What are the responsibilities and job description for the Deputy Agricultural Commissioner position at Kings County?
The County is seeking a motivated, collaborative, forward-thinking professional to serve as the Deputy Agriculture Commissioner. This promotional opportunity offers you the opportunity to apply your advanced management principles and strategic thinking to decisions that impact the organization as a whole and the public being served. If you are looking for an opportunity towards a meaningful pathway for professional advancement, we strongly encourage you to apply.
This position includes Management Group II benefits, which features CalPERS retirement (plan and tier placement determined at benefits selection) and fully paid PPO health, dental, vision, and chiropractic insurance for employees and eligible dependents. Employees are also eligible for the Deferred Compensation Plan, with the County contributing one dollar for every three dollars contributed by the employee, up to $3,500 per year. Vacation accrual ranges from 12 to 20 days per year, based on years of service, and the County Executive Officer may authorize an adjusted accrual rate for employees hired from other public agencies to reflect prior service. In addition, this position includes 80 hours of management leave (pro-rated upon hire date), which may be cashed out at the employee's option. Employees receive 11.5 scheduled paid holidays per year, plus an additional 3.5 days when the County participates in holiday closures, and 10 to 12 days of accrued sick leave per year with unlimited accrual. Other benefits include $40,000 term life insurance and access to the onsite Health Center Monday through Friday for employees and eligible dependents, without the need to use sick or other leave for personal appointments. Longevity pay is available after 10 and 20 years of service.
For complete benefit details, please see Section V of the Salary Resolution.
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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.
- Plans, manages, and oversees the daily functions, operations, and activities of the Agricultural and Weights and Measures Department agricultural divisions, as assigned, including, but not limited to, pesticide regulation, investigation and environmental monitoring, integrated pest management, commodity regulation, pest prevention and plant regulation.
- Participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for the assigned division(s); continuously monitors the efficiency and effectiveness of assigned programs, service delivery methods, and procedures; assesses and monitors workload, administrative, and support systems, and internal reporting relationships; identifies opportunities and makes recommendations for improvement.
- Participates in the development, administration, and oversight of division budget; determines funding needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; ensures compliance with budgeted funding.
- Participates in the selection of, trains, motivates, and evaluates assigned personnel; works with employees to correct deficiencies; recommends and implements discipline and termination procedures.
- Develops and manages requests for proposals for professional and/or contracted services; prepares scope of work and any technical specifications; evaluates proposals and recommends award; negotiates contracts; administers contracts to ensure compliance with County specifications and service quality.
- Reviews work of employees in the field and may personally perform inspections or investigation in any of the assigned agricultural areas.
- May act for the Agricultural Commissioner-Sealer in their absence and may represent the Commissioner-Sealer at meetings and conferences.
- Directs the serving of notices of violation of the California Food and Agriculture Code.
- Directs the preparation of evidence for possible legal action.
- Prepares and presents staff and agenda reports and other necessary correspondence related to assigned activities and services; presents reports to various commissions, committees, and boards.
- Conducts a variety of organizational and operational studies and investigations; recommends modifications to assigned programs, policies, and procedures, as appropriate.
- Serves as a liaison for assigned functions with other County departments, divisions, and outside agencies; provides staff support to commissions, committees, and task forces as necessary.
- Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in agriculture; research emerging products and enhancements and their applicability to County needs.
- Monitors changes in regulations and technology that may affect operations; implements policy and procedural changes after approval.
- Receives, investigates, and responds to difficult and sensitive problems and complaints in a professional manner; identifies and reports findings and takes necessary corrective action.
- Directs the establishment and maintenance of working and official division files.
- Ensures staff compliance with County and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
- Performs related duties as assigned.
Requirements are based on the California Department of Food and Agriculture. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Education:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in agriculture, biological, chemical, or physical science with a minimum of 30 semester units, or equivalent, in any of the following disciplines: agricultural science, biological science, chemical science, physical science, mathematics, and/or statistics as accepted by the California Department of Food and Agriculture.
- Candidates must meet the legal requirements of California Food and Agricultural Code 2123 and the Business and Professions Code 12203. Possession of the required licenses may be considered equivalent to the required semester units identified above.
Experience:
- Equivalent to three (3) years of technical experience in agricultural and/or weights and measures inspection and enforcement with at least six (6) months of experience equivalent to an Agricultural and Standards Inspector III in Kings County.
LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS
Licenses:
- Possession of a valid California driver's license issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles at the time of appointment.
- Possession of a valid license of eligibility for County Deputy Agricultural Commissioner issued by the State of California Department of Food and Agriculture.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Qualify for security clearance through a background investigation and fingerprint check, which includes a credit check. Ability to work irregular hours as necessary and travel within and outside the County. Depending on the operational needs of the department, incumbents may be required to handle and discharge firearms necessary for control of wildlife.
All completed applications and supplemental questionnaires will be reviewed. Depending upon the number of applicants who meet the minimum qualifications, the examination process may include a screening committee (pass/fail) and/or written examination (pass/fail) and/or an oral examination (100%), which may include a written practical component to determine placement on the eligible list.
DEPARTMENT ONLY RECRUITMENT
Closes June 30, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.
DEPARTMENT ONLY RECRUITMENT
Closes June 30, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.
Salary : $89,918 - $109,678