Agriculture Jobs in California

Agricultural & Standards Investigator I: $4,393-$5,607 APPROXIMATE MONTHLY* / $25.35-$32.35 APPROXIMATE HOURLY*

Agricultural & Standards Investigator II: $4,844-$6,183 APPROXIMATE MONTHLY* / $27.95-$35.67 APPROXIMATE HOURLY*

This position is in the UPEC Professionals bargaining unit. Please refer to the applicable bargaining unit labor agreement (Memorandum of Understanding) for potential future salary increases: Shasta County Labor Agreements

The salary range consists of six (6) salary steps, with approximately 5% between each step. Newly hired employees are appointed at Step A of the assigned salary range. Employees are eligible for a merit-based salary increase from Step A to Step B after six months of satisfactory service. Thereafter, employees may be eligible for annual merit-based step increases, beginning one year from the Step B effective date, until they reach the top step of the salary range.

Shasta County offers all the amenities of the big city while retaining a comfortable small-town atmosphere. With its natural beauty, affordable housing, excellent educational system, abundance of recreational opportunities, and excellent quality of life, Shasta County is a great place to live, work, and raise a family.

The Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer of Weights and Measures is tasked with implementing and enforcing provisions of California’s Food and Agriculture Code, Business and Professions Code, the California Code of Regulations, and local ordinances. The programs and services administered by the Agricultural Commissioner include pesticide use enforcement, pest exclusion and export services, pest detection/eradication, nursery and seed inspection, fruit/vegetable/egg quality control, and apiary services. Weights and measures programs aim to protect consumers and foster equity in the marketplace through the inspection of weighing and measuring devices, testing of prepackaged commodities for conformance with stated weight or volume, price verification inspections, the regulation of automotive fuels and fluids, and weighmaster enforcement.

Under close supervision, learns to conduct agricultural inspections and inspect commercial weighing, measuring, and counting devices, and packaged commodities in the enforcement of laws and regulations; and to do related work as required.

Under general supervision, inspects agricultural crops, products, and procedures, and commercial weighing, measuring, and counting devices, and packaged commodities in the enforcement of laws and regulations; and to do other related work as required.

This is the entry-level classification in the Agricultural and Standards Investigator series. Incumbents learn to perform agricultural and weights and measures inspections under close supervision and detailed guidance. As experience and proficiency increase, incumbents may be assigned limited programs or special projects requiring independent work. Assignments and reports remain subject to supervisory review.

This is the second licensed working level in the Agricultural and Standards Investigator series. Incumbents perform inspections and investigations in a variety of agricultural and/or weights and measures program areas under general supervision. This classification is distinguished from Agricultural and Standards Investigator III by its focus on independent inspection and investigative responsibilities within assigned program areas, without the lead responsibilities characteristic of the higher-level classification.

The ideal candidate is a detail-oriented, self-motivated professional who demonstrates integrity, sound judgment, and a commitment to public service. They possess strong analytical, written, and verbal communication skills, maintain accurate records, and approach inspections and investigations with professionalism and objectivity. They are eager to learn and apply agricultural and weights and measures regulations while providing excellent customer service, fostering cooperative relationships, and promoting regulatory compliance. Above all, they are committed to protecting consumers, supporting the agricultural industry, and ensuring fairness and accountability throughout Shasta County.

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

In a trainee and learning capacity, an Investigator I will inspect fruits, vegetables, nuts, honey, eggs, and other agricultural commodities in markets, packing houses, and storage areas; inspect apiaries and nurseries for pests and compliance with laws, regulations, rules, and policies; inspect commodities, growing grounds, storage areas, and markets for compliance with organic and direct marketing laws, regulations, and rules; perform various inspection and permitting activities related to pesticide use; issue notices of violation, citations, and other compliance documents; inspect incoming shipments of plants, trees, and seeds for evidence of pests, noxious weeds and compliance with federal, state, and local quarantine regulations; perform work in programs to detect, eradicate, and manage noxious weeds, vertebrate, insect, and other plant pests; inspect and test weighing, measuring, and counting devices; perform statistical inspection of packaged goods to insure proper labeling and net content statement compliance and verification of bulk material volume; investigate complaints; compile and analyze data and prepare reports; maintain accurate records of inspections and tests made; advise and instruct individuals, businesses, and public agencies in the prevention and correction of problems relating to agricultural and weights and measures laws and regulations.

An Investigator II, under general supervision will inspect fruits, vegetables, nuts, honey, eggs, and other agricultural commodities in markets, packing houses, and storage areas; inspect, sample, and regulate the sale of seed; inspect nurseries for compliance with pest cleanliness standards and regulatory compliance and supervise nursery soil fumigations; inspect harvesting, cleaning, processing, packing, and labeling of nursery stock; inspect apiaries for bee pests and hive cleanliness certification and for compliance with laws, regulations, and export requirements and investigate causes of bee loss; inspect commodities, growing grounds, storage areas and markets for compliance with organic and direct marketing laws, regulations, and rules; closely regulate sales and use of pesticides for compliance with federal and state laws, regulations, and permit conditions; evaluate and process applications for pesticide use permits, administer applicator certificate exams and evaluate results, conduct inspections and audits and issue inspection reports, notices of violation, and cease and desist orders; conduct investigations of human or environmental exposure to pesticides; inspect incoming shipments of plants, trees, and seed for evidence of disease, pests, and noxious weeds, and compliance with federal, state, and local quarantine regulations; participate in programs for the detection, eradication, and management of noxious weeds, vertebrate pests, insect and other plant pests; investigate complaints; inspect, test, and seal weighing, measuring, and counting devices; employ federal statistical sampling procedures to packaged goods to insure proper labeling practices and net content statement compliance and verification of bulk material volume; perform various laboratory tests and maintain laboratory and field equipment; plan and conduct training, certified continuing education classes and/or informational programs for interested groups and individuals; initiate and complete investigations, prepare cases for administrative action or criminal or civil prosecution, testify in court as an expert witness; compile and analyze data and prepare various reports; maintain records of inspections and tests made; advise and instruct individuals, businesses, and public agencies in the prevention and correction of problems relating to agricultural and weights and measures laws and regulations. The Investigator II has increasing responsibility for independent work in specified program areas.

