Agricultural Program Assistant - Extra-

Position Information

Bring your agricultural passion to the County of Sonoma and apply to be an Agricultural Program Assistant! Several positions are available! Salary starting at $27.72/hour!*

The Department of Agriculture/Weights and Measures is mandated to promote and protect agriculture, the environment, and public welfare through the enforcement of local, state, and federal laws and regulations. One of the department's primary responsibilities is the prevention of the establishment of exotic pests that are harmful to our agriculture and the environment. Additional responsibilities include environmental protection and worker health and safety, which are accomplished through enforcing pesticide laws and regulations and agricultural hazardous materials programs.

Agricultural Program Assistants are an integral part of the Department of Agriculture/Weights and Measures Pest Detection Trapping Program. They place and service insect traps that are used to collect data, identify insects, and detect the presence of invasive pests during the trapping season of 02/17/2026 through 09/15/2026 and 05/01/2026 through 10/31/2026 (dates are approximations). The positions work Monday through Friday, eight hours per day.

Work is performed outside in all weather conditions and may include walking on uneven terrain. Operating a vehicle safely in all weather conditions, both on and off road, and in rural and urban areas, is critical for these positions.

Ideal candidates for these positions will possess a valid driver's license and many of the following:

• Agricultural or entomology experience and/or relevant coursework
• A keen sense of safety awareness
• The ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Excellent attention to detail, strong customer service skills, and a passion for serving the community
• Basic Microsoft Office, data entry, and computer skills

Minimum Qualifications:

• Any combination of paid or volunteer work experience which would provide the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and ability stated herein.
• Any combination of course work or training including on-the-job training which would provide the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and abilities stated herein.
• Possession of a valid driver's license.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities:

• Knowledge of the methods of planting, growing, treating and harvesting agricultural crops; methods of controlling noxious weeds; the use of pesticides and other chemicals; a variety of audio-visual aides; possible computer applications to agricultural projects.
• Ability to learn to operate and maintain equipment and vehicles associated with cultivation of test plots, weed eradication and related tasks; operate vehicles and equipment in a manner determined to be safe by department policy and rules of regulatory agencies; communicate orally or in writing; develop effective working relationships between peers, supervisors, elected officials, community representatives, members of the public, and others who have an interest in Sonoma County agriculture;
  
  learn to perform basic research associated with agricultural projects; and learn to operate a computer and use common software.

Application submissions require the Supplemental Questionnaire be completed.

Responses to supplemental questions are used to evaluate your qualifications. Please provide sufficient information to allow for a thorough evaluation of your qualifications.

Additional Information:

• A background investigation is required prior to employment.
• Additional requirements, such as successful completion of a physical exam, drug screen, etc., may apply, depending on the duties and responsibilities of the position.

Applications are accepted online rpath2sonomacounty.org. Paper applications may be submitted by person, fax ), email, or through the mail. All applications and appropriate supplemental information as outlined in the job bulletin must be received by the time and date specified on the first page of this job announcement. Continuous recruitments may close without notice at any time that a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received.

Applications received after the recruitment closes will not be accepted.

The County of Sonoma values diversity and is dedicated to creating a workplace environment that provides individuals with a sense of belonging. We are committed to having a diverse workforce that is representative of the communities we serve. The County is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer where all aspects of employment are based on merit, competence, performance, and business need.

HR Analyst: KK

HR Tech: VH