Agricultural Weights & Measures Inspector I/II/III

Job Description:

Agricultural Weights & Measures Inspector I/II/III

Description

About the Opportunity

THE POSITION
The Agriculture/Weights & Measures Inspector I is the entry-level position performs inspections and investigations to determine compliance with the following provisions: California Food and Agricultural Code, California Business and Professions Code, California Code of Regulations, California Health and Safety Code, and Structural Pest Control Act, County ordinances and Federal law pertaining to agriculture, the environment, and weights and measures. Inspects, under supervision, for compliance in licensed programs; issues certificates of inspection and notices of violation; assists in other program areas; prepares investigations for administrative action and/or filing with the District Attorney. The Inspector I will be cross-trained in both the Agriculture and Weights and Measures specialties. It is expected that this classification will promote to an Inspector II after obtaining the requisite licenses, gaining experience, demonstrating competencies, and accepting greater responsibility.

The Agriculture/Weights & Measures InspectorII is the intermediate level position has more experience than the Level I and performs inspections and investigations to determine compliance with the following provisions: California Food and Agricultural Code, California Business and Professions Code, California Code of Regulations, California Health and Safety Code, and Structural Pest Control Act, County ordinances and Federal law pertaining to agriculture, the environment, and weights and measures. Inspects, under supervision, for compliance in the program areas where licensed; issues certificates of inspection and notices of violation; assists in other program areas; prepares investigations for administrative action and/or filing with the District Attorney. The Inspector II level provides direction and guidance on specific assignments to employees at the Inspector I or Agricultural Assistant. The Inspector II will be cross-trained in both the Agriculture and Weights and Measures specialties. It is expected that this classification will promote to an Inspector III after obtaining all eight (8) requisite licenses, gaining additional work experience, demonstrating required competencies, and accepting greater responsibility.

The Agriculture/Weights & Measures Inspector III is a lead position and requires the most advanced level of experience in the series. Performs inspections and investigations to determine compliance with the following provisions: California Food and Agricultural Code, California Business and Professions Code, California Code of Regulations, California Health and Safety Code, and Structural Pest Control Act, County Ordinances and Federal law pertaining to agriculture, the environment, and weights and measures. Inspects, under supervision, for compliance in the program areas where licensed; issues certificates of inspection and notices of violation; assists in other program areas; prepares investigations for administrative action and/or filing with the District Attorney. This leadership position is expected to work independently and perform the full array of inspections and investigations. Employees in this class are lead persons for other employees and coordinates activities such as contracts, agreements, and/or departmental programs. This classification exemplifies the mission, vision and values of the Department and may assist in the training of less experienced and temporary personnel. Employees in this class are encouraged to obtain the Deputy Agricultural Commissioner and Deputy Sealer of Weights and Measures licenses.

To learn more about the Agricultural Commissioner's Office, please click here .

Unless otherwise provided, this position is part of the Classified Service of the County and is assigned to the Technical Services Bargaining Unit for labor relations purposes.

Individuals who are in a full-time classification position are required to serve a twelve-month probationary period, which may be extended an additional six months, for a total of eighteen months.

Incumbents may also be subject to overtime, standby, callback, weekend, holiday and shift assignments as identified in their MOU (Memorandum of Understanding).

The Job Task Analysis provides information detailing the physical and functional demands of the classification. For a complete job task analysis, visit the Risk Management website at http://www.stancounty.com/riskmgmt/ under the "Disability" tab.

