County of Alameda

DESCRIPTION

Agricultural Biologists enforce State and Federal regulations relating to agricultural activities; assist in control and prevention of vertebrate pest, weed and agricultural pest infestations; perform quarantine inspections; enforce fruit, vegetable, egg quality control, pesticide usage enforcement standards; and do related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

Agricultural Biologist Trainee is the entry-level class. Incumbents work under the direction of a Senior Agricultural Biologist, an Agricultural Biologist, or a Deputy Commissioner. They are expected to obtain one of five State issued Agricultural Inspector/Biologist certificates within six months and promote to the next higher class of Agricultural Biologist. Failure to obtain a certificate within one year will result in termination. In no event shall a person remain in a trainee position for more than one year.

Employees in this class may, in emergencies and for training purposes but under close supervision, be required to perform work in subjects in which they do not possess the requisite certificates, but they will not be expected to issue inspection certificates or violation notices unless they possess a certificate in the given subject. Agricultural Biologist Trainee does not have law enforcement responsibilities.

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. Examines fruit, nuts, vegetables, eggs and honey at point of origin or at markets for compliance with standards; issues violation notices indicating required reconditioning and reinspects for compliance; issues permits for disposal of agricultural products; inspects produce for compliance with organic and direct marketing regulations.

2. Examines nurseries and seed dealers for insect pests, plant diseases and noxious weeds. Specifies control procedures.

3. Inspects range and farm land, roadsides, warehouses, etc., to ascertain the degree and extent of rodent infestation; determines appropriate control method to be used; applies rodenticides in a safe and effective manner; assists in mixing, packaging and labeling of rodenticides.

4. Surveys to locate infestations of noxious weeds, insect pests and plant diseases; places and services insect traps; responds to new pest infestations or threats, i.e. (GWSS) glass-winged sharpshooter, (VMB) vine mealy bug, (SOD) sudden oak death.

5. Inspects plant materials and agricultural products shipped by common carriers for insect pests, plant diseases, weeds and for compliance with quarantines. Specifies disposition of illegal shipments.

6. Issues phytosanitary certificates for shipments of agricultural products to other states and countries.

7. Inspects applications of pesticides done by licensed structural and agricultural pest control operators for compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

8. Inspects pesticide storage areas, records and application equipment and episodes of pesticide exposure.

9. Trains pesticide users in proper application techniques and safety precautions; issues permits for use of restricted pesticides.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Either I

Possession of a Bachelor's degree awarded by an accredited college or university with specialization in agricultural or biological science.

Or II

Possession of one or more valid State Certificates as an Agricultural Biologist in at least one of the following fields of agricultural inspection: Pesticide Regulation; Investigation and Environmental Monitoring; Integrated Pest Management; Commodity Regulation; Pest Prevention and Plant Regulation.

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:

· Federal, State and local safety laws, regulations and ordinances as applicable to agricultural activities.
· Record-keeping systems.
· Basic Entomology, Botany and Chemistry.
· Agricultural pests and their control.

Ability to:

· Learn to operate specialty equipment; four-wheel drive vehicles, forklifts, all terrain vehicles, power sprayers, bait mixing and application equipment.
· Perform strenuous physical tasks.
· Interpret and explain State and Federal agricultural laws and regulations.
· Enforce rules and regulations.
· Work effectively with the public and other agencies engaged in agricultural inspection or control work.
· Keep records and prepare reports.
· Direct and train personnel.
· Utilize methods of inspection and identification.
· Use appropriate safety clothing and equipment.
· Write effectively.
· Collect and identify insect pests.

CLASS SPEC HISTORY

IB:nt-Rev.3/82
Retyped: 5/85
JGS:ab-Rev.9/85
VS:lm-Rev. 10/96
Formerly: 0765h
VS:cla Updated 7/97
Old doc: 8205h.doc
New doc: 8205-8215-8225.doc
ys/9/01
CSC Date: 11/27/96
DRH:pf Revised 5/13/04
CSC Date: 6/9/04

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.