Agricultural Biologist/Weights & Measures Inspector I/II/III

Full Job Description

Duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Assist in the examination of fields, roadways, and cultivated areas to determine location and extent of infestation of rodents, weeds, birds, insects or predators, and for presence or extent of plant disease infestation, and assists in their eradication or control.
  
  
• Prepare poison grains for rodent control and application.
  
  
• Mix restricted and non-restricted pesticides.
  
  
• Enforce quarantine laws relating to the prevention of the introduction or spread of pests; certify acceptability or specify treatment of shipments as a condition of movement.
  
  
• Educate growers/farmers and others involved in the use of pesticides.
  
  
• Keep records of inspections and prepare reports.
  
  
• Examine fruits, nuts, vegetables, honey, eggs, and other agricultural commodities in markets, packing houses, and storage areas for compliance with regulations relating to standards, grades, and spray residue.
  
  
• Issue certificates of inspections.
  
  
• Examine plants and trees in nurseries and those arriving or shipped by private or common carriers for evidence of disease, pests, noxious weed seeds, cleanliness, and proper labeling.
  
  
• Inspect agricultural commodities being shipped to see that they are free from injurious insects or plant diseases.
  
  
• Assure growers' compliance with laws and regulations concerning pesticides.
  
  
• Issue restricted materials permits to growers.
  
  
• Administer tests to growers for certified/restricted applicator certificates and explain county requirements.
  
  
• Conduct field review and inspection of pesticide use based on crops to be sprayed and drift possibilities to surrounding areas.
  
  
• Interview and conduct fact-finding investigations of potential pesticide poisoning/chemical incidents and issue notice of violations if appropriate.
  
  
• Issue permits and supervise the application of toxic materials to crops.
  
  
• Issue producers certificate and work with products retailers to correct variety, weight, and count information on labeling.
  
  
• Inspect and test commercial weight and measurement instruments for accuracy and compliance with established tolerances.
  
  
• Inspect packages and commodities, other goods and petroleum products for accuracy of weights or measure, correct labeling and adherence to required specifications.
  
  
• Inspect petroleum products meters on trucks and trailers, odometers, taximeters, milk-tanks, electric meters, LPG meters, platform scales, livestock scales, vehicle scales, license, and records of weighmasters.
  
  
• Enforce State laws related to the packaging of products.
  
  
• Investigate complaints of improper weight, deception, or fraud; Assist the District Attorney in the development of case files for criminal and civil matters.
  
  
• Audit and investigate sub-metered utility billings and weighmaster records for accuracy.
  
  
• Conduct undercover test sales and purchases to promote equity in the marketplace.
  
  
• Assist with other departmental and county-wide activities as needed.

Requirements

AGRICULTURAL BIOLOGIST/WEIGHTS & MEASURES INSPECTOR I
Experience:
None required.

Education:
Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited four (4) year college with specialization in one or more appropriate disciplines in agricultural, biological, chemical, or physical sciences, or other appropriate disciplines as determined by the Secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture.

Candidates who are within six months of satisfying the education requirement for this classification will be admitted to the examination, but they must complete the education requirement and provide evidence of graduation prior to appointment.

License:
Within six (6) months of appointment, obtain a State License of Eligibility as a County Agricultural Inspector/Biologist/Weights and Measures Inspector in Pesticide Regulation, Weight Verification, or Measurement Verification.

Possess a valid California driver's license at time of appointment and maintain.

AGRICULTURAL BIOLOGIST/WEIGHTS & MEASURES INSPECTOR II
Experience:
One (1) year of experience in Agricultural Inspection for law enforcement purposes comparable to an Agricultural Biologist/Weights & Measures Inspector I in Merced County.

Education:
Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited four (4) year college with specialization in one or more appropriate disciplines in agricultural, biological, chemical, or physical sciences, or other appropriate disciplines as determined by the Secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture.

Licenses:
Possess and maintain valid licenses of Eligibility as a County Agricultural Inspector/Biologist/Weights and Measures Inspector in Pesticide Regulation, Pest Prevention & Plant Regulation, and Measurement Verification.

Possess a valid California driver's license at time of appointment and maintain.

Possession of a State of California Department of Pesticide Regulation Qualified Applicator Certificate in the Regulatory Pest Control category.

AGRICULTURAL BIOLOGIST/WEIGHTS & MEASURES INSPECTOR III
Experience:
One (1) year of experience in Agricultural Inspection for law enforcement purposes comparable to an Agricultural Biologist/Weights & Measures Inspector II in Merced County.

Education:
Possession of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited four (4) year college with specialization in one or more appropriate disciplines in agricultural, biological, chemical, or physical sciences, or other appropriate disciplines as determined by the Secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture.

