For exact salary information please refer to the current salary schedule, County website.

CURRENT OPENING IN TULELAKE

AST I - Under supervision, to learn methods and procedures, make inspections, and enforce laws and regulations pertaining to the California Food and Agricultural Code, Business and Professions Code, the California Code of Regulation, and other pertinent rules, laws, and regulations; to learn and perform pest prevention and pesticide regulation assignments; to learn methods and procedures and inspect and test weighing and measuring devices; to verify consumer transactions and product quality; and to do related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

AST I - This is the entry and first working level in the Agricultural and Standards Inspector class series. Incumbents work under relatively close supervision until they gain experience and obtain the requisite State licenses to work as an experienced Agricultural and Standards Inspector. This class is distinguished from Agricultural and Standards Inspector II by the fact that incumbents in the Inspector II class perform a broader range of assignments under less guidance and supervision.

REPORTS TO

Deputy Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer, Senior Deputy Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer, Assistant Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer of Weights and Measures, Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer of Weights and Measures

CLASSIFICATIONS SUPERVISED

This is not a supervisory class.

• Basic knowledge of the functions and responsibilities of the County Agricultural Commissioner and Sealer of Weights and Measures.
• Statistical testing methods and procedures.
• Basic knowledge of agricultural practices and crops pertinent to the County of Siskiyou.
• Basic knowledge of pest and noxious weed control methods.

• Basic knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations related to the functions of the county Agricultural Commissioner and Sealer of Weights and Measures.
• Basic knowledge of enforcement powers, procedures, and policies of the Agriculture Department.
• Pest and noxious weed control methods.
• Weed control vehicles and spray equipment.
• Knowledge of US Fish and Wildlife and US Bureau of Reclamation Pesticide Use Program.
• Knowledge of CalAg Permits for issuance of Restricted Material/Operator ID pesticide permits and data entry of pesticide use reports.

• Learn and perform agricultural and weights and measures inspection and enforcement work.
• Learn, use, and apply a variety of inspection methods and techniques.
• Analyze, interpret, and apply Federal, State, and local rules and regulations, relating to agricultural and weights and measures standards.
• Gather and maintain information related to County crops.
• Make mathematical calculations quickly and accurately.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Enforce regulations with firmness and tact.
• Prepare clear and concise reports.
• Represent the functions and policies of the County Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer in a courteous and professional manner.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships.

• Assist with a variety of agricultural and weights and measures inspection and enforcement functions.
• Assist with pesticide regulation and enforcement.
• Identify noxious and common weeds.
• Safely, prepare, mix, and apply solutions of herbicides.
• Operate, repair, and use spray equipment.
• Make mathematical calculations quickly and accurately.

Training and Experience:

Any combination of training or experience that would provide the knowledge and skills to successfully perform the listed duties is qualifying. A typical way, but not required, to obtain the required knowledge and skills would be:

AST I - Completion of advanced educational training in biological and agricultural sciences with courses in mathematics and physics in accordance with state of California licensing requirements.

Three to five years of experience as an Agricultural and Standards Technician or closely related job where the majority of responsibilities was in pesticide use enforcement or pesticide monitoring activities.

Special Requirements:

-Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate driver's license. -An incumbent must obtain at least one Agricultural Inspector or Weights and Measures license issued by the state of California within the first year of employment.

TYPICAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Sit for extended periods; frequently stand and walk; ability to walk in uneven terrain and on slippery surfaces; normal manual dexterity and eye-hand coordination; ability to crawl through various areas requiring movement on hands and knees; ability to climb, stoop, crouch, and kneel; lift and move objects weighing up to 50 pounds; corrected hearing and vision to normal range; verbal communication; use of office equipment, including computer, telephone, calculator, copiers, and FAX.

TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is performed in office, outdoor, and driving environments; some assignments performed alone in remote locations; work is performed in varying temperatures; exposure to dust, pesticides, chemicals, and gases; continuous contact with staff and the public.