Deputy Agricultural Commissioner

Final Filing Deadline:
Wednesday, December 31, 2025

Exam #: 25/30N80/12JG

The Monterey County Agricultural Commissioner's Office acts as the local enforcement agency for specific laws and regulations pertaining to agriculture and business. Major areas of responsibility and jurisdiction include pesticide use enforcement, plant quarantine, pest exclusion, pest detection, fruit and vegetable standardization, nursery, seed, and weights and measures enforcement.

The Deputy Agricultural Commissioner position is the first line supervisor responsible for the day-to-day program or branch operation and supervision of clerical and field staff. Plans, assigns, supervises, reviews, and evaluates the work of staff engaged in making inspections to enforce the provisions of codes and regulations pertaining to the Office of the Agricultural Commissioner.

The Eligible List established by this recruitment process may be used County-wide to fill current and future vacancies on a regular full-time, part-time, or temporary basis.

• Supervises agricultural and clerical staff in an office, or staff performing inspection and enforcement duties.
• Interprets, clarifies, explains and enforces agricultural laws and regulations to subordinates as well as growers, shippers, the public and others in local agricultural community; and ensures work is performed in accordance with these laws and regulations; issues are sometimes controversial.
• Conducts and/or receives research and answers pesticide use enforcement related questions from county employees as well as industry representatives and the general public.
• Plans, organizes and directs complex investigations, coordinates investigations with other agencies.
• Participates in hearings as needed; may act as an advocate for the Department or testify at hearings.
• Prepares documentation for case hearings and investigative reports. Reviews documentation prepared by subordinates to determine sufficiency and validity of evidence necessary for successful prosecution.
• Trains employees in agricultural inspection techniques and standards.
• Evaluates work of subordinates and takes necessary corrective action
• Assists in the development, planning and implementation of comprehensive state-county work plans; monitors work plan goals and redirects staff activities to ensure that goals are met.
• Assists in the evaluation of programs to assess strengths, weaknesses, and areas needing improvement.

To view the complete classification description, please visit the County of Monterey website:

Deputy Agricultural Commissioner

Will have a proven track record demonstrating the following knowledge, skills and abilities:

• Laws, regulations, ordinances and codes pertaining to the programs of the Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer of Weights and Measures as found in the:
  • California Food and Agricultural Code
  • California Code of Regulations
  • Business and Professional Code
  • County Ordinances
  • Other county, state and federal laws and regulations pertaining to county agricultural operations
• Effective inspection and enforcement principles and techniques pertaining to agricultural inspection and certification, and/or weights and measures inspection.

• PC usages including the following software:
  Word, Excel, Outlook, Access, PowerPoint, Restricted Material Permit Program, as well as internet research methods.
• Working knowledge of all programs conducted by the Agricultural Commissioner and in-depth knowledge of one or more programs.
• Principles of personnel and program management

• Plan, assign, review and evaluate the work of subordinate staff.
• Interpret and apply applicable rules and regulations.
• Read, understand and monitor program budgets.
• Develop work plans in conjunction with state entities.
• Deal tactfully and effectively with the public and others contacted in the course of work.
• Establish and maintain effective communication in enforcement situations that may be difficult or tense.
• Manage difficult situations and make decisions on complex and/or controversial matters.
• Analyze data and situations and make effective recommendations.
• Communicate effectively, both orally…