Salary : $48,193.60 - $78,790.40 Annually
Location : Oroville/Chico Area, CA
Job Type: Regular Help
Job Number: 2510114087
Department: Agriculture Department
Opening Date: 02/28/2025
Closing Date: 3/21/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
SummaryThis recruitment is for Level I. The salary rage for level I is $1,853.60 -$2,484.00 biweekly ($23.17 -$31.05 per hour). FLSA: Non-ExemptDEFINITIONUnder immediate or general supervision, direction, or general direction, performs agriculture and/or weights and measures inspections by enforcing federal, state, and local laws and regulations to promote and protect agriculture, public health, the environment, consumers, and businesses; and performs related duties as assigned.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISEDReceives direct supervision (I-level), general supervision (II-level), direction (III-level), or general direction (IV-level) from assigned supervisory or management personnel. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICSThis is a multi-level, deep class in which incumbents may be assigned to any of four levels depending on experience and the attainment of valid state certificates of inspection. The work involves the enforcement of various types of federal, state, and local laws and regulations related to agriculture and/or weights and measures. Once certificates are acquired, the incumbent may inspect and enforce regulations in that field and the duties become more diversified and are performed with less supervision.
Agricultural Biologist/Weights & Measures Inspector I: This is the entry-level in the Agricultural Biologist/Weights & Measures Inspector classification series. Under immediate supervision, incumbents learn to perform a variety of inspection duties and learns federal, state, and local agricultural and weights and measures laws and regulations. Duties are performed in a learning capacity as the incumbent achieves licensing in the required subject matter area(s). Positions at this level exercise limited discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods. Work is supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern. Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise.
Agricultural Biologist/Weights & Measures Inspector II: This is the journey-level in the Agricultural Biologist/Weights & Measures Inspector classification series. Incumbents perform assigned duties in the areas in which they are qualified and licensed. Positions exercise independent discretion and judgment in selecting and applying work procedures and methods. Assignments and objectives are set for the incumbent and established work methods are followed. Positions at this level receive instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise. Incumbents must possess three (3) valid agricultural licenses or two (2) weights and measures licenses, depending on assignment.
Agricultural Biologist/Weights & Measures Inspector III: This is the experienced journey-level in the Agricultural Biologist/Weights & Measures Inspector classification series. Incumbents perform a variety of difficult and complex duties in the areas in which they are qualified and licensed. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. Incumbents may assume specialized responsibility for a function within the class. Incumbents must possess five (5) valid agricultural licenses or three (3) weights and measures licenses, depending on assignment.
Agricultural/Weights and Measures Inspector IV: This is the advanced-journey level responsible for performing the most complex work assigned to the Agricultural Biologist/Weights & Measures Inspector classification series. Incumbents perform a variety of duties in the areas in which they are qualified and licensed. Incumbents regularly work on tasks which are varied and complex, requiring considerable discretion and independent judgement. Positions in the classification rely on experience and judgement to perform assigned duties. Assignments are given with general guidelines and incumbents are responsible for establishing objectives, timelines, and methods to deliver services. Work is typically reviewed upon completion for soundness, appropriateness, and conformity to policy and requirements. Incumbents assume specialized responsibility for a function within the class. Incumbents must possess five (5) valid agricultural licenses and three (3) weights and measures licenses.
Positions in the Agricultural Biologist/Weights & Measures Inspector classification series are flexibly staffed; positions at the II-, III-, and IV-levels may be filled by advancement from the I-, II-, and III-levels, respectively; progression to the next level in the series is dependent on (i) management affirmation that the position is performing the full range of duties assigned to the classification; (ii) satisfactory work performance; (iii) the incumbent meeting the minimum qualifications for the classification including any licenses and certifications; and (iv) management approval for progression to the next level in the class series.
Essential Job FunctionsEXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONSTypical functions may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, abilities, and other characteristics. The list that follows is not intended as a comprehensive list; it is intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed, and may be required to perform additional, position-specific tasks.
For entry-level (I-level) positions, the typical functions are limited and performed in a learning capacity.
- Conducts services, inspections, and investigations to prevent or eliminate environmental and pesticide health hazards and ensure worker health and safety, may be assigned to regulate pesticide applications and other agricultural service programs.
- Enforces federal, state, and local pesticide laws and regulations by issuing permits, conducting on-site inspections, auditing records, and monitoring application and use of pesticides.
