Description

Job Summary

The Agricultural and Standards Inspector is responsible for inspecting agricultural crops, products, commercial weighing, measuring, and counting devices, as well as packaged commodities to ensure compliance with Federal, State, and County laws and regulations. The position involves both enforcement and public service duties aimed at protecting consumers, maintaining fair competition, and supporting the agricultural industry.

 
Examples of Knowledge and Abilities
Knowledge of:

Principles of entomology, plant pathology, and botany as they relate to pest control and quarantine.
Pesticides, including their environmental impacts.
Diseases and defects affecting fruits, vegetables, nuts, and eggs.
Arithmetic and basic statistical methods.
Investigative techniques and procedures.
Relevant Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations.
Operational principles of agricultural and inspection programs.
Office procedures, equipment, and computer applications (e.g., word processing, spreadsheets, databases).
English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
Ability to:

Interpret, apply, and enforce agricultural and weights/measures laws impartially.
Collect, compile, and analyze data accurately.
Prepare clear and concise written reports.
Develop cooperative working relationships with colleagues, stakeholders, and the public.
Respond tactfully to concerns or conflicts.
Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
Present findings and respond to questions from boards, committees, and the public.
 

Requirements

Employment Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications

Either:
A bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university with a major in one or more agricultural or biological sciences.

Note: Appointees qualifying under this option must obtain at least one of the following State licenses within one year of appointment or be removed from employment in this class.
Or:
Possession of one or more licenses issued by the California Department of Food and Agriculture, in any of the following categories:

Pesticide Regulation
Investigation and Environmental Monitoring
Integrated Pest Management
Commodity Regulation
Pest Prevention and Plant Regulation
Weight Verification
Measurement Verification
Transaction and Product Verification