Agricultural Inspector I



Agricultural Inspector I

Salary

$51,468.38 - $62,550.99 Annually

Location

Santa Rosa, CA

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

22/09-1123-O

Department

Agriculture/Weights & Measures Department (AGC)

Opening Date

09/14/2022

Closing Date

10/6/2022 11:59 PM Pacific

Bargaining Unit

05

Position Information

THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE/WEIGHTS & MEASURES SEEKS TO FILL 
AN AGRICULTURE INSPECTOR POSITION.


Starting salary up to $29.97/hour ($62,550/year), a cash allowance of $600/month, and a competitive total compensation package!*

The Agriculture Inspector I/II/III job series can be filled at any level, depending on qualifications and required licensure.  If you are interested in applying at the II and/or III levels, you must apply to the separate concurrent recruitments being conducted for each level.  This job class is eligible to promote to the next level in the series, up to an Agricultural/Weights & Measures Inspector III, once the minimum requirements are met for each level.    
 
Working at the County of Sonoma offers expansive opportunities for growth and development, the ability to be a part of a challenging and rewarding work environment, and the satisfaction of knowing you're working to better our communities. You can also look forward to excellent benefits* including:
 
  • Eligibility for a salary increase after 1,040 hours (6 months when working full-time) for good work performance; eligibility for a salary increase for good performance every year thereafter, until reaching the top of the salary range
  • Competitive vacation and sick leave accruals, 12 paid holidays, and an additional 8 floating holiday hours per year
  • County paid 100% premium contribution for the majority of employee-only and employee + family health plan options
  • An annual Staff Development/Wellness Benefit allowance of up to $500 and ongoing education/training opportunities
  • County contribution to a Health Reimbursement Arrangement to help fund post-retirement employee health insurance/benefits
  • Retirement fully integrated with Social Security
  • May be eligible for up to 8 weeks (320 hours) of Paid Parental Leave after 12 months of County employment
Department of Agriculture/Weights & Measures

This is a small but mighty department, which thrives on developing cooperative working relationships with the community and other regulatory agencies. The Department's mission is to promote and protect agriculture, the health and safety of our community, environment, and economy through education and the enforcement of laws and regulations of the California Food and Agriculture Code, the Business and Professions Code, and the California Code of Regulations. The Department employs a full-time staff of 36+, with the main office in Santa Rosa and satellite offices in Sonoma and Petaluma.

Agriculture is one of the main industries in Sonoma County and is a vital component to the County's economy. Through education and outreach, the department strives to provide the information necessary for growers and others to comply with the laws and regulations we enforce. Through inspections and enforcement, the Department of Agriculture/Weights & Measures ensures equity in the marketplace and the safety of workers, the public, and the environment.

About the Position

As an Agricultural Inspector I, you will be conducting surveillance and/or inspections of pesticide application methods, dealers, storage areas and equipment, pest control businesses, and worker safety training records. Additionally you will be:
 
  • Preparing notices of violation, civil fines, enforcement referrals, and writing reports
  • Collecting, maintaining, and transferring investigative samples to State laboratories
  • Inspecting agricultural commodities and quarantining commodities, or entire areas, as necessary to protect against injurious pathogens or destructive organisms
  • Inspecting Sonoma County organic producers for compliance with Federal and State organic standards, and/or inspecting farmers' markets
  • Fielding inspections of various types of farms, including vineyards, cannabis, and hemp
The ideal candidate will possess:
 
  • A high level of integrity, professionalism, and excellent customer service skills
  • The ability to work independently as well as in a team environment
  • Good judgement and the ability to make sound decisions, particularly in contentious compliance situations
  • Excellent oral and written communications skills and ability to write detailed and accurate reports
  • Possess the ability to work with members of the public, local businesses and industry members with the purpose of explaining applicable laws, regulations, and local municipal codes
  • Possess excellent organizational skills allowing for effective time management
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office
  • Bilingual Spanish skills are a highly desired
Please Note: The State of California, Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) oversees the licensing for this classification. To meet the qualifications for this recruitment, candidates must fulfill the current requirements to be admitted to the CDFA licensure examinations. At this time, candidates must meet one of the following criteria listed by the CDFA.  
 
