identify unusual pests or pests of a particularly destructive nature and problem solve to take appropriate eradication and protective actions.
  • 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.
  • 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

Oral Examination (100%)

The oral examination will be conducted by a panel of raters who will assess and rate the degree to which each applicant demonstrates the knowledge and abilities required for this classification. Applicants’ responses to a series of job related questions, as well as their education and experience, will be rated in relation to the requirements for this classification.

All applicants who meet minimum qualifications will be required to respond to an online Conviction History Questionnaire, which will be sent as a link on their notification that minimum qualifications have been met.  Failure to respond to this questionnaire within (3) three calendar days of the minimum qualification notification will result in disqualification from the examination.

CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT

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.

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



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