- Inspects and certifies agricultural products and commodities for compliance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations, grades, standards, and/or labelling requirements; issues Phytosanitary Certificates; regulates, inspects, and certifies producers, markets, apiaries, nurseries, and growers; monitors and accredits grain and seed mills; assists in developing schedules for inspection of markets and growing grounds.
- Investigates pesticide use complaints, pesticide illness, pesticide residues reported on produce, pesticide damage incidents, and pesticide environmental effects; takes appropriate action when non-compliance is found, including issuing notices of violations, citations and/or preparing cases for administrative civil penalty actions and/or referrals to the District Attorney.
- Issues certificates for non-compliance with orders and instructions to recondition, dispose, or bring into compliance fruit and vegetable standards.
- Identifies agricultural pests and diseases; enforces plant quarantine regulations; assists in the detection, eradication, and control of pests and diseases; collects various agricultural samples for delivery to state lab for testing and identification.
- Inspects agricultural and commercial businesses for compliance to safety, sanitary, and calibration regulations; enforces worker safety laws and regulations; works with businesses to develop solutions for long-term protection of public health and the environment; provides resources; coordinates with other government agencies as appropriate.
- Inspects apiaries; identifies bee diseases and treatment protocols; interprets and enforces provisions related to bees; maintains communications with beekeepers and serves as a resource.
- Inspects and tests commercial weighing and measuring devices for accuracy and notifies owners of test results; identifies and resolves problems and condemns devices not brought into compliance.
- Inspects petroleum vapor recovery systems; monitors petroleum octane, labeling, price signs, and advertising to ensure accuracy and compliance with regulations; tests for sediment and water contamination in petroleum fuels.
- Verifies the work and license requirements of registered service agents.
- Investigates complaints of improper weight, measure, or count; conducts random sampling of packaged commodities to ensure content is equal to amount on label.
- Assists with or verifies the accuracy of price scanning equipment; verifies weighmaster licenses, and determines whether certificates of weights and measures are being issued correctly.
- Inspects junk dealer/recyclers for stormwater permit, photographic, thumb printing, and theft alert notification requirements.
- Operates a variety of specialized equipment, including gas and electric meter test apparatus, taximeter fifth wheel, scanner gun, heavy-capacity weight truck, hydraulic crane, and weight mover.
- Performs public speaking and educational outreach at various venues; answers questions and provides information and assistance to the public, private industry, government agencies, and community groups; conducts studies and gathers information for surveys.
- Develops effective working relationships with the agricultural and business communities; provides customer service in compliance with departmental policies.
- Prepares and maintains records of inspections and analyzes statistical reports; gathers evidence for appropriate enforcement action by the department; initiates corrective actions as needed; testifies in court and hearings as needed.
- Attends meetings, conferences, workshops, and training sessions, and reviews publications to remain current on principles, practices, and new developments in the field of agriculture and weight and measures.
- Performs related duties as assigned.
In addition, Agricultural Biologist/Weights & Measures Inspector III performs the following:
- Works towards increasing knowledge as it relates to the protection of endangered species.
- Administers industrial hemp state registration and local county licensing; coordinates sampling and testing for THC compliance requirements; ensures registered grows are compliant with Food and Agricultural Code and California Code of Regulations.
- Assists in the review of planning projects to ensure compliance with planning and zoning ordinances; provides recommendations on land use activities involving agriculture and urban/residential development uses.
- Takes enforcement actions when necessary and assists with decision reports, enforcement letters, office hearings, notice of proposed actions, and advocating administrative civil penalties.
- Examines and verifies the work and license requirements of registered service agents.
In addition, Agricultural Biologist/Weights & Measures Inspector IV performs the following:
- Provides training and guidance to new employees and lower-level inspectors.
- Positions are cross-trained, certified, and perform inspections in both Agriculture and Weights & Measures programs.
Minimum QualificationsKnowledge of:- Applicable federal, state, and county laws, codes, rules, regulations, and standards and County and department policies and procedures related to agriculture and weights and measures.
- Basic chemistry, biological sciences, entomology, and plant pathology/phytopathology.
- Occupational safety and health rules and regulations.
- Agricultural management techniques and research methods.
- Laboratory and field equipment, instruments, and tools used in conducting agriculture and/or weights and measures inspections.
