AGRICULTURAL/WEIGHTS & MEASURES INSPECTOR III

Los Angeles County is the most populous county in the nation, serving over 10 million residents. As the largest employer in Southern California, we offer vital public services across more than 38 departments and provide a robust public-sector benefits package, including health care options, retirement plans, and work-life balance initiatives.

About the role

This position serves as a technical leader within the Department of Agricultural Commissioner/Weights and Measures, providing guidance to inspectors and support staff, performing complex inspections, conducting investigations, and ensuring compliance with agricultural and weights and measures laws and regulations.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership and guidance to inspectors and support staff, including training, mentoring, and reviewing work for accuracy.
• Perform complex and sensitive inspections of measuring and weighing devices, sale prices, petroleum products, produce, nursery stock, commodities, parcels, and packaged goods at various sites (e.g., retail businesses, gas stations, agricultural fields, wholesale companies).
• Use tools and equipment such as pesticide air testing devices, refractometers, scales, and mobile devices; perform physical tasks including lifting, kneeling, crouching, and climbing for extended periods.
• Issue certificates of inspection, notices, and violations; calculate and collect applicable fees to enforce compliance.
• Conduct and coordinate complex investigations related to complaints, violations, and prosecutions (e.g., pesticide misuse, short weight or measure, packaging fraud, fire hazards, certified farmers' market violations).
• Gather and preserve evidence, prepare technical case documentation, collaborate with regulatory agencies, and serve as an expert witness in judicial or administrative proceedings.
• Participate in specialized surveys (e.g., pest detection, agricultural, price accuracy, petroleum audits, credit card skimmer surveys) by collecting samples, maintaining chain of custody, and gathering data for analysis.
• Prepare technical reports, correspondence, and other documents using computers, mobile devices, and applicable databases.

Requirements

Applicants must meet one of the following options:

• Option I: A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with specialization in agricultural science, biological science, chemical science, physical science, mathematics, and/or statistics and two years of experience at the level of Los Angeles County Agricultural/Weights & Measures Inspector II performing agricultural or weights and measures inspections for a public jurisdiction.
• Option II: A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum of 30 semester units in agricultural science, biological science, chemical science, physical science, mathematics, and/or statistics and four years of experience at the level of Los Angeles County Agricultural/Weights & Measures Inspector II performing agricultural or weights and measures inspections for a public jurisdiction.

Withholds or out-of-class experience will not be accepted. Required experience/education must be fully met at the time of filing and clearly indicated on the application.

Licenses

• A valid State of California County Agricultural Inspector/Biologist License in Pesticide Regulation, Investigation & Environmental Monitoring, Integrated Pest Management, Commodity Regulation, and Pest Prevention and Plant Regulation.
• A valid State of California County Weights and Measures Inspector License in Transaction and Product Verification, Measurement Verification, and Weight Verification.
• A valid California Class C Driver License (some positions may require Class A or B).
• A Qualified Applicator Certificate (QAC) and/or Qualified Applicator License (QAL) for restricted-use pesticides may be required for some positions.

Physical Demands

Physical Class IV - Arduous: This role involves frequent heavy lifting over 25 pounds, often combined with bending, twisting, or working on irregular surfaces above ground. It may occasionally require extraordinary physical activity.

Examination Content

The examination consists of two parts:

• Part I (70% weight): Multiple-choice and/or simulation assessment evaluating professional potential, adaptability, problem-solving, and technical skills (e.g., analyzing information, deductive reasoning, reading comprehension).
• Part II (30% weight): Multiple-choice assessment evaluating professional/technical expertise in applicable laws, agricultural practices, crops, and workplace safety policies.

Applicants must achieve a combined score of 70% or higher to be placed on the eligible register. Test components are not reviewable by candidates per Civil Service Rule 7.19.

Additional Information

• To receive credit for education, submit a legible copy of your official diploma, transcript, or certificate from an accredited institution within 15 calendar days of filing your application. International degrees must be evaluated for U.S. equivalency.
• Verification of required licenses must be provided with your application. Password-protected documents will not be accepted.
• Applicants for driving positions must present a valid California driver’s license and driving record before final appointment. The County will assess driving history for relevance to job duties.
• Eligible candidates will be placed on a list for twelve months based on their score group.