Agricultural Inspector II

Grow your career with the Department of Agriculture/Weights and Measures as an Agricultural Inspector. Starting salary up to $47.59/hour ($99,326/year) and a competitive total compensation package.

About the Department

The Department of Agriculture/Weights & Measures is a small but dedicated team committed to protecting Sonoma County's agriculture, environment, economy, and community. Through education, outreach, inspections, and enforcement, the department administers state and local laws that safeguard agricultural resources, promote public and environmental health, and ensure fairness in the marketplace. Agriculture is one of Sonoma County's largest industries and a vital contributor to the local economy. The department works collaboratively with growers, businesses, government agencies, and the public to encourage compliance with agricultural laws while supporting a safe and thriving agricultural community.

About the Role

Agricultural Inspector IIs help protect Sonoma County's agricultural resources by independently conducting inspections, investigations, and regulatory enforcement activities. They inspect agricultural commodities, production sites, businesses, and other regulated operations to ensure compliance with state and federal laws and regulations. They exercise independent judgment when completing assignments and promote understanding of and compliance with regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

• Conducting field inspections of agricultural commodities, nurseries, production sites, pesticide use, organic operations, farmers' markets, and other regulated agricultural activities
• Investigating complaints and suspected violations, evaluating findings, and determining appropriate compliance or enforcement actions
• Issuing notices of violation, preparing cases, and providing supporting documentation for administrative civil penalties
• Collecting field samples for laboratory analysis and preparing detailed inspection and investigative reports
• Responding to inquiries and explaining agricultural laws, regulations, and compliance requirements to growers, businesses, industry representatives, and members of the public
• Collaborating with County staff, state agencies, and other jurisdictions on regulatory, inspection, and enforcement activities
• Utilizing Microsoft Office, GIS applications, and other technology to document inspections and maintain program records

Ideal Candidate Profile

The ideal candidates will be adaptable and committed to performing regulatory and enforcement responsibilities with professionalism, integrity, and fairness. They will possess many of the following:

• Experience conducting agricultural inspections, investigations, regulatory enforcement, or compliance activities
• Experience interpreting and applying laws, regulations, policies, and technical information
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, including the ability to prepare detailed reports and explain regulatory requirements and technical information to diverse audiences
• The ability to exercise sound judgment and make independent decisions when addressing regulatory and compliance issues
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to adapt to changing priorities and field conditions
• The ability to build collaborative relationships with growers, businesses, government agencies, and members of the public
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and with GIS mapping technology
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) skills are desirable, but not required

NOTE: Employees appointed to positions in this job class are expected to obtain additional licenses issued by the California Department of Food and Agriculture in weights and measures or agricultural inspection, as required for the Agricultural/Weights and Measures Inspector III level, within twenty-four (24) months of appointment at the II level.

Benefits

• Salary Advancement: A salary increase after 1,040 hours (6 months when working full-time) for good work performance; eligibility for a salary increase for good performance every year thereafter, until reaching the top of the salary range
• Career Advancement: With time and good performance, the opportunity for advancement to Agriculture Inspector III ($42.78 - $52.01/hour)
• Paid Time Off: Competitive vacation and sick leave accruals, 12 paid holidays, and an additional 8 floating holiday hours per year
• County Paid Health Premium Contributions: 100% premium contribution for the majority of employee-only and employee + family health plan options
• Post-Retirement Health Reimbursement Arrangement: County contributions to help fund post-retirement health insurance/benefits
• Retirement: A pension fully integrated with Social Security
• Paid Parental Leave: May be eligible for up to 8 weeks (320 hours) after 12 months of County employment
• Additional Benefits: Excellent dental, vision, disability, life insurance, employee assistance program, professional development, and more
• Student Loan Debt Relief: County employees may be eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness through the U.S. Department of Education

Salary is negotiable within the established range. Benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice.

Requirements

Experience and Education: Any combination of education and work experience which would provide an opportunity to acquire the knowledge and abilities listed. Normally, this would include one year of experience in the enforcement of agricultural or weights and measures laws and regulations.

License: Possession of a valid driver's license at the appropriate level including special endorsements, as required by the State of California, may be required depending upon assignment to perform the essential job functions of the position. If assigned to weights and measures inspection, possession of a valid Class B California driver's license and Tank Vehicle Endorsement are required within one year of appointment to this class. The positions advertised require possession of a valid California Driver’s License.

Other Licenses: Two licenses issued by the California Department of Food and Agriculture in agricultural inspection (one of which needs to be Pesticide Regulation) or two licenses issued by the California Department of Food and Agriculture in weights and measures inspection (one of which needs to be Weighing Devices or Measuring Devices).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Complex mathematics; principles of botany, entomology, plant pathology, physical science, chemistry, and related laboratory techniques
• Investigative and interview techniques; principles of identification, preservation, and presentation of evidence
• Techniques of case management, record keeping, and report preparation
• Federal, State, and local regulations, laws, and procedures in the functional area of agricultural or weights and measures, hazardous material, and fire safety inspection and enforcement
• The agricultural industry of Sonoma County; principles of sanitation when handling and testing food products
• Universal pricing code look-up systems; data processing equipment and systems
• Safety principles and equipment used for handling chemicals and responding to hazardous materials incidents
• General law enforcement powers and obligations of the Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer of Weights and Measures; rules of evidence, investigative techniques, and enforcement and court procedures

Ability to:

• Perform mathematical computations; read, understand, interpret, explain, and enforce laws, codes, and regulations
• Read, understand, and interpret technical material and lab analyses; collect and organize field information
• Write clear and concise reports and maintain records; draw accurate maps of field locations
• Conduct a wide range of agricultural, hazardous material, fire safety, and/or weights and measures inspection and enforcement functions
• Gather information and data through interviewing individuals and conducting investigations; offer technical assistance and direction to subordinates
• Use and maintain department equipment including sensitive weighing and measuring devices
• Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships; work with uncooperative and potentially hostile individuals
• Follow oral and written instructions; analyze situations accurately and recommend appropriate action
• Communicate tactfully and effectively with the public, co-workers, consumers, and industry representatives to provide information or obtain compliance with enforcement actions
• Safely handle hazardous materials such as herbicides, pesticides, insecticides, gasoline, and propane
• Maintain situational awareness while confidently approaching unknown environments with changing circumstances
• Use common office technology and software, databases, and other software products used by the California Department of Food and Agriculture, the California Department of Pesticide Regulation, and the County of Sonoma to carry out regulatory programs
• Lift and carry 50-pound objects or containers for short distances; operate a pickup truck with trailer