Biologist / Standards Specialist I/II/III/IV (Open)

County of San Mateo • San Mateo, CA

5d

About The Position

Biologist/Standards Specialists work in the Office of the Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer, a regulatory agency providing environmental and consumer protection services throughout the County. The role involves field inspections and investigations related to enforcement of laws and regulations governing pesticide use, plant quarantine, fruit and vegetable quality standards, and testing and certification of weighing and measuring devices for accuracy. The work schedule may include early morning hours and weekend assignments.

The position may be appointed at a level commensurate with the successful candidate’s qualifications. The recruitment may also be used to fill classified or unclassified vacancies and extra-help assignments. Candidates must submit both the regular employment application and a supplemental application. Selection includes application screening and a panel interview, which may include writing or performance exercises. Examinations will be held in San Mateo County, California, at applicants’ own expense.

Requirements

• Possession of a class C driver license or equivalent.
• A bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college, with major work in agricultural, biological, or physical sciences, or another appropriate discipline as determined by the Secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture.
• For levels II–IV: experience enforcing agricultural and/or weights and measures laws and regulations, and licensure by the California Department of Food and Agriculture in agriculture or weights and measures inspection.
• For level II: six months of experience in addition to the required CDFA licenses.
• For level III: two years of experience in addition to the required CDFA licenses.
• For level IV: three years of experience in addition to the required CDFA licenses.

Nice To Haves

• Working knowledge of enforcing agricultural laws and regulations.
• Strong writing skills.
• Ability to draft and maintain reports.
• Ability to communicate effectively with the public, co-workers, consumers, and industry representatives.

Responsibilities

• Conduct field inspections and investigations related to pesticide use, plant quarantine, fruit and vegetable quality standards, and weighing and measuring devices.
• Enforce applicable agricultural and consumer protection laws and regulations.
• Test and certify weighing and measuring devices for accuracy.
• Draft and maintain reports.
• Communicate with the public, co-workers, consumers, and industry representatives to provide information or obtain compliance with enforcement actions.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level