Salary : $48,152.00 - $74,838.40 Annually

Location : Merced County Agricultural Commissioner Dept. 2139 Wardrobe Ave. Merced, CA

Job Type: Full-time

Job Number: 2400689

Department: Agricultural Commissioner

Opening Date: 11/14/2024

Closing Date: Continuous

Examples of Duties

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 its application.
Mix restricted and non-restricted pesticides.
Enforce quarantine laws relating to the prevention of the introduction or spread of pests and certifies acceptability or specifies treatment of shipments as a condition of movement.
Educate growers/farmers and others involved in use of pesticides.
Keep records of inspections and prepares 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 carrier for evidence of disease, pests of 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 explains county requirements.
Conduct field review and inspection of pesticide use based on crops to be sprayed and drift possibilities to surrounding areas.
Interview and conducts fact finding investigations of potential pesticide poisoning/chemical incidents and issues notice of violations if appropriate.
Issue permits and supervises the application of toxic materials to crops.
Supervise extra help staff and participates in the examination of fruits, nuts, vegetables, honey, eggs, and other agricultural commodities in markets, packing houses, and storage areas for compliance with regulations relating to standards, grades, as outlined in the California Agricultural Code, and spray residue.
Enforce quarantine laws relating to the prevention of the introduction or spread of pests, and certifies acceptability and issues Photo-Sanitary Certification or specifies treatment of shipments as a condition of movement.
Issue producers certificate and work with products retailers as to correct labeling as to variety, weight, and count.
Complete reports of finding issues notice of violations if appropriate.
Present various training sessions to growers, and operators.

Minimum Qualifications

AGRICULTURAL BIOLOGIST 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, California Department of Food and Agriculture. Individuals who apply during the last semester/quarter prior to graduation must satisfy the requirements for graduation within 180 days of appointment. Incumbents who do not complete graduation requirments prior to the end of their probationary period will be terminated.

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

Incumbent in this classification must within six (6) months of appointment obtain a State License of Eligibility in at least one of the following required fields of Agricultural Inspection: Pesticide Regulation, Pest Prevention and Plant Regulation, or Commodity Regulation.

AGRICULTURAL BIOLOGIST II

Experience:
One (1) year of experience in Agricultural Inspection for law enforcement purposes comparable to an Agricultural Biologist 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, California Department of Food and Agriculture.

Licenses:
Possession of at least three (3) valid licenses of Eligibility as a County Agricultural Inspector/Biologist, two (2) of which must be Pesticide Regulation and Pest Prevention and Plant Regulation and one (1) other of choice.

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 III

Experience:
One (1) year of experience in Agricultural Inspection for law enforcement purposes comparable to an Agricultural Biologist 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, California Department of Food and Agriculture.

Licenses:
Possession of five (5) valid licenses of Eligibility as a County Agricultural Inspector/Biologist.

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 and Right-of-Way Pest Control categories.
Essential Functions

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Communicate effectively with others in person, over the telephone, and in writing.
Frequent operation of 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.
Frequent sitting or standing for extended periods.
Occasional walking for extended periods over uneven terrain.
Occasional climbing stairs or ladders.
Driving, pushing/pulling and bending/squatting.
Frequent lifting and carrying of 5 to 50 pounds and occasional lifting and carrying of up to 75 pounds unassisted.
Constant use of overall visual capabilities.
Frequent use of color perception, hand/eye coordination, reading and/or close up work.
Occasional use of depth perception and peripheral vision.
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.
Constant hearing normal speech, hearing/talking on the telephone and in person.
Occasional public presentations.
Constant concentration with frequent public contact, decision making and conflict resolution.
Occasional exposure to emergency situations.
Occasionally overtime, weekend, and holiday assignments.
Some seasonal assignments require early morning or late evening work.
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.
Regular attendance is an essential function.

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.
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, Nematology.
Investigation techniques.

Ability to:

Keep records and prepare reports on inspections on legal 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 pest animals and noxious weeds.
Conduct an investigation and complete a report of findings
Operate pest control equipment.

HOLIDAYS & LEAVES
VACATION

10 days the first 5 years of continuous employment (limited to a maximum of 160 hours), 15 days in the second 5 years of continuous employment (limited to a maximum of 240 hours), and 20 days after 10 years of continuous employment (limited to a maximum of 320 hours).

SICK LEAVE

0.0625 hours sick leave for each paid regularly scheduled work hour. 16 days (130 hours per year) with unlimited accumulation. Optional annual buy back of a portion of accumulated sick leave hours upon meeting certain criteria.

HOLIDAYS

Twelve paid holidays annually plus two optional holidays.

BEREAVEMENT LEAVE

Five (5) regularly scheduled workdays.

