Agricultural and Standards Investigator IV

County of Riverside•Riverside, CA

9d•Onsite

About The Position

The County of Riverside's Agricultural Commissioner's Office is currently seeking to fill an Agricultural and Standards Investigator I-IV position in Riverside. Agricultural and Standards Investigators perform work in the enforcement of agricultural and/or weights and measures laws, regulations, and policies for consumer and agricultural industry protection. Investigators work outdoors and are exposed to various weather conditions, as well as drive to locations throughout Riverside County to conduct inspections and investigations. These positions require the ability to work independently and in a team environment, strong customer service skills, and the dedication to strictly follow policies and procedures while enforcing State laws, regulations, and County ordinances. Applicants must be willing to work outdoors and be exposed to all types of weather conditions. Candidates must upload a copy of your official/unofficial transcripts or license(s) issued by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) at time of application. Applicants who have passed the State License exam but have not yet received their license, should upload documentation that indicates you have passed the exam. Applicants who are within three months of graduating with their bachelor's degree in a related field may apply but will need to provide transcripts. Assignments for these positions will be based on the department's needs. Incumbents become eligible for promotion to the next higher level, up to and including the Agricultural & Standards Investigator IV, upon receipt of the required State Licenses, as specified in the Recruiting Guidelines at each level.

Requirements

Possession of the eight valid Statewide specific category licenses listed below as a County Agricultural Inspector/Biologist and as a Weights and Measures Inspector.
The principles of biological and physical sciences used in the fields of agriculture and/or weights and measures.
Ability to learn agricultural and weights and measures laws and regulations, investigation, and enforcement principles and procedures.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public, various governmental agencies, and other staff members.
Ability to analyze situations accurately and take effective action.
Ability to communicate clearly both orally and in writing.
Ability to prepare clear and concise reports.
Ability to use a personal computer.
Possession of a valid California Driver License.
Ability to stand, climb stairs and ladders, and walk on uneven, wet, or slippery ground and/or floors.
Upper body strength to reach and move items from high or low shelves.
Manual dexterity to hand-write and use personal computers.
Corrected vision to read standard text, labels, color change indication test papers, monitoring equipment display screens, and computer screens.
Walk or stand for extended periods of time with no rest.
Walk over rough terrain.
Work at heights higher than ten feet.
Bend or stoop repeatedly or continually over time.
Use stomach and lower back to support the body when lifting.
Will be required to work in an office and all types of field environments.
Be exposed to inclement weather conditions.
May come in contact with materials/wastes, including odors and fumes from various industrial and agricultural processes, cleaning solvents, chlorine, and insecticides.
Ability to tolerate very hot and cold temperatures.
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application.
Must reside in California following appointment, with limited exceptions.

Nice To Haves

Candidates must upload a copy of your official/unofficial transcripts or license(s) issued by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) at time of application.
Applicants who have passed the State License exam but have not yet received their license, should upload documentation that indicates you have passed the exam.
Applicants who are within three months of graduating with their bachelor's degree in a related field may apply but will need to provide transcripts.

Responsibilities

Conduct periodic inspections and complaint investigations involving agricultural properties and businesses, mobile home parks, food markets, gas stations, and other various commercial business establishments for compliance with the California Food and Agriculture Code and/or the Business and Professions Code and/or the California Code of Regulations.
Take appropriate enforcement action such as quarantine, embargo, and condemnation of pesticide contaminated food products or pest infested/infected plant materials.
Participate as part of the County Hazardous Materials 24-hour Emergency Team; assist during pesticide clean-up operations as a pesticide expert and active coordinator between Hazmat, law enforcement agencies, environmental specialists, and Risk Management departments.
Inspect, test, and seal various commercial weighing and measuring devices; investigate complaints of improper weights, measures, or counts and take appropriate enforcement action.
Collect pesticide samples of plant or animal products for laboratory analysis and interpret laboratory findings, and prepare required reports.
Inspect plant material coming into the County for compliance with federal and state quarantines for detrimental insects, diseases, noxious weeds, and weed seeds.
Maintain accurate records of work performed; gather evidence of violations and non-compliance with agricultural and/or weights and measures laws and regulations, and County ordinances.
Enforce agricultural and structural pesticide laws and regulations.
Enforce state laws concerning packaging of commodities and other phases of weights, measures, or counts; issue warnings and citations, and condemn defective apparatus or improperly represented commodities or packages.
Assist in preparing court cases by completing inspection reports, attending office hearings, and conferring with city or county district attorneys and County Counsel.
Testify in court or office hearings, as the investigating authority.