Agricultural Inspector jobs in Santa Rosa, CA

The current vacancy is in Ukiah, CA. Field Inspector will place, replace and check traps in Mendocino County for Pest Detection Contracts. 

This recruitment is for temporary, non-benefited, extra-help work ONLY.  Do not apply if you are not willing to accept temporary, extra-help work.   Departments may hire extra-help employees for a limited period.  Extra-help is temporary employment generally not to exceed six (6) months unless seasonal, intermittent, or on-call.  Extra-help employment may last up to one (1) year when hired to work on a specific project.   Extra-help employees are paid only for the hours worked and are not entitled to benefits, property rights (seniority), or promotional preference.  As an extra-help employee, there is no guarantee of regularly scheduled hours or continued employment.  Interested applicants and current extra-help employees interested in permanent positions with the County must apply for those positions during open recruitment. 

Performs journey level work in wine grape sugar testing, quarantine insect trapping and other agricultural inspections as required.  An employee in this class usually works in the field away from his/her supervisor.

All responsibilities may not be performed by all incumbents.

• Inspects wine grapes for certification of soluble solids.
• Inspects and certifies other fruit and vegetable commodities for quality and/or maturity.
• Issues certificates of inspection and/or compliance agreements for each lot inspected.
• Operates and maintains sampling equipment.
• Operates winery equipment.
• Places and inspects various insect traps for quarantine purposes.
• Collects plant and insect specimens.
• Maintains written records of the work performed.
• Assists staff as needed.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED

Education and Experience:

High School Graduation.  A two year college curriculum with coursework in agriculture and/or chemistry, and the knowledge of and ability to recognize types of plants, plant pests, and plant diseases is highly desirable; or,

Any combination of related education, training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Licenses and Certifications:
Valid California class C driver's license.
Some positions may require Wine Grape Inspectors Certification issued by the California Department of Food and Agriculture.

Skill in:

• Following written and/or oral instructions.
• Operating and maintaining laboratory equipment (such as a refractometer and other specialized equipment.)
• Generating and maintaining accurate written records of inspection.
• Working independently and scheduling activities to maintain the high standards of agricultural inspections.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with other staff and the public.
• Being fair and impartial.
• Using a computer to process data, and prepare reports.
• Traveling to agricultural locations throughout the County.

Mental and Physical Abilities:

• Ability to reading and follow maps.
• Ability to read, analyze and interpret professional periodicals and journals, technical procedures and government regulations.
• Ability to speak effectively before the public and respond to questions.
• Ability to recognize plant diseases and insects.
• Ability to work and solve problems independently with minimal supervision and often alone.
• While performing the essential functions of this job the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, reach with ands and arms, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, speak and hear, and lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

Important Application Information:

• It is your responsibility to demonstrate through your application materials how you meet the minimum qualifications of the position/s for which you apply. 
• You must complete all sections of the application.  A résumé or other information you feel will help us evaluate your qualifications may be attached to your completed application, but will not be accepted in lieu of completing any part of the application.  Blank applications that contain only a résumé or those that reference “see résumé” will be rejected as incomplete.
• Check your application before submitting to ensure it is complete and correct; no new or additional information will be accepted after the closing date.
• Inquiry will be made of your former and current employers; please provide the names and telephone numbers of supervisors on your application. 
• You must provide the names and contact information of at least three (3) references (not relatives) that have knowledge of your job skills, experience, ability and/or character. 
• Application materials are the property of Mendocino County and will not be returned.
• It is your responsibility to keep your NEOGOV profile updated, including any changes to your telephone number or address. Failure to do so may result in missed notification of exams or interviews.
• The exam process listed on this flyer is tentative. Mendocino County reserves the right to make necessary modifications to the examination plan. Such revisions will be in accordance with approved personnel standards.  Should a change be made, applicants will be notified.
• The provisions of this job bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract.

Examination Process: All complete applications will be reviewed with those judged most qualified progressing further in the selection process; incomplete applications will not be considered. Based on the number of qualified candidates, a Qualifications Appraisal may be administered.

Special Testing: If you require special testing arrangements to accommodate a disability or religious conviction you must contact Human Resources at 707.234.6600 prior to the test date to make your requirements known.  You must provide enough advance notice to allow Human Resources to properly review and evaluate your request. 

Special Requirements: Employment in some County departments or positions may require the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background, which may include fingerprinting, and/or a medical examination, which may include drug screening.

This announcement is a synopsis of duties and requirements of this job. To review the complete classification specification and benefits, please see the HR website. Applications must be submitted to the Human Resources Department by the final filing date.   

The County of Mendocino is an Equal Opportunity Employer