Agricultural Inspector Aide

The Placer County Agriculture Department has upcoming vacancies for a the position of Agricultural Inspector Aide to perform pest detection and noxious weed survey and eradication duties. These assignments are seasonal/extra help and shifts are limited to no more than 40 hours per week and cannot exceed 960 hours per fiscal year.

This list will be used to fill assignments with anticipated start dates between April 1 – May 1, 2017.

Applicants are typically hired at salary step 1. However, the hiring authority may request CEO approval to offer the position at a higher salary step, depending upon qualifications.

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 responsibility of applicants 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 Agriculture 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.

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

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 Human Resources 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.

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 Human Resources Department.

Important Note: These benefits do not apply to Temporary/Extra Help positions.

Click here to view benefits for Unclassified bargaining unit