For the most recent agricultural inspector licensing requirements and testing information, please refer to the minimum requirements information at https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/exec/county/Exam_Agricultural_Inspector_Biologist.html.  

This employment list may also be used to fill future full-time, part-time, or extra-help vacancies as they occur during the active status of the list in the Agricultural Division. Qualified County employees who wish to be considered for future vacancies should consider applying to this recruitment. Bilingual (Spanish/English) candidates are encouraged to apply. The Civil Service title for this position is Agricultural/Weights & Measures Inspector I.

*Salary is negotiable within the established range. Benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice. Additional information can be found in the Service Employees International Union Local 1021 Memorandum Of Understanding (SEIU MOU) and our Employee Benefits Directory.

APPLICATION SUBMISSIONS REQUIRE THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE BE COMPLETED.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience: Any combination of education and work experience which would provide an opportunity to acquire the knowledge and abilities listed herein. Normally, this would include graduation with a Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college with major course work in one of the following areas of discipline: Agricultural, Biological, Chemical, or Physical Science; Commerce; Engineering; Law Enforcement; Marketing; Mathematics; Physics; or Statistics, or other degrees approved by the California Secretary of Food and Agriculture.

OR

A Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college with a minimum of 30 semester units (or equivalent) in one or any combination from the same areas of discipline.

License: Possession of a valid driver's license at the appropriate level, including special endorsements, as required by the State of California, may be required depending upon assignment to perform the essential job functions of the position.

If assigned to weights and measures inspection, possession of a valid Class B California driver's license and Tank Vehicle Endorsement are required within one year of appointment to this class.
 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of: complex mathematics; principles of botany, entomology, plant pathology, physical science, chemistry, and related laboratory techniques; Federal, State, and local regulations, laws and procedures in the functional area of agricultural, weights and measures, and hazardous material and fire safety inspection and enforcement; the agricultural industry of Sonoma County; principles of sanitation when handling and testing food products; data processing equipment and systems; safety principles and equipment used for handling chemicals and responding to hazardous materials incidents; techniques of case management, record keeping, and report preparation; and rules of evidence, investigative techniques, and enforcement and court procedures.

Ability to: perform mathematical computations; read, understand, interpret, and enforce laws, codes, regulations; read, understand, and interpret technical material and lab analyses; collect and organize field information, write clear and concise reports and maintain records; draw accurate maps of field locations; learn to conduct a wide range of agricultural, hazardous material, fire safety, or weights and measures inspection and enforcement functions; gather information and data through interviewing individuals and conducting investigation; use and maintain department equipment; establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships; work with uncooperative and potentially hostile individuals; follow oral and written instructions; analyze situations accurately and recommend appropriate action; communicate tactfully and effectively with the public, co-workers, consumers, and industry representatives to provide information or obtain compliance with enforcement actions; safely handle hazardous materials such as herbicides, pesticides, insecticides, gasoline, and propane; maintain situational awareness while confidently approaching unknown environments with changing circumstances; use common office technology and software, databases and other software products used by the California Department of Food and Agriculture, the California Department of Pesticide Regulation, and the County of Sonoma to carry out regulatory programs; and lift and carry 50 pound objects or containers for short distances; and operate a pickup truck with trailer.
 

Selection Procedure & Some Helpful Tips When Applying

  • Your application information and your responses to the supplemental questions are evaluated and taken into consideration throughout the entire selection process.
  • You should list all employers and positions held within the last ten years in the work history section of your application. Be as thorough as possible when responding to the supplemental questions.
  • You may include history beyond ten years if related to the position for which you are applying. If you held multiple positions with one employer, list out each position separately.
  • Failure to follow these instructions may impact your competitiveness in this process or may result in disqualification.
Please visit Getting a Job with the County of Sonoma to review more detailed information about the hiring process, including the application process, examination steps, and department selection process.

