Agricultural Inspector Aid

County of Los Angeles•Los Angeles, CA

13d•Onsite

About The Position

Assists in performing inspections at private and public properties by identifying and collecting a variety of pests. Makes pertinent descriptions in determining the identity of specimens, and applying appropriate control using traps, pesticides, tools, and equipment; compiles and maintains accurate and detailed records for insect traps in order to ensure that inspections are performed in a safe, timely, efficient, and effective manner and support the Department in meeting its goals. Assists in the inspection connected with enforcement of plant pest and agricultural standardization laws by identifying, collecting, and submitting samples of target pests (e.g. inspects, plants, etc.) and properly transport them to laboratories in order to detect invasive pests in a timely manner so that the appropriate response can be taken. Assists in explaining government acts and regulations and the required standards to businesses and homeowners by providing routine policy, procedure, and regulatory information (e.g. verbal, brochures, etc.) in order to verify compliance to agricultural regulatory standards. Assists in trapping insects as part of an infestation detection program by identifying and selecting appropriate host plants for trap placement in residential areas (e.g., park, street, etc.); assembling and baiting a variety of insect traps. Counts and identifies pests in traps in order to protect the environment and agricultural industry. Keeps and collects data from the field and generates inspection reports by preparing daily and monthly activity summary reports; documenting field activity in a written form or electronic software (CalTrap); communicating with supervisors, colleagues and peers to provide information by phone, written form, e-mail, and in-person in order to maintain accurate information and documentation in accordance with the provisions of the department Drives vehicle from site to site to maintain and service traps by driving a vehicle (e.g. truck, etc.) to various inspection sites using a map in order to provide essential work functions.

Requirements

Completion of a natural science course in an accredited college.
One (1) year of experience in work involving the recognition of insect forms.
A valid California Class "C" Driver License.

Nice To Haves

Additional experience beyond the requirements
Successful completion of additional natural science course(s) in the field of: Biology, Botany, Entomology, Horticulture, Parasitology, Plant Pathology, Zoology.

Responsibilities

Assists in performing inspections at private and public properties by identifying and collecting a variety of pests.
Makes pertinent descriptions in determining the identity of specimens, and applying appropriate control using traps, pesticides, tools, and equipment.
Compiles and maintains accurate and detailed records for insect traps.
Assists in the inspection connected with enforcement of plant pest and agricultural standardization laws by identifying, collecting, and submitting samples of target pests.
Properly transports samples to laboratories.
Assists in explaining government acts and regulations and the required standards to businesses and homeowners.
Provides routine policy, procedure, and regulatory information.
Assists in trapping insects as part of an infestation detection program.
Identifies and selects appropriate host plants for trap placement.
Assembles and baits a variety of insect traps.
Counts and identifies pests in traps.
Keeps and collects data from the field and generates inspection reports.
Prepares daily and monthly activity summary reports.
Documents field activity in a written form or electronic software (CalTrap).
Communicates with supervisors, colleagues and peers to provide information.
Drives vehicle from site to site to maintain and service traps.