INSURANCE
HEALTH INSURANCE
Medical Insurance - Merced County offers multiple Medical Plans and contributes towards employee and dependent premiums. Medical plan availability varies based on bargaining units.

Anthem 500 EPO
Anthem 1500 EPO
Anthem HDHP (High Deductible Medical Plan) with Health Savings Account (HSA)
Anthem HDHP (High Deductible Medical Plan) without Health Savings Account (HSA)

Dental Insurance - Delta Dental

County pays 100% of the premium for employees and 50% for dependent(s)

Vision Insurance - VSP

County pays 100% of the premium for employees and 50% for dependent(s)

DISABILITY INSURANCE

State Disability Insurance (SDI)
Merced County non-management employees are enrolled in the State Disability Insurance Program (SDI). Premiums for this insurance are paid by the employee. This insurance is administered solely by the State, who determines eligibility and payments. Benefit amounts are based on the quarter with the highest wages earned within the base period.
LIFE INSURANCE

County-paid Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance

Represented Employees $10,000

Voluntary Term and Whole Life Insurance are available - premium paid by employee

RETIREMENT
DEFERRED COMPENSATION

The County offers a 457 Deferred Compensation Plan. Employees choose their investment funds and can make pretax contributions to the plan up to the maximum allowable.

MERCED COUNTY EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT ASSOCIATION

The retirement plan is a defined benefit plan administered pursuant to the County Employees Retirement Law of 1937 and other provisions of the California Government Code. MCERA members also pay into Social Security. The applicable benefit formula is dependent upon your hire date with an MCERA employer; your pension amount will be determined by your age, years of service and final compensation amount.

EXTRA HELP EMPLOYEES DO NOT QUALIFY FOR COUNTY BENEFITS.

EMPLOYEE PROGRAMS
EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (EAP)

Anthem EAP services provide up to five face-to-face counseling sessions per incident and provides a toll-free "800" hotline available 24/7 for emergencies and crisis intervention. EAP services include counseling services, legal services, financial services and work-life resource services.

EMPLOYEE TICKETS, COUPONS, and DISCOUNTS

The County of Merced has partnered with Employee Savings Tickets to provide discounted coupons and tickets for all county employees to attractions throughout the state and out-of-state. The discounts and coupons are available for shopping, movies, sporting events, theme parks, zoos and aquariums and much more.

THIS BULLETIN IS NOT A CONTRACT AND DOES NOT CREATE CONTRACTUAL OR LEGAL RIGHTS ON BEHALF OF ANY EMPLOYEE. THIS BULLETIN IS SUBJECT OF BEING SUPPLEMENTED, MODIFIED, WITHDRAWN OR OTHERWISE CHANGED PENDING LABOR AGREEMENTS AND/OR AT THE DISCRETION OF THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE OFFICER OR AS THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS DEEM NECESSARY.

For answers to specific questions regarding employee benefits, please call Human Resources at 209.385.7682

01

How did you become aware of the opportunity to apply for this position (website, personal contact, industry association, other - please be specific)?

02

Do you possess one or more valid statewide specific category licenses obtained from the California Department of Agriculture as a County Agricultural Inspector/Biologist? (If yes, please list):

03

Do you possess a bachelor's degree or higher degree with major coursework in agricultural, biological, chemical, or physical sciences?

04

Do you possess a bachelor's degree or higher degree in any discipline along with a minimum of 30 semester units in one or any combination of the following disciplines?• Agricultural Sciences• Biological Sciences• Chemical Sciences• Physical Sciences• Mathematics, and/or• Statistic

05

If you answered yes to questions 3 or 4, please indicate your degree type and major (ex. bachelor's degree in Agricultural Science):

06

If you answered No to questions 3 or 4 above because you have not graduated at the time of application, when do you anticipate graduation?

07

Provide any additional experience (if not already listed) including education and training applicable to this position including skills which may not specifically be focused on agriculture, but may relate to serving people in the agricultural industry and/or the people of Merced County (ex. GIS skills, computer skills, mechanical skills, customer service skills, entomology, bi-lingual, hobbies, memberships, certificates, licenses, etc.)?

08

Agricultural Biologist must be able to successfully manage and adapt to changing priorities. Describe a specific example(s) that demonstrates your ability to organize your workload, prioritize assignments, and techniques you use to maximize productivity.

09

According to the state regulations, gloves must be worn at all times when employees handle and apply pesticides. When you inform a farmer that he is not in compliance with this regulation the farmer states, "It is too expensive to buy gloves for all my workers, and someone else from your office told me I do not need them." How would you respond to the farmer's comments? What steps would you take when you got back to the office?

10

Please describe your thoughts on what role the Agricultural Commissioner's Department should have in Merced County government and how you can contribute to it.

Required Question

Merced County, CA jobs

Agricultural Biologist I/II/III