- National Institute of Standards and Technology specifications, tolerances, and technical requirements.
- Principles and practices of record keeping and report preparation.
- Business arithmetic and basic statistical techniques.
- Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction to ensure teamwork is conducted smoothly.
- Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, regulated industries, vendors, contractors, and County staff.
- The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
- Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.
In addition, Agricultural Biologist/Weights & Measures Inspector IV:
- Principles and practices of training staff.
Ability To:- Conduct accurate inspections and investigations of plants or plant products, agricultural products and commodities, agricultural and commercial businesses, and pesticide use, incidents, complaints, and environmental effects to evaluate conformance with laws and regulations.
- Conduct accurate inspections, testing, and licensing of a variety of weighing and measuring devices.
- Gather, assemble, and analyze data, and make sound recommendations for enforcement activities.
- Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.
- Maintain accurate records of work performed and findings.
- Safely operate specialized testing equipment, instruments and tools.
- Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, and other written material.
- Make accurate mathematical and statistical computations.
- Effectively represent the department and the County in meetings with governmental agencies; community groups; various business, professional, and regulatory organizations; and in meetings with individuals.
- Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
- Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
- Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
- Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
- Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
In addition, Agricultural Biologist/Weights & Measures Inspector IV:
- Provide training and development opportunities for and ensure work is performed effectively by assigned staff.
- Observe, identify, and solve problems related to office and field inspection operations and procedures.
- Conduct accurate agricultural and weights and measures inspections.
Education and Experience:Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:
Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with specialization in one or more appropriate disciplines in agriculture, biology, chemistry, entomology, plant pathology/phytopathology, or physical sciences; or in any discipline with a minimum of 30 semester units, or equivalent, in one or any combination of the following disciplines, agricultural science, biology, chemistry, physical science, mathematics, and/or statistics for licensing examination by the California Department of Food & Agriculture; and
Agricultural Biologist/Weights & Measures Inspector I: None
Agricultural Biologist/Weights & Measures Inspector II: One (1) year of experience enforcing agricultural or weights and measures regulations in a California county, or one (1) year of experience at a level equivalent to the County's Agricultural Biologist/Weights & Measures Inspector I.
Agricultural Biologist/Weights & Measures Inspector III: Two (2) years of increasingly responsible experience enforcing agricultural or weights and measures regulations in a California county, or one (1) year of experience at a level equivalent to the County's Agricultural Biologist/Weights & Measures Inspector II.
Agricultural Biologist/Weights & Measures Inspector IV: Three (3) years of increasingly responsible experience enforcing agricultural or weights and measures regulations in a California county, or one (1) year of experience at a level equivalent to the County's Agricultural Biologist/Weights & Measures Inspector III.
Certifications and Licenses:- Must possess a valid US driver's license upon date of application. Must obtain California driver's license following hire date per California DMV regulations.
Agricultural Biologist/Weights & Measures Inspector I:
- Possession of the Pesticide Regulation and Plant Prevention & Plant Regulation or the Measurement Verification license(s) issued by the State of California Department of Food and Agriculture in agriculture or weights and measures depending on division assignment; or candidates that do not have a license(s) but meet the educational requirements to obtain a license may be appointed but must obtain the Pesticide Regulation and Pest Prevention & Plant Regulation or the Measurement Verification license(s), depending on division assignment, by end of probationary period.
- If assigned to the Agricultural Division, must take the State Structural Pest Control training course in order to perform pesticide structural pest control inspections within two (2) years of appointment.
Agricultural Biologist/Weights & Measures Inspector II:
- Possession of three (3) agricultural licenses Pesticide Regulation, Pest Prevention & Plant Regulation and Commodity Regulation or two (2) weights and measures licenses (Measurement Verification and Weight Verification) issued by the State of California Department of Food and Agriculture, depending on division assignment.
- If assigned to the Agricultural Division will also be required to:
- Obtain and maintain an Authorized Certification Official (ACO) accreditation by the United States Department of Agriculture Animal Plant Health Inspection Services within one (1) year of appointment in order to perform Phytosanitary Export inspections; and
- Take the State Structural Pest Control training course in order to perform pesticide structural pest control inspections within two (2) years of appointment.
