County of Alameda

Agricultural and Standards Technician (#8204)

Bargaining Unit: SEIU 1021 - Misc Prof/Tech (011)
$34.02-$41.46 Hourly / $2,551.50-$3,109.50 BiWeekly /
$5,528.25-$6,737.25 Monthly / $66,339.00-$80,847.00 Yearly

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DESCRIPTION

Under supervision, performs various program functions which do not require a license within the Agriculture/Weights and Measures Department such as inspection of possible host plants for various pests in a continuous residential survey, application of pesticides for control or eradication of pests, assistance in the vertebrate pest and weed control programs, assistance with various consumer protection inspections, and performance of related duties as required.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

Agricultural and Standards Technician is located in the Community Development Agency’s Agriculture/Weights and Measures Department which has various locations throughout Alameda County. This classification is distinguished from the Agricultural and Standards Aide in that the latter predominantly performs the basic level tasks of insect trapping and assists with pest management and inspection of weighing and measuring devices, while the Agricultural and Standards Technician requires a knowledge base of pesticides and their regulated use, as well as vertebrate pest and weed identification.

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. Inspects home gardens and other properties for presence of pests, places and services insect traps.
2. Inspects farm and rangeland for the presence of ground squirrels.
3. Mixes pesticides; makes dust and spray applications of pesticides with manual and power-operated equipment; exposes poison baits; makes simple adjustments and repairs of equipment.
4. Keeps daily records of premises inspected, of findings, and of the kinds and amounts of pesticide used.

5. Educate the public on pest detection goals and practice good public relations skills.

6. Read and interpret maps; draw diagrams/maps of trap locations.

7. Assist licensed Agricultural/Standards Investigators with retail motor fuel inspections, scale inspections and undercover test purchases.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Either I

The equivalent of six months’ full-time experience as an Agricultural and Standards Aide in the Alameda County classified service. (Non-classified includes District Attorney’s Office, Hospital Authority, and the Consolidated Courts.)

Or II

The equivalent of one-year full-time experience in a private or public agency in agricultural pest prevention work, weighing or measuring device inspection and repair, or other related work.

Or III

Education:
Possession of an Associate of Arts degree or higher from an accredited college or university in biological or physical science.

License:
Possession of a valid California Motor Vehicle Operator's license.

NOTE: The Civil Service Commission may modify the above Minimum Qualifications in the 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:

• Insect identification.
• Plant and tree identification.
• Use of pesticides.
• Use of vertebrate baits.
• Record-keeping systems.
• California Department of Food and Agriculture’s “Insect Trapping Guide”.
• Rodent biology and behavior.
• Basic scale and meter operations.

Ability to:

• Operate manual and power operated equipment.
• Make simple adjustments and repairs of equipment.
• 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 basic mathematical problems.

CLASS SPEC HISTORY

JGS:ab Rev/Retitled 8/84
Retyped: 5/85
DA:jc Revised 11/98
Old doc: 0763h
New doc: 8204.doc
ys/9/01
CSC Date: 12/9/98
DRH:po Revised 4/9/08
CSC Date: 5/7/2008
DRH:po Revised 6/5/08
CSC Date: 7/2/2008
DRH:cs Revised/Retitled 2/16/11
Old Title: Pest Detection Specialist
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.