Agricultural Biologist/Inspector III

Under general direction, to coordinate, oversee, and perform inspections and enforcement of laws and regulations pertaining to the California Food and Agricultural Code, Business and Professions Code, the California Code of Regulations, the California Health and Safety Code and other pertinent rules, laws, and regulations; to coordinate and perform pest prevention and pesticide regulation assignments; to coordinate and perform inspection and testing of weighing and measuring devices and verification of consumer transactions and product quality; and to do related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is the journey level in the Agricultural Biologist/Inspector class series. Incumbents are expected to perform in multiple areas of inspection and enforcement work. They may also be responsible for an assigned area of Department programs. This class is distinguished from Agricultural Biologist/Inspector II by the performance of a wider range work and the requirement that an incumbent possess at least five of the eight fields requiring State licensing for the performance of agricultural and weights and measures inspection and enforcement work.

REPORTS TO
Deputy Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer or Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer

CLASSIFICATIONS SUPERVISED
Provides lead direction and work coordination for Agricultural Biologist/Inspector I, II, and Agricultural Technician.

TYPICAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Sit for extended periods; frequently stand and walk; ability to walk in uneven terrain and on slippery surfaces; normal manual dexterity and eye-hand coordination; ability to crawl through various areas requiring movement on hands and knees; ability to climb, stoop, crouch, and kneel; lift and move objects weighing up to 50 lbs.; corrected hearing and vision to normal range; verbal communication; use of office equipment, including computer, telephone, calculator, copiers, and FAX.

TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS
Work is performed in office, outdoor, and driving environments; some assignments performed alone in remote locations; work is performed in varying temperatures; exposure to dust, pesticides, chemicals, and gases; continuous contact with staff and the public.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS(The following is used as a partial description and is not restrictive as to duties required.)

Plans and coordinates a variety of inspection, enforcement, and control work, including quarantine inspection, pesticide use enforcement, rodent, weed, and bird control, nursery and apiary inspection, and weights and measures enforcement and inspection; may coordinate assigned areas of responsibility with other County departments and government agencies; assists with the development and implementation of Agriculture Department goals, objectives, policies, and priorities; may provide training and guidance for other Department staff; performs a wide range agricultural and weights and measures inspection and enforcement duties; prepares a variety of inspection reports in compliance with Federal, State, and local laws, regulations, and standards; investigates a variety of complaints, including those related to packaging and labeling fraud; enforces pesticide use regulations; may conduct hearings and examinations as delegated by Department management; assists the public with pest control problems and issues restricted materials permits; gathers data and prepares a variety of reports; inspects, tests, and seals commercial weighing and measuring devices, including liquid measurement equipment; verifies the weight, measurement, contents, and labeling of packaged items; reviews and verifies weighmaster certificates and records of weight certificates; tests electric meters; collects commodity samples for testing; files formal complaints; represents the Department with the public, community organizations, and other agencies.Any combination of training and experience which would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:

At least one year of inspection and enforcement experience comparable to that of an Agricultural Biologist Inspector II with San Benito County.

Completion of advanced educational training in biological and agricultural sciences with courses in mathematics and physics in accordance with State of California licensing requirements.

Special Requirements:
Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate valid California Driver's License.
 
Possession of at least five valid licenses issued by the California Department of Food and Agriculture, three which must be:
1) Pesticide Regulation
2) Pest Prevention and Plant Regulation
3) Weight verification
 
The two remaining licenses may be any combination of the following:
1) Investigation and Environmental Monitoring
2) Integrated Pest Management
3) Commodity Regulation
4) Measurement Verification
5) Transaction and Product Verification
 
Possession of a Federal Cooperator's License for phytosanitary certification issued by the United States Department of Agriculture.Knowledge of:
Federal, State, and local laws, rules, and regulations related to the functions of the County Agricultural Commissioner and Sealer of Weights and Measures.
Enforcement powers, procedures, and policies of the Agriculture Department.
Proper inspection methods and procedures.
Statistical testing methods and procedures.
Agricultural practices and crops pertinent to the County of San Benito.
Pest and noxious weed control methods.
Principles of program development, implementation, and coordination.

Ability to:
Plan, develop, coordinate and be responsible for assigned inspection and enforcement areas in the Agriculture Department.
Perform a wide range of complex agricultural and weights and measures enforcement and inspection work, using a variety of methods and techniques.
Analyze, interpret, and apply Federal, State, and local rules and regulations, relating to agricultural and weights and measures standards.
Make mathematical calculations quickly and accurately.
Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Provide advice on acceptable agricultural and weights and measures practices.
Enforce regulations with firmness and tact.
Gather a variety of information and prepare clear and concise reports.
Represent the functions and policies of the County Agricultural Commissioner/ Sealer in a courteous and professional manner.
Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships.

The contents of this class specification shall not be construed to constitute any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee, nor shall it constitute a contract of employment. The County of San Benito assumes no responsibility beyond the general accuracy of the document, nor does it assume responsibility for any errors or omissions in the information contained herein. The contents of this specification may be modified or revoked without notice. Terms and conditions of employment are determined through a "meet and confer" process and are subject to the Memorandum of Understanding currently in effect.

In accordance with California Government Code section 3100, et., seq., all County of San Benito employees are considered disaster service workers who may be required to report for duty, or remain on duty to address disaster service activities in the event of an emergency or disaster and are required to undertake an applicable loyalty oath. 

Salary : $56,722 - $76,045