Typical Tasks

Weights and Measures Inspection, Regulatory, Investigation and Related Activities

• Inspect, test, seal, or condemn commercially used weights, scales, meters, tanks, and other weighing and measuring devices;
• Perform contracted inspections for other agencies;
• Sample petroleum products for minimum quality requirements;
• Inspect retail petroleum establishments for proper labeling and signage;
• Conduct investigations to enforce the provisions of the Business and Professions Code and California Code of Regulations;
• Inspect weigh masters for accuracy, completeness, and proper handling of weigh master certificates;
• Inspect repairs and installations of commercial devices by device repairman;
• Prepare cases for presentation in administrative hearings or to the District Attorney or other regulatory agencies;
• Testify in administrative hearings and court trials;
• Act as an advocate in civil penalty hearings;
• Investigate complaints from consumers and other sources;
• Prepare and maintain records and reports;
• Organize, prepare, and present information to the public and industry groups, such as continuing education classes;
• Inspect and test packaged and non-packaged goods for compliance with net content and labeling requirements;
• Perform sale price inspections to determine if correct sale prices are extended;
• Provide training to lower series level inspectors; and
• Train and direct fellow inspectors and extra-help employees.

Agricultural Inspection, Regulatory, Investigation and Related Activities

• Ensure the proper, safe, and efficient use of pesticides as well as protection of public health and safety by monitoring their use through on-site field inspections and record audits of employers and licensed businesses;
• Inspect agriculturally produced commodities at production, wholesale, and retail levels;
• Perform phytosanitary inspections and issue certificates that attest cleanliness and quarantine compliance of agricultural commodities;
• Remove from channels of trade, those products which fail to meet minimum quality and wholesomeness standards, or are deceptively packaged or improperly labeled;
• Deploy, check, and service traps for the detection of target insects in a regular and timely manner;
• Conduct commodity inspections and issues standardization certificates;
• Perform destination inspections on incoming shipments to prevent the introduction of harmful pests;
• Inspect nursery stock to assure compliance with State laws and regulations;
• Register pest control operators and farm labor contractors;
• Evaluate applications for permits to use pesticides designated as "Restricted Use" taking into account: the vicinity of schools, hospitals, recreation areas, and dwellings; problems related to heterogeneous planting of crops; meteorological conditions; honey bee activity; resurgence of secondary pest problems; safety of handlers and field workers; consideration of alternative pesticides or other pest management techniques;
• Conduct pesticide related investigations and prepare reports of incidents and complaints of human exposure and/or illness, adverse environmental effects, and loss or damage of property and/or crops;
• Conduct investigations to enforce the provisions of the California Food and Agricultural Code and California Code of Regulations pertaining to protection of various segments of the County engaged in producing or utilizing agricultural and other plant products;
• Provide information regarding the safe handling and storage of rodenticides;
• Obtains crop samples in accordance with protocols for residue and seed analysis;
• Conduct agricultural surveys;
• Control by permit and disposal order the shipment of products to processing plants;
• Review pesticide use reports and notices of intent; and
• Gather and compile data for the publication of the Annual Agricultural Crop Report.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education/Experience)

AGRICULTURAL/WEIGHTS & MEASURES INSPECTOR I

KNOWLEDGE

• General agricultural and/or weights and measures practices;
• Public speaking and writing skills;
• Basic mathematics; and
• Computer literacy.

SKILLS/ABILITIES

• Establish and maintain effective relationships with the public, coworkers, and others contacted in the course of work;
• Read and write English at a level required for successful job performance;
• Prepare, write and maintain investigation records and reports;
• Investigate complaints;
• Organize, prepare and present information to groups and the public;
• Train and direct fellow Inspectors as needed;
• Communicate verbally in a clear and effective manner; and
• Learn, interpret, apply, and enforce laws, regulations, and rules relating to the work of the Agricultural Commissioner's Office.

AGRICULTURAL/WEIGHTS & MEASURES INSPECTOR II

SKILLS/ABILITIES
Demonstrated skills/abilities with all Inspector I requirements plus:

• Make oral presentations before groups;
• Collect and analyze data, commodities, specimens, and evidence;
• Apply proper scientific methods and principles in performing inspections and investigations;
• Independently analyze situations and take appropriate action;
• Perform investigations; testify and act as an expert witness in administrative hearings and prosecutions;
• Determine the sufficiency and validity of evidence for administrative hearings and prosecutions;
• Operate and maintain departmental equipment;
• Plan, organize, and coordinate general work activities; and
• Train and direct Level I Inspectors and extra-help personnel.

KNOWLEDGE
Demonstrated knowledge of all Inspector I requirements plus:

• Provisions of the California Food and Agricultural Code, California Business and Professions Code, and California Code of Regulations as they relate to the Agricultural Commissioner's Office;
• Duties and responsibilities of the Agricultural Commissioner's Office;
• General policies and procedures of the County Agricultural Commissioner's Office, the California Department of Food and Agriculture and the Department of Pesticide Regulation;
• Basic investigative techniques, methods, and report writing; and
• Principles of administrative hearing and courtroom testimony.

AGRICULTURAL/WEIGHTS & MEASURES INSPECTOR III

SKILLS/ABILITIES
Demonstrated skills/abilities with all Inspector I and II requirements plus:

• Train and assist in directing Level I and II Inspectors and extra-help personnel by acting as a lead person;
• Act as an advocate in administrative hearings;
• Plan, organize, coordinate, and be responsible for completing specific program work activities; and
• Represent the Deputy Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer in the Deputy's absence.

KNOWLEDGE
Demonstrated knowledge of all Inspector I and II requirements plus:

• Federal, State, and County laws and regulations pertaining to agricultural, environmental, and weights and measures programs;
• Principles of supervision; and
• Program organizing and coordinating techniques.

We recognize your time is valuable, please only apply if you meet the following required qualifications.


EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE
AGRICULTURAL/WEIGHTS & MEASURES INSPECTOR I

• Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Biology, Physical Science or a closely related field. The State of California Department of Food and Agriculture County Licensing Program reviews the applicant's college transcripts to make the final determination regarding the applicants qualifications; OR
• Bachelor's degree in any discipline with a minimum of 30 semester units, or equivalent, in any of the following disciplines: Agricultural Science, Biological Science, Chemical Science, Physical Science, Mathematics, and/or Statistics. The State of California Department of Food and Agriculture County Licensing Program reviews the applicant's college transcripts to make the final determination regarding the applicants qualifications; OR
• Possession of one (1) or more valid statewide specific category license as a County Agricultural Inspector/Biologist; AND
• Possession of at least one (1) of the following valid licenses issued by the California Department of Food and Agriculture: 1) Pesticide Regulation; 2) Pest Prevention and Plant Regulation; and 3) Weight Verification. Appointment may be made without the required license, but will be provisional pending acquisition of one of the aforementioned inspection licenses issued by the California Department of Food and Agriculture. Failure to obtain one of these licenses within twelve months of appointment may result in termination; AND
• No previous Inspector/Biologist experience is required for this entry-level position; AND
• Possess and maintain a valid California Driver's License; AND
• E mployees may be required to use personal transportation during the performance of their duties; AND
• Possess and maintain a valid California Commercial Driver's License prior to or after appointment for staff assigned to the Heavy Capacity Weight Truck; AND
• All promotions are subject to the approval of the Department Head.

AGRICULTURAL/WEIGHTS & MEASURES INSPECTOR II

• Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Biology, Physical Science or a closely related field. The State of California Department of Food and Agriculture County Licensing Program reviews the applicant's college transcripts to make the final determination regarding the applicants qualifications; OR
• Possession of one (1) or more valid statewide specific category license as a County Agricultural Inspector/Biologist; AND
• Possession of five (5) valid licenses issued by the California Department of Food and Agriculture. Of the five (5) licenses required, three (3) must be Pesticide Regulation, Pest Prevention and Plant Regulation, and Weight Verification, and the other two (2) may be any combination of the following Investigation and Environmental Monitoring, Integrated Pest Management, Commodity Regulation, Measurement Verification, or Transaction and Product Verification; AND
• One (1) year of full-time paid work experience as an Inspector/Biologist I for a California Agricultural Commissioner or Sealer's office or equivalent; AND
• Possess and maintain a valid California Driver's License; AND
• Employees may be required to use personal transportation during the performance of their duties; AND
• Possess and maintain a valid California Commercial Driver's License prior to or after appointment for staff assigned to the Heavy Capacity Weight Truck; AND
• All promotions are subject to the approval of the Department Head.

