Weights and Measures Inspector III

About the role

The Agriculture/Weights and Measures Department is seeking experienced Weights and Measures Inspector IIIs to join their team! Starting salary up to $52.01/hour ($108,551/year) and a competitive total compensation package.

Responsibilities

• serve as an advanced technical resource responsible for protecting consumers and promoting fair competition by ensuring commercial weighing and measuring devices, packaged goods, and retail pricing practices comply with California laws and regulations.
• independently perform complex inspections and testing of specialized weighing and measuring devices, determine compliance, and issue certificates of compliance or notices of violation.
• investigate complex consumer complaints and compliance issues, prepare detailed inspection reports and enforcement documentation, and exercise independent judgment to resolve disputed findings while consulting the Chief Deputy Sealer on significant legal, enforcement, or policy matters.
• lead field assignments, mentor lower-level inspectors, contribute to program and procedure improvements, collaborate on complex inspections and investigations, and represent the Department as a technical expert in meetings, outreach events, and interagency partnerships.

Requirements

• Extensive knowledge of weights and measures inspection procedures, investigative methods, and regulatory enforcement practices.
• Experience independently interpreting and applying complex laws and regulations while exercising sound judgment in regulatory decisions.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to accurately collect, evaluate, and document technical inspection data.
• Knowledge of mathematics, statistics, engineering, or a related technical field applicable to weights and measures inspections.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to clearly explain technical and regulatory requirements to businesses, agencies, and the public.
• A commitment to continuous learning, attention to detail, safe work practices, and maintaining a high standard of technical expertise.

Qualifications

• Experience and Education: Two years of experience in the enforcement of agricultural and/or weights and measures laws and regulations.
• Licenses: Possession of a valid driver's license and Class B California driver's license and Tank Vehicle Endorsement, as required by the State of California, may be required depending upon assignment to perform the essential job functions of the position.
• Licenses: Possession of five licenses issued by the California Department of Food and Agriculture in: 1) Pest Prevention & Plant Regulation; 2) Pesticide Regulation; 3) Environmental Monitoring and Investigation; 4) Commodity Regulation; 5) Integrated Pest Management. OR Possession of three licenses issued by the California Department of Food and Agriculture in: 1) Weight Verification; 2) Measurement Verification; and 3) Transaction and Product Verification.

Skills

• Knowledge of complex mathematics, principles of physical science and/or 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, and 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 look up systems.
• Data processing equipment and systems.
• County quarantine protocols.
• Integrated pest management and prevention.
• Safely 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.

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.
• 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.
• Retailer 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.