Insect Detection Specialist I

Ventura County • Ventura, CA

5d • Onsite

About The Position

Under direct supervision, performs duties related to Federal and/or State funded programs designed to detect a variety of pests which are harmful to the agricultural industry. A successful candidate will have post-secondary coursework in agriculture-related subjects and/or prior experience with insect detection programs. They must also be able to follow oral and written instructions safely, maintain accurate and legible records, and build effective interpersonal relationships. The ideal candidate will be detail oriented and have visual acuity that enables incumbents to distinguish shapes and colors of anomalies related to pests and diseases. The Insect Detection Specialist I is a trainee/entry level classification, and Veteran's Points may apply to eligible candidates. The Insect Detection Specialist I is represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) and is eligible for overtime compensation.

Requirements

• Possession of a valid California driver's license
• Candidates must be able to work Monday through Friday with occasional weekends and evenings
• Candidates must be willing and able to work outdoors, (including during periods of inclement weather such as heat, cold, rain, wind, etc.), be able to safely walk on uneven ground, and to physically and safely squat, bend, stoop, lift, pull and/or push objects weighing up to 35 pounds.
• If using education to qualify the verification of completion of required post-secondary coursework from an accredited institution is required.
• Submit your college diploma, and/or transcripts/grade reports from an accredited college or university which shows your name, the conferred date and the major area of study.
• Submit within 3 days of the closing date of this recruitment.
• If you need additional time to submit transcripts, contact the analyst conducting the recruitment for an extension.
• Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
• Degree(s) from a foreign institution require an academic credential evaluation to determine the U.S. equivalency.
• If the name on this documentation is different from the name on your application, include documents that show the name change (e.g., a marriage certificate).
• Some knowledge of: Local agriculture including its products and plants; Pests and related problems.
• Working ability to : Safely follow oral and written instructions; Keep accurate and legible records/logs and maps; Establish and maintain effective working relationships with the general public and fellow employees; Explain the purpose, policies and procedures of pest detection programs.

Nice To Haves

• Post-secondary coursework in agriculture-related subjects (such as agriculture, biology, chemistry, physics, etc.)
• Prior experience with insect detection programs

Responsibilities

• Inspects plants for the presence of pests
• Maintains a variety of records and draws simple maps indicating what type of trap has been placed in a specific location; what bait has been placed in each trap; daily activity logs, etc
• Drives a county vehicle to accomplish tasks
• Assembles a variety of cardboard insect traps and places such traps in proper host plants on a rotating basis
• Meets with and informs the industry as to detection program's purpose, its benefits to the County in general, and property owners in particular
• Performs related duties as assigned

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree