Agricultural Biologist I/Ii/Iii

Duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Assist in the examination of fields, roadways, and cultivated areas to determine location and extent of infestation of rodents, weeds, birds, insects or predators, and for presence or extent of plant disease infestation, and assists in their eradication or control.

• Prepare poison grains for rodent control and its application.

• Mix restricted and non-restricted pesticides.

• Enforce quarantine laws relating to the prevention of the introduction or spread of pests, and certifies acceptability or specifies treatment of shipments as a condition of movement.

• Educate growers/farmers and others involved in use of pesticides.

• Keep records of inspections and prepares reports.

• Examine fruits, nuts, vegetables, honey, eggs, and other agricultural commodities in markets, packing houses, and storage areas for compliance with regulations relating to standards, grades, and spray residue.

• Issue certificates of inspections.

• Examine plants and trees in nurseries and those arriving or shipped by private or common carrier for evidence of disease, pests of noxious weed seeds, cleanliness and proper labeling.

• Inspect agricultural commodities being shipped to see that they are free from injurious insects or plant diseases.

• Assure growers' compliance with laws and regulations concerning pesticides.

• Issue restricted materials permits to growers.

• Administer tests to growers for certified/restricted applicator certificates and explains county requirements.

• Conduct field review and inspection of pesticide use based on crops to be sprayed and drift possibilities to surrounding areas.

• Interview and conducts fact finding investigations of potential pesticide poisoning/chemical incidents and issues notice of violations if appropriate.

• Issue permits and supervises the application of toxic materials to crops.

• Supervise extra help staff and participates in the examination of fruits, nuts, vegetables, honey, eggs, and other agricultural commodities in markets, packing houses, and storage areas for compliance with regulations relating to standards, grades, as outlined in the California Agricultural Code, and spray residue.

• Enforce quarantine laws relating to the prevention of the introduction or spread of pests, and certifies acceptability and issues Photo-Sanitary Certification or specifies treatment of shipments as a condition of movement.

• Issue producers certificate and work with products retailers as to correct labeling as to variety, weight, and count.

• Complete reports of finding issues notice of violations if appropriate.

• Present various training sessions to growers, and operators.

AGRICULTURAL BIOLOGIST I

Experience:

None required.

Education:

Possession of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited four (4) year college with specialization in one or more appropriate disciplines in agricultural, biological, chemical, or physical sciences, or other appropriate disciplines as determined by the Secretary, California Department of Food and Agriculture. Individuals who apply during the last semester/quarter prior to graduation must satisfy the requirements for graduation within 180 days of appointment. Incumbents who do not complete graduation requirments prior to the end of their probationary period will be terminated.

License:

Possess a valid California driver's license at time of appointment and maintain.

Incumbent in this classification must within six (6) months of appointment obtain a State License of Eligibility in at least one of the following required fields of Agricultural Inspection: Pesticide Regulation, Pest Prevention and Plant Regulation, or Commodity Regulation.

AGRICULTURAL BIOLOGIST II

Experience:

One (1) year of experience in Agricultural Inspection for law enforcement purposes comparable to an Agricultural Biologist I in Merced County.

Education:

Possession of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited four (4) year college with specialization in one or more appropriate disciplines in agricultural, biological, chemical, or physical sciences, or other appropriate disciplines as determined by the Secretary, California Department of Food and Agriculture.

Licenses:

Possession of at least three (3) valid licenses of Eligibility as a County Agricultural Inspector/Biologist, two (2) of which must be Pesticide Regulation and Pest Prevention and Plant Regulation and one (1) other of choice.

Possess a valid California driver's license at time of appointment and maintain.

Possession of a State of California Department of Pesticide Regulation Qualified Applicator Certificate in the Regulatory Pest Control category.

AGRICULTURAL BIOLOGIST III

Experience:

One (1) year of experience in Agricultural Inspection for law enforcement purposes comparable to an Agricultural Biologist II in Merced County.

Education:

Possession of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited four (4) year college with specialization in one or more appropriate disciplines in agricultural, biological, chemical, or physical sciences, or other appropriate disciplines as determined by the Secretary, California Department of Food and Agriculture.

Licenses:

Possession of five (5) valid licenses of Eligibility as a County Agricultural Inspector/Biologist.

Possess a valid California driver's license at time of appointment and maintain.

Possession of a State of California Department of Pesticide Regulation Qualified Applicator Certificate in the Regulatory Pest Control and Right-of-Way Pest Control categories.ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Communicate effectively with others in person, over the telephone, and in writing.

• Frequent operation of personal computer and other modern office equipment.

• Analyze data, interpret policies, procedures and regulations, develop appropriate conclusions, and prepare reports.

• Resolve conflicts and respond appropriately to complaints.

• Maintain confidential information in accordance with legal standards and/or County regulations.

• Frequent sitting or standing for extended periods.

• Occasional walking for extended periods over uneven terrain.

• Occasional climbing stairs or ladders.

• Driving, pushing/pulling and bending/squatting.

• Frequent lifting and carrying of 5 to 50 pounds and occasional lifting and carrying of up to 75 pounds unassisted.

• Constant use of overall visual capabilities.

• Frequent use of color perception, hand/eye coordination, reading and/or close up work.

• 0ccasional use of depth perception and peripheral vision.

• Occasional use of optical devices such as refractometer, microscope, hand lens, or range finder.

• Normal dexterity with constant holding, frequent grasping, reaching, repetitive motion and writing.

• Constant hearing normal speech, hearing/talking on the telephone and in person.

• Occasional public presentations.

• Constant concentration with frequent public contact, decision making and conflict resolution.

• Occasional exposure to emergency situations.

• Occasionally overtime, weekend, and holiday assignments.

• Some seasonal assignments require early morning or late evening work.

• Frequent exposure to outdoor conditions including heat/cold, dust, chemical residues, allergens, or odors.

• Occasional exposure to indoor industrial conditions including heat/cold, odors, or poor ventilation.

• Regular attendance is an essential function.

Knowledge of:

• The Proper methods of control and eradication of noxious weeds and other pests.

• Various types of crops grown and farming methods in the County.

• Various types of pesticides and proper applications.

• Pesticide use and safety laws and regulations.

• Law enforcement powers and obligations of the Agricultural Commissioner.

• Plant biology, pests, and diseases.

• Statistical methods.

• Animal physiology.

• Pertinent laws and regulations applicable to inspection, standardization and quarantine of agricultural products.

• Plant botany and pathology.

• Horticulture.

• Entomology, Nematology.

• Investigation techniques.

Ability to:

• Keep records and prepare reports on inspections on legal regulations and the violation.

• Work cooperatively with growers, packers, and shippers and to enforce the rules and regulations affecting standardization tactfully and effectively.

• Identify plant pests and diseases.

• Plan and oversee the work of unskilled workers.

• Make decisions regarding individual situations and appropriate enforcement actions based on technical knowledge.

• Mix and use various poisonous materials in the control and eradication of pest animals and noxious weeds.

• Conduct an investigation and complete a report of findings.

• Operate pest control equipment.