Ag Biologist/Standards Inspector IV

sjgov•Stockton, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

This examination is being given to fill one vacancy in the Office of the Agricultural Commissioner and to establish an eligible list to fill future vacancies. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of an application. A completed application must be postmarked or received online by the final filing deadline. NOTE: All correspondences relating to this recruitment will be delivered via e-mail. The e-mail account used will be the one provided on your employment application during time of submittal. Please be sure to check your e-mail often for updates. If you do not have an e-mail account on file, Human Resources will send you correspondences via US Mail. Offers of employment are contingent upon passing a background check and a drug screening test.

Requirements

Principles and practices of supervision and training
Principles and practices of agriculture, including crops, soils, equipment and related items
Principles and practices of horticulture, plant pathology and entomology
Common pest vertebrates, insects, weeds, and other agricultural pests
Common pesticides, traps, baits and other pest control measures
The laws, rules and regulations relating to the use of commercial weighing and measuring devices
Methods and techniques used in verifying the accuracy of weighing and measuring devices within allowed tolerances
Basic mathematics
Basic experimentation procedures, including sampling, testing, control methods, and data collection
Basic public relations
Report writing practices
Ability to plan, organize, and administer field inspection operations, supervise, evaluate and train staff
Ability to read, understand, and interpret job-related material including technical and legal publications
Ability to enforce laws, regulations and guidelines firmly, tactfully, and impartially
Ability to make decisions on enforcement problems in accordance with established policies and procedures
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with those encountered during the course of work, including the public
Ability to prepare clear and concise reports
Ability to use and maintain various testing instruments and devices used in the weights and measures field
Proficiently use Microsoft Word, Excel, and Power Point computer programs
Mobility - Occasional operation of keyboards, sitting or standing for extended periods, climbing stairs or ladders, running or crawling; frequent walking, driving, pushing/pulling and bending/squatting
Lifting - Frequent lifting of 5 to 25 pounds; occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds; ability to lift and carry a 5-gallon container of liquid for a distance of 50 feet
Vision - Excellent overall vision including good color and depth perception with constant eye/hand coordination; frequent reading and close-up work
Dexterity - normal dexterity with constant holding; frequent reaching, grasping, repetitive motion and writing
Hearing/Talking - Constant hearing normal speech; frequent hearing and talking on the telephone/radio and in person; occasional hearing faint sounds
Emotional/Psychological - Constant concentration with frequent public contact and decision making; frequent exposure to hazardous materials and occasional exposure to emergency situations and heights
Special Conditions - frequent exposure to outdoor conditions; may require frequent overtime, weekend or evening work, and working alone

Responsibilities

Supervises and participates in the inspection of a wide variety of items for compliance with plant quarantine regulations; determines and enforces the appropriate disposition of inspected items that do not conform to regulations.
Supervises and participates in the inspection of a wide variety of agricultural produce, eggs, and other related items to ensure compliance with regulations and minimum standards for quality; inspects product samples, issues certificates of inspection, and restricts sale and movement of sub-standard items.
Conducts surveys for pests not known to occur in this area and carries out eradication programs against introduced pests; inspects nurseries for pest cleanliness and compliance with minimum standards; inspects apiaries and abates diseased hives when necessary.
Identifies and controls pests to protect crops and to determine and recommend the most efficient control measures; explains use of pesticides and other pest-control materials; conducts surveys if necessary; conducts experiments to determine effectiveness of various control measures.
Enforces pesticide regulations to ensure safety of handlers, field workers, public, crops and the environment; investigates complaints of damage from pesticide use and investigates pesticide-related illnesses; collects and prepares samples for laboratory analysis; assists in providing training and educational outreach to growers on pesticide safety and regulations.
Advises the general public on agriculture-related matters and identifies plants, diseases, insects, and pests; explains the requirements of inter- or intra- state or country movement of plants and other agricultural produce.
Participates in legal actions against growers, packers, shippers, farm workers, or others who do not comply with Food and Agriculture Code and subsequent regulations; participates in informal office hearings; collects and reports evidence of violations.
Supervises and participates in the inspection and testing of the accuracy of commercial weighing and measuring devices for compliance with established tolerances; condemns the use of commercial weighing and measuring devices not meeting required standards; issues and attaches seals to devices that meet required standards.
Measures the capacity of large tanks; conducts tests of meters used for registering dispensing of liquids, such as gasoline, oil and grease; places “out of order” tags on meters if defective and re-inspects meters after repair to ensure that meter is correct; affixes seal as appropriate.
Inspects packaged commodities, other goods and petroleum products for accuracy of weight or measure, correct labeling, and adherence to required specifications; verifies box tares at canneries and processing plants.
Performs investigations of suspected illegal acts or unlawful practices concerning commercial weights and measures and collects available evidence; contacts and questions complainants and witnesses; provides information concerning cases for further legal or administrative action.
Verifies Weighmasters’ licenses and determines whether certificates of weight are being issued correctly.
Plans, assigns, and evaluates inspector workloads; evaluates projected workload, equipment, and supplies to determine budgetary needs and staffing levels.
Provides training to lower-level inspection staff in specialized program(s).
Directs, coordinates and participates in the gathering of information and the preparation of inspection and investigative reports; the compiling and maintenance of records; and the preparation of statistical reports.