Licenses:
Possess and maintain valid licenses of Eligibility as a County Agricultural Inspector/ Biologist/Weights and Measures Inspector in Pesticide Regulation, Investigation & Environmental Monitoring, Pest Prevention & Plant Regulation, Weight Verification, and Measurement Verification.

Possess and maintain a State of California Department of Pesticide Regulation Qualified Applicator Certificate in the Regulatory Pest Control and Right-of-Way Pest Control categories.

Possess and maintain a United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Authorized Certification Official Identification Certificate.

Possess a valid California driver's license at time of appointment and maintain.

Possession of a valid Class B license may be required for some assignments.

Possession of the Non-Soil Fumigation category may be required for some assignments.

Qualifications

• Communicate effectively with others in person, over the telephone, and in writing.
  
  
• Frequently operate personal computer and other modern office equipment.
  
  
• Analyze data, interpret policies, procedures and regulations, develop appropriate conclusions, and prepare reports.
  
  
• Resolve conflicts and respond appropriately to complaints.
  
  
• Maintain confidential information in accordance with legal standards and/or County regulations.
  
  
• Frequently sit or stand for extended periods.
  
  
• Occasionally walk for extended periods over uneven terrain and under various environmental conditions.
  
  
• Occasionally climb stairs or ladders.
  
  
• Frequently drive a county vehicle.
  
• Frequently lift, carry, reach, push, pull, twist, and manipulate large and small objects.
  
  
• Frequently lift and carry 5 to 50 pounds and occasionally lift and carry up to 100 pounds with assistance.
  
  
• Constant use of overall visual capabilities; Frequent use of color perception, hand/eye coordination, reading and/or close-up work.
  
  
• Occasional use of optical devices such as refractometer, microscope, hand lens, or range finder.
  
  
• Normal dexterity with constant holding, frequent grasping, reaching, repetitive motion, and writing.
  
  
• Frequent use of hand-eye coordination.
  
  
• Frequent use of data entry device including repetitive hand and arm motion.
  
  
• Constant concentration with frequent public contact, decision making, and conflict resolution.
  
  
• Frequent exposure to outdoor conditions including heat/cold, dust, chemical residues, allergens, or odors.
  
  
• Occasional exposure to indoor industrial conditions including heat/cold, odors, or poor ventilation.
  
  
• Some seasonal assignments require early morning or late evening work.
  
  
• Regular attendance is an essential function.
  
  
• Overtime, weekend, and holiday assignments are required.
  
  

Knowledge of:

• The proper methods of control and eradication of noxious weeds and other pests.
  
  
• Various types of crops grown and farming methods in the County.
  
  
• Various types of pesticides and proper applications.
  
  
• Pesticide use and safety laws and regulations.
  
  
• Law enforcement powers and obligations of the Agricultural Commissioner and Sealer.
  
  
• Plant biology, pests, and diseases.
  
  
• Statistical methods.
  
  
• Animal physiology.
  
  
• Pertinent laws and regulations applicable to inspection, standardization, and quarantine of agricultural products.
  
  
• Plant botany and pathology.
  
  
• Horticulture, Entomology, and Nematology.
  
  
• Investigation techniques.
  
  
• Weighing and measuring systems and the principles of their operation.
  
  
• Laws, rules, regulations, and policies promulgated by the Secretary of the Department of Food and Agriculture, Division of Measurement Standards.
  
  
• The principles of record keeping, program organizing, and coordination techniques.
  
  
• Weights and Measures, container content, and public weighmasters.
  
  
• Construction, mechanics, and operation of scales and other weighing and measuring devices.
  
  
• Specialized fields of weights and measures.

Ability to:

• Keep records and prepare reports on inspections regarding regulations and the violation.
  
  
• Work cooperatively with growers, packers, and shippers and to enforce the rules and regulations affecting standardization tactfully and effectively.
  
  
• Identify plant pests and diseases.
  
  
• Plan and oversee the work of unskilled workers.
  
  
• Make decisions regarding individual situations and appropriate enforcement actions based on technical knowledge.
  
  
• Mix and use various poisonous materials in the control and eradication of pests and noxious weeds.
  
  
• Conduct an investigation and complete a report of findings.
  
  
• Operate pest control equipment.
  
  
• Enforce the laws and standards pertaining to weights and measures.
  
  
• Use tools and equipment commonly associated with weighing and measuring.
  
  
• Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with the public.
  
  
• Maintain calibration standards and equipment in good working order.
  
  
• Produce completed criminal and civil case files.
  
  
• Prepare and present Weights and Measures information at industry meetings.
  
  
• Safely operate sensitive testing equipment.
  
  
• Effectively conduct department approved undercover operations to verify deceptive or fraudulent business practices.
  
  
• Obtain a Class B driver’s license and drive a heavy weight truck.