Agricultural Inspector III

About the role

The Agriculture/Weights and Measures Department is recruiting for multiple Agricultural Inspector positions at the I, II, or III levels. Agricultural Inspector IIIs independently perform complex inspections, investigations, and regulatory enforcement activities to protect Sonoma County’s agricultural resources. They exercise considerable judgment in interpreting and applying agricultural laws and regulations, provide technical guidance to other inspectors, and collaborate with growers, businesses, government agencies, and the public to promote regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

• Conduct complex field inspections of agricultural commodities, nurseries, production sites, pesticide use, organic operations, farmers’ markets, and other regulated agricultural activities
• Investigate complaints and suspected violations, evaluate findings, and determine appropriate compliance or enforcement actions
• Issue notices of violation, prepare cases, and provide documentation for administrative civil penalties
• Collect field samples for laboratory analysis and prepare detailed inspection and investigative reports
• Interpret and explain agricultural laws, regulations, and compliance requirements to growers, businesses, industry representatives, and the public
• Provide technical assistance and training to Agricultural Inspectors
• Collaborate with County staff, state agencies, and other jurisdictions on regulatory, inspection, and enforcement activities
• Utilize Microsoft Office, GIS applications, Calico Suite, and other technology to document inspections and maintain program records

Requirements

• Any combination of education and work experience providing the knowledge and abilities to enforce agricultural and/or weights and measures laws and regulations; normally two years of relevant enforcement experience
• Possession of a valid California driver’s license
• Possession of five licenses issued by the California Department of Food and Agriculture:
  • Pest Prevention & Plant Regulation
  • Pesticide Regulation
  • Environmental Monitoring and Investigation
  • Commodity Regulation
  • Integrated Pest Management
• OR possession of three licenses issued by the California Department of Food and Agriculture:
  • Weight Verification
  • Measurement Verification
  • Transaction and Product Verification

Qualifications

• Knowledge of complex mathematics; principles of physical science and/or botany, entomology, plant pathology, chemistry, and related laboratory techniques
• Knowledge of investigative and interview techniques; principles of identification, preservation, and presentation of evidence; case management, record keeping, and report preparation
• Knowledge of Federal, State, and local regulations, laws, and procedures in agricultural or weights and measures, hazardous material and fire safety inspection and enforcement
• Knowledge of the agricultural industry of Sonoma County; principles of sanitation when handling and testing food products; universal pricing code lookup systems; county quarantine protocols; integrated pest management and prevention
• Ability to perform mathematical computations; read, understand, interpret, explain, and enforce laws, codes, and regulations
• Ability to collect and organize field information, write clear and concise reports, and maintain records
• Ability to conduct agricultural, hazardous material, fire safety, and/or weights and measures inspection and enforcement functions
• Ability to gather information through interviewing and investigations; offer technical assistance and direction to subordinates
• Ability to safely handle hazardous materials such as herbicides, pesticides, insecticides, gasoline, and propane
• Ability to lift and move 50-pound objects or containers for short distances; operate a pickup truck with trailer for some assignments

Skills

• Experience conducting agricultural inspections, investigations, regulatory enforcement, or compliance activities
• Thorough knowledge of agriculture, biology, plant science, entomology, or environmental science
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, including preparing detailed reports and explaining complex regulatory and technical information to diverse audiences
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage complex assignments and changing priorities
• Ability to build collaborative relationships with growers, businesses, government agencies, and members of the public
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, familiarity with GIS mapping technology, and Calico Suite
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) skills are desired

Pay

Starting salary up to $52.01 per hour ($108,551 per year). Salary is negotiable within the established range. A salary increase is provided after 1,040 hours (approximately six months of full-time work) for good performance, with eligibility for annual increases thereafter until reaching the top of the salary range.

Benefits

• 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 most 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: 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 student loan debt relief (eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness)