Chief Deputy Agricultural Commissioner

Overview

The Agriculture/Weights and Measures Department is seeking an experienced, collaborative leader to serve as the next Chief Deputy Agricultural Commissioner.

Starting salary up to $65.52/hour ($136,748/year) and a competitive total compensation package!
* Reporting to the Assistant Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer of Weights and Measures, the Chief Deputy Agricultural Commissioner manages the Agricultural Division, directly supervises three Deputy Agricultural Commissioners, and oversees twelve inspectors. This position plans and reviews the workload for the Agricultural Division and collaborates with other managers in the department to align division work with department priorities to meet overall department mandates, goals, and objectives.

• Planning the distribution of workload, assigning responsibilities, and providing feedback to Deputy Agricultural Commissioners and inspectors
• Meeting one-on-one with Deputy Agricultural Commissioners to communicate expectations and provide feedback, plan self-development opportunities, and maintain accountability for staff
• Collaborating with Agricultural Commissioner staff from other counties and state agency partners
• Planning and monitoring contracts and budgets for the division
• Managing enforcement actions that result from inspections
• Receiving and coordinating responses to community complaints related to Agricultural Division programs
• Using technical knowledge in agricultural inspection to train and support inspection staff
• Continuing professional development to remain knowledgeable on topics pertinent to the Agricultural Division

This role is primarily office-based, with occasional fieldwork that includes driving county vehicles in all weather conditions to support training or mentoring. While the position typically follows standard office hours, evening or weekend availability may be required for meetings, trainings, or outreach events.

Required license: Possession of a valid Deputy County Agricultural Commissioner License issued by the Secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA).

• Extensive knowledge of agricultural laws, regulations, inspection procedures, and equipment
• Previous training from the California Department of Food and Agriculture and from the California Department of Pesticide Regulation
• Ability to identify opportunities for improvement and efficiencies to stay ahead of regulatory changes
• Experience in training and mentoring others to grow in their career
• Ability to effectively collaborate with other department managers, external department managers, and representatives of state agencies
• Interest in continued growth as a leader, with a leadership style that fosters trust, respect, and innovation
• A strong sense of public duty and a commitment to serving our diverse community
• Experience giving empathetic feedback/constructive criticism with the ability to manage and resolve conflicts
• Experience with public speaking to large groups or the press
• Good communication, critical thinking, decision-making, and writing skills
• Ability to use Outlook, Word, and Excel at an intermediate level
• Desirable:
  County Agricultural Commissioner and Deputy County Sealer of Weights and Measures licenses

Agriculture/Weights and Measures Department – The department enforces the laws and regulations of the California Food and Agriculture Code, California Business and Professions Code, California Code of Regulations, Health and Safety Code, Uniform Fire Code, and County Code. It employs a staff of thirty-nine and has its main office in Santa Rosa with a small satellite office in the city of Sonoma.

The Agricultural Division – The primary goal is to promote and protect agriculture and public health. The division conducts field inspections and regulatory functions related to programs including pesticide use enforcement, pest prevention and detection, nursery regulation, egg quality, farmers  markets, hazardous materials storage, and cannabis regulation.

Working at the County of Sonoma offers growth opportunities, a challenging and rewarding environment, and flexible work arrangements with excellent benefits.

• Salary advancement after 1,040 hours (6 months full-time) for good performance; annual salary increase eligibility thereafter
• Paid time off: vacation, sick leave, 12 holidays, 8 floating holidays
• Staff development/wellness: annual allowances up to $2,000 and ongoing education opportunities
• Health premium contributions: 100% for employee-only and most employee + family options
• Post-retirement health reimbursement arrangement
• Retirement pension
• IRSP and 457 plan options with County contributions
• Paid parental leave: up to 8 weeks after 12 months
• Additional benefits: dental, vision, disability, life insurance, EAP, professional development, and more
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility may apply
• Salary negotiable within the established range; benefits may change without notice

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