Agricultural Biologist/Weights & Measures Inspector III:
- Possession of licenses issued by the State California Department of Food and Agriculture, including all five (5) agricultural licenses when assigned to the Agriculture Division; or all three (3) Weights and Measures licenses when assigned to the Weights and Measures Division.
- If assigned to the Agricultural Division will also be required to:
- Obtain and maintain an Authorized Certification Official (ACO) accreditation by the United States Department of Agriculture Animal Plant Health Inspection Services within one (1) year of appointment in order to perform Phytosanitary Export inspections
- Take the State Structural Pest Control training course in order to perform pesticide structural pest control inspections within two (2) years of appointment.
Agricultural/Weights and Measures Inspector IV:
- Possession of all eight (8) licenses issued by the State of California Department of Food and Agriculture, specifically all five (5) agricultural licenses and all three (3) Weights and Measures licenses.
- If assigned to the Agricultural Division will also be required to:
- Obtain and maintain an Authorized Certification Official (ACO) accreditation by the United States Department of Agriculture Animal Plant Health Inspection Services within one (1) year of appointment in order to perform Phytosanitary Export inspections
Take the State Structural Pest Control training course in order to perform pesticide structural pest control inspections within two (2) years of appointment.
Environmental Factors and Conditions/Physical RequirementsPHYSICAL DEMANDSWhen assigned to an office environment:
- Mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required; occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information.
- Vision to read printed materials and a computer screen.
- Hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone.
- Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment.
When assigned to field inspection:
- Mobility to work in changing site conditions; to operate a motor vehicle and visit various County sites; to sit, stand, and walk on level, uneven or slippery surfaces; to reach, twist, turn, kneel, and bend; and to climb and descend ladders and to operate a motor vehicle and visit various County site.
- Strength and stamina to perform light to medium physical work; lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects averaging a weight of 50 pounds, or heavier weights, in all cases with the use of proper equipment and/or assistance from other staff.
- Vision to inspect site conditions and work in progress.
- Fieldwork requiring frequent walking in operational areas to identify problems or hazards, with exposure to hazardous materials in some site locations.
WORKING CONDITIONS- Office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances.
- Also includes field work with exposure to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, chemicals, and hazardous physical substances and fumes.
- Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.
EQUIPMENT AND TOOLS UTILIZED- Equipment utilized includes motor vehicle, personal computer, and standard office equipment.
- Specialized equipment including measurement, volumetric, and mass based testing apparatuses, gas and electric meter test apparatus, taximeter fifth wheel, scanner gun, hydraulic crane, forklift, heavy-capacity weight truck, and trailers (with appropriate licenses); wind gauge, binoculars, sampling equipment, and spray equipment.
Disaster Service WorkerAll Butte County employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.
Professional Employees Association (PEA)THESE BENEFITS DO NOT APPLY TO EXTRA HELP EMPLOYEESSalary Step Increases: The beginning salary and the top of the salary range are usually shown on the job announcement. Upon satisfactory service, salary increases of approximately 5% may be given annually until the top of the salary range has been attained.
Cell Phone Allowance: County issued cell phone or $70/month allowance with appointing authority approval.
Holidays: 12 paid holidays per year.
Vacation: 0-4.99 years: 15 days/yr.; 5-9.99 years: 20 days/yr.; 10-19.99 years: 25 days/yr.; 20+ years: 27 days/yr. Note - accrued vacation leave may not be used until after six months of employment.
Administrative Leave: 7 days per year for FLSA Exempt employees.
Sick Leave: 96 hours of sick leave are earned each year with no maximum accrual.
Bereavement Leave: Maximum of 40 hours for each occurrence in the immediate family.
Health Plan including Dental Insurance and Vision Insurance: Coverage under the Butte County Health Plan is for employees and their eligible dependents. Depending upon the plan selected by the employee, the County contributes a substantial amount of the total cost of the complete health package, which consists of medical, vision, and dental insurance. Currently, the amount the County contributes for family coverage is $1357.42/month. For those employees who have health coverage from other sources, and who elect to not participate in the Butte County Health Plan, the County offers a monthly taxable Cash-Back allowance. The current of the taxable Cash-Back allowance is $503.34 per month (prorated for less than fulltime employees). This benefit is $300 per month for Employees hired on or after January 1, 2014.
Life Insurance: The County provides $25,000 in life insurance with additional coverage available at a minimal cost.
Retirement: The County is in the Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) coordinated with Social Security.
