Agricultural Specialist I Merced County (1 Immediate Opening)

Description

POSITION TITLE:    Agricultural Specialist I

DEPARTMENT:        County Agricultural Commissioners

LOCATION:              Merced County

REPORTS TO:          Program Supervisor

FLSA STATUS:          Full-time, Temporary, Non-Exempt

COMPENSATION:   $17.53-19.73/Hr. Pay Rate

The Cooperative Agricultural Support Services (CASS) is a Joint Powers Authority that was originally formed as a partnership between the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) and the Counties of Yolo and Trinity. Since then, CASS’ services have expanded throughout California to support the agricultural industry and the consumers of its products by providing human resources and administrative support services. CASS’ program activities include agricultural inspection, pest prevention and other programs administered by CDFA, county agricultural commissioners, and other public agencies. Our current work includes:

• Agricultural Commodity Grading Program
• Grading using County, State and Federal standards
• Emergency Pest Detection Trapping and Survey program
• Professional Develop and Educational Training

We are seeking an enthusiastic Agricultural Specialist I to join our County Agricultural Commissioner’s Program. This position reports directly to the Program Supervisor.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

Under the general direction of a designated supervisor, as well as operating within established guidelines and procedures, the incumbent works in a variety of field settings with limited oversight to make inspections, perform pesticide detection/regulation and environmental monitoring, integrated pest and actionable invasive insect pests’ control, commodity regulation, pest prevention and plant regulation, and activities relating to weight verification, measurement verification, and transaction and product verification. The Agricultural Specialist I may also report unusual situations to the project supervisor or manager for resolution. 

Requirements

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Safely operate and maintain a motor vehicle to travel to designated work areas.
• Follow established protocols for trapping and survey work.
• Service traps perform insect sweeps and visually inspect local plant hosts for target pest damage.
• Remove suspect plant and insect samples from foliage or from a variety of insect
• Draw and follow maps when performing field activities. Use GPS technology to site-collection tools and check for target pests. register and package samples. Maintain site location and sample integrity.
• Keep Daily reports of work completed, i.e., number of traps services, properties treated, acreage surveyed, samples collected and other information as needed.
• Clean, repair and store all equipment daily. Notify team lead or supervisor when equipment needs repair or replacement.
• Screen wet and dry traps for target pests (plant and insect). Examine contents of traps to make preliminary identification of specimens which resemble target pests.
• Initiate contact with a property owner or representative to conduct a visual survey, place traps or carry out eradication activities.
• Briefly answer questions about survey and pest detection projects and/or refer the questioner to the appropriate individual for information.
• Interact with the public in a courteous and professional manner.
• Take prescribed action when a preliminary identification of a target pest is made which may include, but is not limited to, drawing a map of the find site, completing a Pest Detection Report form, and placing the sample in an appropriate container.
• Attendance, punctuality, and dependability are essential to this position.
• Other duties as assigned.

SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS:

• High School Diploma
• Ability to adapt to a flexible work environment
• Self-Starter and proactive
• Excellent Oral and Written Communication skills
• Excellent Time Management and Organizational skills

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assumes responsibility for doing assigned work and meeting deadlines.
• Demonstrates an awareness of and sensitivity to clients including cultural and ethical beliefs; and implements care in a thorough, skillful, consistent, and continuous manner.
• Attends work regularly and adheres to policies and procedures regarding absences and tardiness. Provides adequate notice to supervisor with respect to time-off requests.
• Performs other duties, as necessary.

TEAM COMMITMENT:

• Viewed by others to be an effective team member who is flexible, cooperative, and willing to assist others, and acts as a resource to team members and clients where appropriate.
• Tactfully handles conflicts constructively and seeks appropriate assistance and directive when necessary.
• Develops and maintains cooperative and courteous relationships with co-workers, supervisor, and agency clients.

COMPENSATION:

• Full-time, Non-Exempt - Temporary
• $17.53-19.73/Hr. Pay Rate
• Benefits package including medical benefits, matching retirement contributions, and annual and holiday leave.
• Qualified applicants with arrest and/or conviction records will be considered for employment in a manner consistent with federal and state laws.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The incumbent in this position will be required, with or without reasonable accommodation, to operate a desktop computer using a keyboard and mouse; employ repetitive arm and wrist motions; occasionally bend, stoop, twist, reach; and, lift file or supply boxes of up to twenty-five pounds.

Cooperative Agricultural Support Services is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse, welcoming, and inclusive workforce. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, genetic information, sex (including pregnancy), gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status.