Agricultural Biologist​/Weights & Measures Inspector IV

Responsibilities

• Examine fields, roadways, and cultivated areas to determine location and extent of infestation of rodents, weeds, birds, insects or predators, and for presence or extent of plant disease infestation, and assist in their eradication or control.
• Prepare poison grains for rodent control and application.
• Mix restricted and non-restricted pesticides.
• Enforce quarantine laws relating to the prevention of the introduction or spread of pests; certify acceptability or specify treatment of shipments as a condition of movement.
• Educate growers/farmers and others involved in the use of pesticides.
• Keep records of inspections and prepare reports.
• Examine fruits, nuts, vegetables, honey, eggs, and other agricultural commodities in markets, packing houses, and storage areas for compliance with regulations relating to standards, grades, and spray residue.
• Issue certificates of inspections.
• Examine plants and trees in nurseries and those arriving or shipped by private or common carrier for evidence of disease, pests, noxious weed seeds, cleanliness, and proper labeling.
• Inspect agricultural commodities being shipped to see that they are free from injurious insects or plant diseases.
• Assure growers' compliance with laws and regulations concerning pesticides.
• Issue restricted materials permits to growers.
• Administer tests to growers for certified/restricted applicator certificates and explain county requirements.
• Conduct field review and inspection of pesticide use based on crops to be sprayed and drift possibilities to surrounding areas.
• Interview and conduct fact-finding investigations of potential pesticide poisoning/chemical incidents and issue notice of violations if appropriate.
• Issue permits and supervise the application of toxic materials to crops.
• Issue producers certificate and work with product retailers to correct variety, weight, and count information on labeling.
• Inspect and test commercial weight and measurement instruments for accuracy and compliance with established tolerances.
• Inspect packages and commodities, other goods and petroleum products for accuracy of weights or measure, correct labeling and adherence to required specifications.
• Inspect petroleum products meters on trucks and trailers, odometers, taximeters, milk-tanks, electric meters, LPG meters, platform scales, livestock scales, vehicle scales, license, and records of weigh masters.
• Enforce State laws related to the packaging of products.
• Investigate complaints of improper weight, deception, or fraud;
  Assist the District Attorney in the development of case files for criminal and civil matters.
• Audit and investigate sub-metered utility billings and weigh master records for accuracy.
• Conduct undercover test sales and purchases to promote equity in the marketplace.
• Assist with other departmental and county-wide activities as needed.

One (1) year of experience in Agricultural Inspection for law enforcement purposes comparable to an Agricultural Biologist/Weights & Measures Inspector III in Merced County.

Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited four (4) year college with specialization in one or more appropriate disciplines in agricultural, biological, chemical, or physical sciences, or other appropriate disciplines as determined by the Secretary, California Department of Food and Agriculture.

• Possess and maintain valid licenses of Eligibility as a County Agricultural Inspector/Biologist/Weights and Measures Inspector in Pesticide Regulation, Investigation & Environmental Monitoring, Pest Prevention & Plant Regulation, Weight Verification, Measurement Verification, Integrated Pest Management, Commodity Regulation, and Transaction and Product Verification.
• Possess and maintain a State of California Department of Pesticide Regulation Qualified Applicator Certificate in the Regulatory Pest Control and Right-of-Way Pest Control categories.
• Possess and maintain a United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Authorized Certification Official Identification Certificate.
• Possess a valid California driver's license at time of appointment and maintain.
• Possession of a valid Class B license may be required for some assignments.
• Possession of the Non-Soil Fumigation category may be required for some assignments.

• The proper methods of control and eradication of noxious weeds and other pests.
• Various types of crops grown and farming methods in the County.
• Various types of pesticides and proper applications.
• Pesticide use and safety laws and regulations.
• Law enforcement powers and obligations of the Agricultural Commissioner and Sealer.
• Plant biology, pests, and diseases.
• Statistical methods.
• Animal physiology.
• Pertinent laws and regulations applicable to inspection, standardization, and quarantine of agricultural products.
• Plant botany and pathology.
• Horticulture, Entomology, and Nematology.
• Investigation techniques.
• Weighing and measuring systems and the principles of their operation.
• Laws, rules,…