"Classic Members"- 2% @ 55. Final compensation based on Single Highest Year. Employee responsible for full 7% employee share effective 1/1/2013.
"New Members" to PERS- 2% @ 62. Final compensation based on Highest Three Year Average. Employee responsible for one half (1/2) the normal cost of the CalPERS Pension.
"New Member" is defined by law (PEPRA) as an "
1) individual who has never been a member of any public retirement system prior to 1/1/2013 or
2) An individual who becomes a member of a public retirement system for the first time on or after January 1, 2013, and who was previously a member of a public retirement system, but who was not subject to reciprocity. or
3) An individual who was an active member in a public retirement system and who, after a break in service of more than six months, returned to active membership in that system with a new employer
Deferred Compensation:The County offers a 457 Deferred Compensation program. Deposits into this plan are strictly voluntary and are made through a payroll deduction on a tax-deferred basis. The County does not make contributions to the employees' Deferred Compensation accounts.
Disability Insurance:For short-term disability, the County participates in California State Disability Insurance (SDI) fund. County employees are also covered by an employee-paid long-term disability program. The long-term disability insurance benefit is 60% of the disabled employee's biweekly wage.
Flexible Spending Program:County employees can elect to participate in a Flexible Spending Program. This program allows employees to use pre-tax dollars to pay for certain health care and/or dependent care expenses. In addition, employees can choose to have their portion of the monthly Health Plan premium withheld from their checks on a pre-tax basis as well. Generally, employees who participate in the Flexible Spending Program have less taxes withheld for their payroll checks than if they had elected not to do so.
Tuition Reimbursement: Up to $500/year.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP): The County of Butte provides an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for employees and their eligible dependents. The EAP offers confidential, professional counseling services.
Refer to specific labor agreements (PEA) for additional benefit information.
BUTTE COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERAny information on this page or links is subject to change without notice.Butte County Human Resources Department3 County Center Drive, Oroville, CA 95965
(530) 552.3552
Comments, please email:
01
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be: Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with specialization in one or more appropriate disciplines in agriculture, biology, chemistry, entomology, plant pathology/phytopathology, or physical sciences; or in any discipline with a minimum of 30 semester units, or equivalent, in one or any combination of the following disciplines, agricultural science, biology, chemistry, physical science, mathematics, and/or statistics for licensing examination by the California Department of Food & Agriculture; and Agricultural Biologist/Weights & Measures Inspector I: None*Please explain how you meet the minimum qualifications listed. In your explanation, please include reference to work experience detailed in this application.
02
Your responses to the following questions and any information in your application may be used to make a better assessment of your qualifications. This questionnaire may be used to rate your qualifications and to determine your ranking on the eligible list. Thus, it is to your advantage to be as clear and thorough as possible when completing the supplemental questions.Has you work experience included any of the following? Select all that apply.***Answer must be supported by work experience detailed in this application.
- Conducting on-site inspections
- Auditing records
- Monitoring application
- Investigations
- Collect various agricultural samples
- Agricultural management techniques and research methods
- Business arithmetic and basic statistical techniques
- Providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public
- Laboratory and field equipment
- Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, and other written material
- Gather, assemble, and analyze data, and make sound recommendations
- None of the above
03
Please indicate below how many years (full time equivalent) of direct experience you have in agriculture-specifically related to the cultivation of plants and/or livestock:
- Less than one year
- 1-2 years
- 2-3 years
- 3-4 years
- 4-5 years
- More than 5 years
04
Summarize your work experience and level of responsibility related to your answer in the previous question.
05
Do you possess a County Agricultural Inspector/Biologist or County Weights & Measures Inspector License from CDFA?
06
What is your highest level of education?
- High school diploma or GED equivalent
- Some college
- Associate's degree
- Bachelor's degree
- Master's degree or higher
- None of the above
07
Do you possess a US Driver's License?
08
How did you discover this job opportunity?
- Butte County Website
- Butte County Human Resources Social Media
- CareersInGovernment.com
- County Employee
- Craigslist.com
- Facebook
- Friend or Relative (word of mouth)
- GovernmentJobs.com
- Handshake
- Indeed.com
- Job Fair
- Job Interest Card - GovernmentJobs.com
- Linkedin
- Newspaper - Paper or Online
- Departmental Email
- Radio
- Magazine
- Billboard
- Other
Required Question