County of Alameda

DESCRIPTION

 Under supervision, performs various program support functions which do not require a license in the Agriculture/Weights and Measures Department, such as routine placement and inspection of insect detection traps, assistance with pest management functions, and the inspection of commercial scales, retail motor fuel devices and undercover test purchases.


DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

Agricultural and Standards Aide is located in the Community Development Agency’s Agriculture/Weights and Measures Department which has various locations throughout Alameda County. Incumbents train and work under the direction of higher Agriculture/Weights and Measures classifications.

Incumbents may work seasonally March through November performing basic level tasks in the various agricultural program areas. During the off-season (December through March), the incumbent may be assigned to the weights and measures program areas. This classification is distinguished from the Agricultural and Standards Technician in that the latter requires a knowledge base of pesticides and their use, as well as vertebrate pest and weed identification, while the Agricultural and Standards Aide performs the basic level tasks of insect trapping and assists with pest management and inspection of weighing and measuring devices.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

NOTE: The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed.

1. Inspect properties for the presence of suitable host plants.

2. Place and service insect detection traps.

3. Keep accurate records of inspections and trap placements.

4. Read and interpret maps for direction; draw diagram/maps of locations of traps.

5. Educate the public on program goals, practice good public relation skills.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Either I

Experience:

The equivalent of six months’ full-time experience with private or public agency in agricultural, biologist or agricultural pest detection work.

Or II

Education:

Satisfactory completion of three courses in either agricultural or biological science at the college level.

License:

Possession of a valid California Vehicle Operator’s License.

NOTE: The Civil Service Commission may modify the above Minimum Qualification in announcement of an examination.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

NOTE: The level and scope of the following knowledge and abilities are related to duties listed under the “Examples of Duties” section of this specification.

Knowledge of:

• Biology of target pests.
• Basic host plant and insect identification.
• Basic operation of scales and metering devices.

Ability to:

• Keep accurate records.
• Drive safely and skillfully.
• Create, read and utilize simple diagrams and maps effectively.
• Work independently with minimum or remote supervision.
• Read and follow instructions.
• Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Interact effectively with County employees and members of the public.
• Solve simple mathematic problems.

CLASS SPEC HISTORY

DA:sw/jc
11/3/98
Old doc: 8202.doc
New doc: Jobspecs/8202
ys/3/01
CSC Date: 12/9/98
DRH:pf Revised 8/20/04
CSC Date: 9/29/2004
DRH:cs Revised/Retitled 2/16/11
Old Title: Insect Trapper
CSC Date: 6/29/11

BENEFITS

Alameda County offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that affords wide-ranging health care options to meet the different needs of a diverse workforce and their families. We also sponsor many different employee discount, fitness and health screening programs focused on overall well being.  These benefits include but are not limited to*:

For your Health & Well-Being

• Medical – HMO & PPO Plans
• Dental – HMO & PPO Plans
• Vision or Vision Reimbursement
• Share the Savings
• Basic Life Insurance 
• Supplemental Life Insurance (with optional dependent coverage for eligible employees) 
• County Allowance Credit
• Flexible Spending Accounts - Health FSA, Dependent Care and Adoption Assistance
• Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Voluntary Benefits - Accident Insurance, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity and Legal Services
• Employee Assistance Program

For your Financial Future

• Retirement Plan - (Defined Benefit Pension Plan)
• Deferred Compensation Plan (457 Plan or Roth Plan)

For your Work/Life Balance

• 12 paid holidays
• Floating Holidays
• Vacation and sick leave accrual
• Vacation purchase program
• Catastrophic Sick Leave
• Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits Program
• Guaranteed Ride Home
• Employee Wellness Program (e.g. At Work Fitness, Incentive Based Programs, Gym Membership Discounts)
• Employee Discount Program (e.g. theme parks, cell phone, etc.)
• Child Care Resources
• 1^st United Services Credit Union 

*Eligibility is determined by Alameda County and offerings may vary by collective bargaining agreement.  This provides a brief summary of the benefits offered and can be subject to change.