Agricultural Biologist-Standards Specialist I

County of Imperial; El Centro (CA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

The County of Imperial is seeking an entry-level Agricultural Biologist - Standards Specialist to help inspect, investigate, and enforce state and federal laws in agriculture and weights and measures. You will collect data, report findings, and learn agency procedures under supervision as you gain experience.

As you progress, you will pursue required licenses within set timeframes and develop toward more independent responsibilities, contributing to regulatory compliance and public safety in

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in biology, agricultural science, or a closely related field.
• Possession of a valid California Class C driver's license, to be maintained throughout employment.
• Incumbents must obtain one state license for County Agricultural Biologist or Weights & Measures Specialist in one category within the first twelve months of employment.
• Incumbents must obtain three licenses within twenty-four months of hire, including one in a category designated by the Commissioner.
• A valid driver’s license may be required at appointment; background checks may apply.

Responsibilities

• Assist with inspection, investigation, and enforcement of state and federal laws pertaining to agriculture and weights and measures regulatory programs.
• Collect and report findings; perform related duties as required.
• Initially under close supervision; learn procedures and progress toward independent work as experience grows.

Education

Bachelor's degree in biology or agricultural science

Job description

Under general supervision, assists with the inspection, investigation, and enforcement of state and federal laws pertaining to agriculture and weights and measures regulatory programs; collects and reports findings; and performs related duties as required.
Receives general supervision from assigned supervisory or management personnel. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.
This is the entry-level classification in the Agricultural Biologist - Standards Specialist series. Initially under close supervision, incumbents learn and perform routine inspection, investigation, and enforcement of agriculture and weights and measures regulatory programs while learning agency policies and procedures. As experience is gained, assignments become more varied, complex, and difficult; close supervision and frequent review of work lessen as an incumbent demonstrates skill to perform the work independently. Positions at this level usually perform most of the duties required of the positions at the Agricultural Biologist - Standards Specialist II level but are not expected to function at the same skill level and usually exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and
methods. Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern. Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise.

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities
is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

• ? Equivalent to a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in biology, agricultural science, or a closely related field.
• ? None.
• ? Possession of a valid California Class C driver’s license, to be maintained throughout employment. A valid California Class B driver’s license may be required depending on assignment.
• ? Incumbents must obtain one state license for County Agricultural Biologist or Weights & Measures Specialist in one (1) category within the first twelve (12) months of employment.
• ? Incumbents are required to obtain three (3) County Agricultural Biologist or Weights & Measures licenses within twenty-four (24) months of hire, including one in a category designated by the Commissioner, to be maintained throughout employment.

A valid driver’s license may be required at the time of appointment and employees may also be required to drive their own vehicle and provide proof of liability insurance as per Vehicle Code VC § 160020. Individuals who do not meet this requirement due to a disability will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
This position may require pre-employment drug test, physical examination, and fingerprinting for a background investigation.
The County of Imperial does not unlawfully discriminate on any prohibited basis under state or federal law including prohibitions listed in title VII, the Age and Discrimination and Employment Act, section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Fair Employment and Housing Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act.

If you feel you have a need for special arrangements due to a disability in order to participate in the recruitment process, call [phone] or call California Relay Service at 7-1-1.

*NOTE: IF YOU BELIEVE YOUR CIVIL RIGHTS IN EMPLOYMENT MATTERS HAVE BEEN VIOLATED AT ANY TIME DURING THE COURSE OF YOUR CONSIDERATION FOR EMPLOYMENT, CONTACT THE EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY OFFICE, 940 W. MAIN STREET, SUITE 101, EL CENTRO, CA 92243, PHONE: [phone] (DO NOT CALL THIS NUMBER FOR GENERAL EMPLOYMENT OR JOB APPLICATION INFORMATION).
About Imperial County: Imperial County is located in the Imperial Valley in the southeast of California, bordering Arizona and Mexico, with the Colorado River forming the County's eastern boundary. Imperial County is a major agricultural center, producing half of the nation's winter vegetables, as well as extensive renewable resources, such as geothermal, wind, and solar. Off-road enthusiasts are drawn to the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation area, and the Colorado River is a popular destination for watersports, including fishing, boating, and water skiing. Fans of the popular movie, The Return of the Jedi, will recognize the Algodones Sand Dunes, where the movie was filmed.