Any combination of education and experience sufficient to directly demonstrate possession and application of the following:

Knowledge of: Principles of agricultural, biological, or physical sciences.

Ability to: Learn to conduct agriculture and weights and measures inspections; learn methods and techniques of investigation and inspection used in the enforcement of agricultural and weights and measures programs; learn to analyze, interpret, and enforce agricultural and weights and measures laws, regulations, rules, and policies; learn to use tools, equipment, methods, and computer hardware and software commonly associated with a county department of agriculture and weights and measures; prepare and write detailed investigative, technical, and other reports; keep accurate records; understand and follow oral and written directions; communicate effectively both orally and in writing; read and understand maps; observe, identify, report, and correct unsafe work practices, procedures, and/or occupational hazards; establish and maintain cooperative relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Knowledge of: Federal, state, and local laws, regulations, rules, standards, and policies governing the agricultural industry and weights and measures activities, and the sale, use, and storage of pesticides; the enforcement powers and obligations of the Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer of Weights and Measures; methods of treatment and control of agricultural pests and diseases commonly found in California; computer hardware and software programs used by county agricultural/weights and measures departments; mechanical and electronic operations of scales and other weighing and measuring devices; statistical sampling methods used in verifying the accuracy of weighing and measuring devices and the content of packaged commodities.

Ability to: Interpret and enforce agricultural and weights and measures laws, and regulations, standards, rules, and policies; make public presentations regarding issues of concern to the Commissioner/Sealers office; inspect, test, and seal commercial weighing and measuring equipment; prepare and write detailed investigative, technical, and other reports; keep accurate records; understand and carry out oral and written directions; communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; read and understand maps; observe, identify, and correct unsafe work practices, procedures and/or occupational hazards; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted during the course of work.

Possess a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with specialization in one (1) or more appropriate disciplines as determined by the California Department of Food and Agriculture in an agricultural, biological, or physical science;

Possess one (1) or more valid Agricultural Biologist licenses.

Possess a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with specialization in one (1) or more appropriate disciplines as determined by the California Department of Food and Agriculture, in an agricultural, biological, or physical science, unless Agricultural Biologist License was issued prior to 1995;

Two (2) years of experience equivalent to an Agricultural and Standards Investigator I with Shasta County;

Possess a combination of at least five (5) valid Agricultural Biologist and/or Weights and Measures licenses.

Incumbents who do not possess any valid licenses will have one (1) year from date of appointment to this class to obtain one (1) valid license as a County Agriculture Inspector/Biologist. Failure to obtain the license within one (1) year will be cause for termination in this class. The Commissioner/Sealer may designate the specific license required based on the needs of the department.

The Commissioner/Sealer may designate the specific Agricultural Biologist and/or Weights and Measures licenses required based on the needs of the department.

Responses to the following must be submitted with completed a application.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, to handle or feel objects, tools, or controls and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, sit, and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell. The employee is regularly required to walk on rough terrain, irregular surfaces, wet floors, or surfaces. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, the ability to adjust focus, and normal color vision.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in outdoor weather conditions. The employee frequently works near moving mechanical parts and is frequently exposed to vibration. The employee occasionally works in high, precarious places and is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, extreme cold, and extreme heat. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

A resume and/or cover letter will be accepted in addition to the application but will not serve as a substitute for a completed application. It is not acceptable to complete the application with statements such as “Refer to resume and/or cover letter,” or “See attached resume and/or cover letter.” The application must be completed in its entirety prior to submission. Incomplete applications will not be processed. Closing date postmarks or faxes will not be accepted. This recruitment will establish a list that may or may not be used by other departments. Prior applicants must reapply to be considered.

Applicants will be screened and those considered best qualified will be invited to appear for an oral and/or written examination. Meeting the announced requirements does not guarantee inclusion in the selection process. Depending upon the number of applications received, the selection process may consist of additional application screening, written and/or practical exam(s), oral interview, or any combination thereof.

Veterans' Credit: Veterans (as defined by California Government Code section 18973) who have been discharged from military service under conditions other than dishonorable and who receive a passing score on all components of the employment examinations (up to and including oral examinations) shall receive credit for an additional five points to be added to their final examination score. To be considered for this credit, a veteran must provide a copy of his or her discharge document (DD-214 or equivalent) and information as to the type of discharge (honorable, dishonorable, etc.) with the employment application on or before the final filing date. Applicants are encouraged to apply online at www.ShastaCountyCareers.com or submit an application to the Shasta County Personnel Office.

Arrangements may be made to accommodate applicants with disabilities. Requests for accommodations may be made to the Shasta County Personnel Office by the filing deadline posted on this bulletin. Shasta County does not discriminate on the basis of disability. If you feel you are being denied service based on a disability, our ADA Coordinator may be reached at (530) 225-5515; relay service (800) 735-2922; fax (530) 225-5345.

Shasta County will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if Shasta County is concerned about a conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report. Find out more about the Fair Chance Act by visiting Fair Chance Act | CRD.

Shasta County Personnel

1450 Court Street, Suite 348; Redding, CA 96001; (530) 225-5515