AGRICULTURAL/WEIGHTS & MEASURES INSPECTOR III

• Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Biology, Physical Science or a closely related field. The State of California Department of Food and Agriculture County Licensing Program reviews the applicant's college transcripts to make the final determination regarding the applicants qualifications; OR
• Possession of one (1) or more valid statewide specific category license as a County Agricultural Inspector/Biologist; AND
• Possession of all eight (8) valid licenses issued by the California Department of Food and Agriculture; AND
• Two (2) years of full-time paid work experience as an Inspector/Biologist II for a California Agricultural Commissioner or Sealer's office or equivalent; AND
• Possess and maintain a valid California Driver's License; AND
• Employees may be required to use personal transportation during the performance of their duties; AND
• Possess and maintain a valid California Commercial Driver's License prior to or after appointment for staff assigned to the Heavy Capacity Weight Truck; AND
• All promotions are subject to the approval of the Department Head.

Proof of education (transcripts and/or degree) must be attached at the time of online application submission. Applicants who are unable to submit proof must call (209) 525-4730 to make other arrangements.

LICENSE

• Applicants must possess and maintain a valid California Driver's License and remain free from repeated preventable accidents.
• Employees may be required to use personal transportation during the performance of their duties.
• Possess and maintain a valid California Commercial Driver's License prior to or after appointment for staff assigned to the Heavy Capacity Weight Truck.

Application and Selection Procedures

APPLICATION PROCEDURES/FINAL FILING DATE
Applications cannot be submitted later than 5:00 p.m. on the final filing date. Make your online application as complete as possible so a full and realistic appraisal may be made of your qualifications.

Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application.

Attaching your resume and cover letter are an optional feature for those who wish to do so in addition to completing the required application. Information on your resume and cover letter will not substitute for the education, work experience and required fields on the County application. The online County application is the primary tool used to evaluate your job qualifications.

EXAMINATION PROCESS
Most County recruitment consists of the steps detailed below and are governed by Merit Principles. The examination process ensures that all applicants are given the same opportunity to gain employment within Stanislaus County.

• Application Review and Screening. Applications are carefully screened based on information provided. Those who submit incomplete applications that lack relevant qualifications or do not submit all required documents will not be invited to move on.
• Written Examination. Applicants will be invited to participate in a written exam that tests knowledge for the position.
• Oral Examination. Applicants are invited to a panel interview in which they will be evaluated by County subject matter experts.
• Eligible Lists. Candidates who pass the examination will be placed on an eligible list for that classification. Eligible lists are effective for six months but may be extended up to eighteen months.

TENTATIVE RECRUITMENT SCHEDULE
Application Deadline: October 13, 2024Oral Examination: The week of November 4, 2024

Note: The eligible list generated from this recruitment may be used to fill future extra-help, part-time, and full-time vacancies throughout Stanislaus County.

GENERAL INFORMATION
Final appointment will be conditional upon successfully passing a County paid pre-employment drug screening (if applicable for position) and a job-related background investigation.

Some positions may require possession or the ability to obtain, and maintenance of a valid California Driver's license or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job related essential functions.

Stanislaus County supports the good health of its workforce. More information is available at http://myclubwellness.org

Cell phones are typically incompatible with the online application format or browser. We recommend using a desktop or laptop computer. If you are still having technical difficulties, please call NEOGOV at 1-855-524-5627.

Benefits associated with this position can be found at Benefits Summary .

Closing Date/Time: 10/13/2024 5:00 PM Pacific

Salary:

$53,664.00 - $83,324.80 Annually