Description
POSITION TITLE: Supervising Agricultural Specialist I
DEPARTMENT: Inspection and Compliance
LOCATION: Bakersfield, CA
FLSA STATUS: Full-Time Regular, Non-Exempt
COMPENSATION: $24.50 - $29.27 Hr.
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
CASS is seeking an eager and devoted Supervising Agricultural Specialist I who will provide managerial and operational support to their district office within our Inspection and Compliance Program.
POSITION OVERVIEW:
The Supervising Agricultural I position supervises a district inspection and certification program with a wide variety of commodities, day to day operations within a district office, and asses hiring needs. Under the supervision of the Supervising Agricultural Specialist II, or Executive Management, and operating according to the existing policies and procedures within CASS, the Supervising Agricultural Specialist I position has various minimum competencies including, participating in carrying out enforcement of provisions for maturity, quality, size, packing, and container requirements in accordance with industry regulations. The Supervising Ag Specialist I use initiative and knowledge of federal, state, or industry grading standards as well as conforming to federal, state and CASS policies in carrying out work activities.
Requirements
- Understand industry requirements and able to manage and delegate staff to meet industry needs and requests for service.
- When necessary, assist CASS Human Resources to meet and maintain staffing needs, including possible participation in the interviewing, and hiring process.
- Conduct technical commodity training to staff to ensure necessary skill set for position duties.
- Assist in providing coaching and any disciplinary sessions which will be reported and documented to CASS Human Resources.
- Perform industry inspection duties, when necessary, to ensure industry needs are met.
- Assist in responding to inspector questions and concerns when necessary.
- Develop and cultivate positive relationship with industry, ensuring applicant satisfaction within district.
- Inspect to ensure accurate records within the district BIQMS (Branch Internal Quality Management System). Including but not limited to:
- Recording and daily review of certificates and field notes
- Inspectors Daily Reports
- Trainings and supervisory reviews
- USDA issued certificates recordings
- Applicant complaint records
- PLI stamp recordings
- And other commodity inspection records as needed
- Assist in maintaining consistent balance of employees performing office and field work.
- Assist in inspection of IDR’s (Inspector Daily Report) to ensure accurate reporting.
- Ensure collection and maintenance of applicant cash accounts when necessary.
- Assist in maintaining an adequate level of office and field supplies.
- Participate in job-related training to enhance professional skillset.
- Participate in training of new hire inspectors to ensure position knowledge and skillset.
- Assist in organizing and scheduling refresher training when necessary and either participate in refresher training or delegate to a capable stand-in.
- Attend Shipping Point and CASS management meetings.
- Attend industry meetings, as directed, to represent the Shipping Point and CASS programs.
SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS:
- FV-201 (Unrestricted Collaborator License)
Inspection license that is interstate/intrastate and provides authority to inspect all types of products that has been shipped from one state to another or which has been imported, regardless of origin. FV-201 Qualifications:
- Must perform a minimum of five (5) inspections per year to keep FV-201 license current and valid.
- Must complete Market Inspector Training within two years of being unrestricted.
- Required within established time frame set by CASS pursuant to recommendations by CDFA.
- Thirty-six (36) months of experience as a USDA licensee.
- Demonstrate the basic knowledge of the following:
- Employee conduct/misconduct/bribery/procedures.
- Federal/State/Industry relations Licensee responsibilities/authority.
- Proper use of inspection equipment.
- Sampling procedures: Harvesting, packing, and/or processing methods.
- Product grading for size, quality, and condition defects.
- Application of tolerances in the applicable standard.
- Note sheet and certificate preparation.
- Certificate accountability and distribution.
- The incumbent must be available to travel throughout the state as required.
1. Lodging, hotel, meals per diem, and travel time compensation available.
- Demonstrate tactfulness, a good cooperative attitude, the ability to make sound judgements based on facts, and basic knowledge of product being inspected.
- Must demonstrate the ability to interpret, understand, and conform to written and oral instructions; and contact appropriate supervision for assistance, and/or guidance in performing the duties of their positions.
- Attendance, punctuality, and dependability are essential to the proper operation of CASS’s program. If unable to report for work on time or as scheduled, the incumbent must call a supervisor or lead person at least one hour before scheduled starting time. This allows for supervision to provide a replacement to cover the incumbent’s work shift. If delayed, for any reason, while traveling to report to work, ensure a supervisor or lead is contacted immediately, in order that management may assign a replacement to minimize a lapse in shift coverage.
- Valid Driver’s License
- Must live up to the mission statement and core values of CASS.
- Display good interpersonal savvy, being able to relate well with others, build and maintain effective relationships and understand the use of diplomacy and tact.
- Journeyman level understanding of federal, state, and industry grading standards, work well under pressure and able to attain district business goals successfully.
- Self-Starter and proactive
- Excellent Oral and Written Communication skills
- Excellent Time Management and Organizational skills
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle conflict in a tactful and professional manner
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 Regular, Non-Exempt
• $24.50 - $29.27 /Hr.
• Benefits package including medical/dental/vision benefits including HSA, matching retirement contributions, and annual and
holiday leave.
• Travel and mileage reimbursement and advances provided.
• Qualified applicants with arrest and/or conviction records will be considered for employment in a manner consistent with
federal and state laws.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Physical strength and agility are necessary to fulfill the requirements of the position. The incumbent in this position will be required, with or without reasonable accommodation, to stand and walk constantly; Must be able to lift 20 pounds on a very frequent basis and up to 50 pounds on an occasional basis; Use repetitive arm and wrist motions; bend, stoop, twist, reach; and, maintain visual acuity a as well as possess normal color vision to differentiate color correctly. Drive, and enter and exit the vehicle numerous times throughout the workday.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Duties for the job are performed inside or outside of buildings. Weather, temperature, lighting, and noise levels may constantly vary. Terrain may vary from smooth and stable to irregular and unstable. The incumbent may continually work with or around machinery or motorized equipment, work in a noisy environment and be exposed to dust, pollen, moisture, and temperature extremes. Driving a vehicle, as well as entering and exiting the vehicle numerous times throughout the workday, is required.
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.