Agriculture Field Assistant (Relief)

Under general supervision and direction, performs a variety of routine inspection and detection activities to enforce governmental regulations pertaining to specific agricultural and weights and measures regulatory categories; to assist licensed staff performing the more difficult tasks; and performs related duties as assigned.  
 
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
 
Receives direct supervision and direction from licensed staff.  Exercises no supervision of staff.
            
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
 
Incumbents make inspections and enforce provisions of federal, state and local laws, codes and regulation related to agricultural and weights and measures matters.(Illustrative Only) 
Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.
 

• Conducts routine inspections and assists inspectors in assessing compliance with agricultural and weights and measures codes and regulations.
• Provides a variety of duties to assist staff in less complex sub-professional activities.
• Performs mechanical and chemical weed and insect control. 
• Operates, calibrates and maintains various types of equipment including pesticide application equipment.
• Deploys and services insect traps throughout the County.
• Collects GPS (global position system) data on insect traps and pest distribution.
• Assists in the preparation of data and statistics related to departmental activities; prepares reports and maintains records of work performed.
• Maintains accurate manual and automated records and files; prepares correspondence, periodic and special reports and other written materials as required.
• Maintains cooperative working relationships with other departments, divisions, agencies, community groups and industries.
• Performs general administrative / clerical work as required, including but not limited to preparing reports and correspondence, entering and retrieving computer data, copying and filing documents, sending and receiving faxes, etc.
• Provides information to the public or to County staff that requires the use of judgment and the interpretation of policies, rules, or procedures.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:
 

• Basic principles and practices of agricultural and weights and measures laws, codes and regulations.
• Techniques for dealing with a variety of individuals from various socio-economic, cultural and ethnic backgrounds, in person and over the telephone.
• Modern office practices and technology, including the use of computers for data and word processing used in business letter and report writing.
• Computer-based evaluation technologies.
• Proper English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation.

 
Ability to:
 

• Analyze, interpret and apply federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations pertaining to department operations.
• Prepare documentation of findings and prepare written reports.
• Reading and interpreting manuals, instructions and pesticide labels.
• Understand and follow complex oral and written instructions.
• Conduct inspection, detection and sampling activities.
• Safely operate, calibrate and perform routine maintenance on various types of  equipment including pesticide application equipment.
• Read maps and accurately plot trap locations or weed infestations on maps.
• Prepare and maintain accurate and complete records of work performed.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Effectively use computers for word and data processing and evaluation of data.
• Perform mathematical computations with accuracy. 
• Modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment and applications related to the work.
• English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation. 
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and staff.
• Basic identification of weeds, trees, ornamentals and insects.
• Operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and specialized software applications programs.
• Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and legal guidelines in politically sensitive situations.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work. 

 
Education and Experience:
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying.   A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:
 
Equivalent to graduation from the twelfth (12^th) grade with college coursework in agricultural, biological or physical science, or a related field.  Experience working on a farm, ranch, in a plant nursery or working for a pest control operator or advisor.

Licenses and Certificates:
 

• Must possess a California driver's license and maintain a satisfactory driving record.
• A qualified pesticide applicator license or certificate is highly desirable.

Salary : $18 - $22