Agricultural Inspector/Biologist I/Ii

About the Position

Embark on an exciting career journey as an Agricultural Inspector/Biologist, where your expertise will be the cornerstone of our mission to protect and nurture our agricultural ecosystem. We are seeking an enthusiastic individual with a passion for safeguarding our agricultural resources.

Classes in this series perform a wide variety of inspections to provide code enforcement and regulation of the provisions of the California Food and Agricultural Code, California Code of Regulations, California Business and Professions Code, Structural Pest Control Act, Federal Regulations, Government Code, and County Code pertaining to the protection of the public, employees, natural resources, and the environment in one or more of the following program areas: 1) pesticide regulation, 2) investigation and environmental monitoring, 3) integrated pest management, 4) commodity regulation, 5) pest prevention and plant regulation, 6) agricultural land use planning, and 7) agricultural statistics.

Typical Tasks and Duties:

Agricultural Inspector/Biologist I:

• Conducts inspections and code enforcement in any number of departmental programs. Inspections may include pesticide use monitoring and enforcement to ensure compliance with pesticide laws and regulations, and inspection of incoming and exported plant material for compliance with quarantine applicable laws and regulations. Ensures compliance with international, federal, state, and local laws and regulations by evaluating applications for permits and certificates in the interest of public protection and safety, environmental and resource protection, and the protection of agriculture.

• Issues restricted material pesticide permits to meet the California Environmental Quality Act; issues operator identification numbers; validates, registers, and regulates agricultural and pest control businesses; inspects and regulates pesticide use to protect the public, agriculture, natural resources,and the environment.

• Issues official inspection certificates, notices of violation, disposal orders, hold orders, cease and desist orders, and stop work orders in accordance with applicable codes and regulations.

• Certifies agricultural products being shipped out of county for quality, pest cleanliness, and compliance with state, federal, and international quarantine regulations.

• Inspects and enforces regulations and laws pertaining to certified farmers' markets and issues direct marketing certificates.

• Inspects nurseries, plants, and seed for compliance with pest conditions, grades, standards, and labeling requirements.

• Investigates complaints and inspects apiaries for compliance with county ordinance and state and federal laws and regulations.

• Inspects agricultural commodities for compliance with quality and standardization laws.

• Registers and inspects organic operations to meet compliance with state and federal regulations.

• Deploys and services traps for the detection of targeted, regulated pests for the protection of agriculture and natural resources.

• Surveys fields, orchards, roadways, and other areas for pests and initiates corrective action as needed to control or eradicate agricultural and environmental pests.

• Applies pesticides and biological agents to control and mitigate regulated pests of agriculture and natural resources.

• Educates the public and others about invasive pests.

• Compiles agricultural statistics, prepares reports and correspondence, and maintains accurate records.

• May act as the Department's or other enforcement agencies' expert witness in enforcement or other legal proceedings.

• Performs other related duties as required.

Agricultural Inspector/Biologist II:

(In addition to the above)

• Acts as the primary investigator, taking appropriate compliance and code enforcement actions in response to complaints, inspections, and incidents involving public safety, employee/worker health and safety, environmental protection, natural resource protection, and protection of agricultural resources.

• Responds to complaints or investigation requests by gathering, collecting, and analyzing available evidence and completing written investigative reports.

• Recommends and implements compliance and code enforcement actions when violations are identified.

• Provides outreach to local growers, industry groups, and local citizens, including the coordination of educational workshops and conducting training sessions in the topics of pesticide safety, pesticide regulation, pest exclusion, pest management, and other program-related issues.

• Provides information, technical expertise, and support to other local, state, and federal regulatory agencies.

• Prepares for emergency response, including radiation leaks from Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant; may quarantine crops, notify growers, and prohibit movement of harvest.

Click here for the complete Ag Inspector/Biologist I job description.

Click here for the complete Ag Inspector/Biologist II job description.

Effective July 1, 2024, the compensation for this position will increase by 2.50%. This is a bargained across-the-board increase for this job classification.

The Ideal Candidate

Education and Experience

All Levels: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor's degree in agricultural, biological, natural resources, chemical or physical sciences, or other appropriate disciplines as determined by the Secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA).

Licenses and Certificates

Agricultural Inspector/Biologist I: Must obtain and maintain one valid CDFA license as a County Agricultural Inspector/Biologist in any license exam area within six months of appointment. The six-month requirement may be extended up to an additional six months at the discretion of the appointing authority.

Agricultural Inspector/Biologist II: Must possess and maintain three valid CDFA licenses as a County Agricultural Inspector/Biologist. Two of the three licenses must be (1) Pesticide Regulation and (2) Pest Prevention and Plant Regulation.

How to Apply

Applications, including answers to supplemental questions, must be submitted online by the final filing date. To apply for this position, click "apply" at the top of this page. Most County recruitments require you to respond to supplemental questions as part of the application process. We recommend that you review these questions prior to beginning your application.

An initial application review will be conducted. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications and are best qualified will be invited to participate in selection activities which may include online assessments, performance exams, written exams, and interviews.

Final candidates will be required to have an in-depth background review performed before proceeding in the process. Please note that references will not be contacted until the end of the process.

If you have questions or would like to discuss the opportunity further, please contact Human Resources at hr@co.slo.ca.us.Confidential inquiries are welcomed.

For further information regarding the County of San Luis Obispo, visit our website at www.slocounty.ca.gov.

Supplemental Information

Please note: The list of eligible candidates resulting from this recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies, including full-time, part-time, temporary, substitute, and limited-term opportunities throughout the County. All interested candidates are encouraged to apply.