APPLICATION SUBMISSIONS REQUIRE THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE BE COMPLETED.

Responses to supplemental questions will be scored using position-specific criteria. Please provide specific and detailed responses of a reasonable length to allow for a thorough assessment of your qualifications. Responses that state "See Resume" or "See Application" may be considered insufficient and therefore may not be scored.

The selection procedure will consist of the following examination:

An Application & Supplemental Questionnaire Appraisal Examination (weight 100%) will be conducted to evaluate each applicant's application and supplemental questionnaire for satisfaction of minimum qualifications (pass/not pass); and for educational coursework, training, experience, knowledge, and abilities which relate to this position. Each applicant will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

  • Relevance of work history, related experience, and achieved level of education and/or training as described in the application and responses to the supplemental questions.
Candidates demonstrating possession of the minimum qualifications will be placed on an employment list in order of most qualified to least qualified based on the achieved score received in the Application & Supplemental Questionnaire Appraisal Examination. Scores may be adjusted based on such factors as the number of candidates, anticipated vacancies, past practice, and natural breaks in the scores achieved by this group of candidates.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

A background investigation is required prior to employment. Candidates referred to departments for a selection interview are typically required to sign authorization and release forms enabling such an investigation. Failure to sign prescribed forms will result in the candidate not being considered further for that vacancy. Reference information will not be made available to applicants.

Additional requirements, such as successful completion of a physical exam, drug screen, etc., may apply, depending on the duties and responsibilities of the position. If you receive a conditional job offer for the position, the requirements upon which the offer is contingent will be outlined in the conditional job letter. You may also review the Job Classification Screening Schedule to determine the requirements for this position.

HOW TO APPLY

Applications are accepted online at www.yourpath2sonomacounty.org. Paper applications may be submitted by person, fax (707-565-3770), email, or through the mail. All applications and appropriate supplemental information as outlined in the job bulletin must be RECEIVED by the time and date specified on the first page of this job announcement. Applications received after the recruitment closes will not be accepted.

The County of Sonoma values diversity and is dedicated to creating a workplace environment that provides individuals with a sense of belonging. We are committed to having a diverse workforce that is representative of the communities we serve. The County is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer where all aspects of employment are based on merit, competence, performance, and business need.

HR Analyst: JT
HR Technician: RR
 

IMPORTANT NOTE: Benefits described herein do not apply to Extra Help positions.

COUNTY OF SONOMA BENEFITS: GENERAL*

These are some of the excellent benefits the County offers:
 
Paid Time Off: Competitive vacation and sick leave accruals; 12 paid holidays, and an additional 8 floating holiday hours per year; and may be eligible for up to 8 weeks (320 hours) of Paid Parental Leave after 12 months of County employment.
 
Health Plan: Choice of five health plans (a PPO, EPO, HMO, and two deductible HMOs) with a County contribution toward the premium (the contribution amount varies by bargaining unit. For specific details, please refer to the applicable MOU). A County contribution to a Health Reimbursement Arrangement is available for some bargaining units.

Cash Allowance: In addition to monthly salary, a cash allowance of approximately $600 per month.

Retirement: Fully integrated with Social Security. For more information regarding eligibility, retirement contributions, and reciprocity with prior public service, please visit https://scretire.org/active-/-deferred/when-you-are-hired.
 
IRS 457 Plan: Pre-tax employee contribution up to the IRS annual maximum.
 
Retiree Medical: County contribution to a Health Reimbursement Arrangement to help fund post-retirement employee health insurance/benefits.

Plus excellent dental, vision, disability, life insurance, professional development, and more.

For answers to specific questions regarding the employment process and more details about benefits or retirement, please contact Human Resources at (707) 565-2331. Additional details about benefit and compensation packages can be found in the MOUs located at https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/administrative-support-and-fiscal-services/human-resources/divisions-and-units/employee-relations/labor-agreements-and-salary-resolution. For specific information about health and welfare benefits including plan options, coverage, and premium amounts go to https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/administrative-support-and-fiscal-services/human-resources or, contact the Human Resources' Risk Management-Benefits Office at benefits@sonoma-county.org or (707) 565-2900.

*IMPORTANT NOTES: Benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice.

01
How did you first learn about this opportunity?
  • Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG)
  • California Agricultural Commissioners and Sealers Association
  • California Association of Standards and Agricultural Professionals
  • California Department of Food and Agriculture
  • CalJobs
  • Careers in Government
  • College or University
  • Craigslist
  • DiversityJobs
  • Employee of Sonoma County
  • Facebook
  • Glassdoor
  • Google Jobs
  • GovernmentJobs.com
  • Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Sonoma County
  • Indeed
  • Instagram
  • Job Fair
  • La Voz
  • Latino Service Providers
  • LinkedIn
  • Los Cien
  • Minority Organization or Group
  • Press Democrat
  • sonoma-county.org/www.yourpath2sonomacounty.org
  • Sonoma County Human Resources Office
  • Sonoma County Job Line
  • Start Here!
  • Twitter
  • Veterans Services Office
  • Women's Organization or Group
  • Workplace Diversity
  • ZipRecruiter
  • Other Internet Site
  • Other Publication
02
Please indicate if you would also be interested in future part-time or extra-help (temporary, intermittent, or seasonal employment) positions should they become available. Check all that apply.
  • I would also like to be considered for future part-time positions
  • I would also like to be considered for future extra-help positions
  • I am only interested in full-time positions
03
Please indicate if you are interested in bilingual positions, and your level of proficiency.
  • Yes, I have basic (conversational) English/Spanish bilingual skills
  • Yes, I have fluent (reading, writing, and conversational) English/Spanish bilingual skills
  • No, I do not have English/Spanish bilingual skills, and/or I do not wish to be considered for a bilingual position
04
Each position requires possession of a California Class C Driver's License. Please indicate which license(s) you possess or are able to obtain. Check all that apply.
  • I have a California Class C Driver's License
  • I have a California Class B Driver's License
  • I do not have a California Class B Driver's License, but I am eligible to obtain one within one year of being promoted to the III Level if working as a Weights & Measures Inspector
05
Please list the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) license(s) you currently possess, if any. (CDFA licensure is not required at the I level of this recruitment.) Please put "N/A" if you do not possess any license(s).
06
For this question, and all subsequent questions, provide sufficient information to allow for a thorough evaluation of your qualifications. Responses to supplemental questions may be scored using position-specific criteria and may be reviewed by hiring managers.
Candidates must fulfill the current requirements to be admitted to the CDFA licensure examinations. (Any person meeting the minimum qualifications for eligibility for the CDFA County Agricultural/Weights & Measures Biologist/Inspector examination is deemed to meet the educational requirement). Please indicate how you meet the minimum qualifications:
  • Possession of one or more valid statewide specific category licenses as a County Agricultural Inspector/Biologist
  • Possession of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college with specialization in one or more appropriate disciplines in agricultural, biological, chemical, or physical sciences
  • Possession of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college in any discipline with a minimum of 30 semester units, or equivalent, in one or any combination of the following disciplines: Agricultural Science, Biological Science, Chemical Science, Physical Science, Mathematics, and/or Statistics
  • I meet the minimum qualifications another way, which I will explain in question #7
07
Please describe how you meet the minimum qualifications and licensing requirements you indicated in Question #6.
08
Please describe your public contact experience that involved one or more of the following responsibilities. Include how you gained that experience and the time period (mm/yy to mm/yy) the experience was obtained.
  • Interpreting and explaining policies, procedures, regulations
  • Enforcing laws, codes, rules, regulations
  • Providing customer service
  • Resolving conflicts
09
Please describe your degree of proficiency (beginner, intermediate, advanced) with the following programs and provide an example of how you have used each.
  • Microsoft Word
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Geographical Information System (GIS)
  • CDFA/DPR Applications

Required Question

Agency
County of Sonoma (CA)
Address
575 Administration Drive, Suite 116B

Santa Rosa, California, 95403
Phone
(707) 565-2331