Agricultural Inspector

State of California; California (MO); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A state government agency in California seeks an Agricultural Technician III (Seasonal) to lead a team in pest management activities. Responsibilities include training seasonal employees, conducting pest inspections, and maintaining detailed records. Candidates must have a valid California Driver's License and the ability to work in diverse outdoor environments. The role offers a salary ranging from $20.54 to $23.36 per hour.

Qualifications

• Experience in leading and training seasonal employees.
• Knowledge of biological interactions and pest management.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying conditions.

Responsibilities

• Lead and organize work for seasonal crews.
• Conduct inspections for pest presence and manage responses.
• Maintain and document databases of survey activities.

Skills

Leadership

Pesticide application

Surveying and sampling

Education

Valid California Driver's License

Tools

Pesticide equipment

Trap inspection tools

Job description

Agricultural Inspector
AGRICULTURAL TECHNICIAN III (SEASONAL)

$20.54 - $23.36 per Hour
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

Final Filing Date: 12/31/2025

Application Methods: Electronic (Using your CalCareer Account) By Mail Drop-off

Overview

Under the direction of the Senior Environmental Scientist (Supervisory), the Agricultural Technician III leads, plans, organizes and directs the work of a small crew of seasonal employees. The incumbent is well experienced and has developed the expertise necessary to independently perform the more difficult, varied and responsible duties of the required job.

Responsibilities

• Act as a lead person for personnel in the Agricultural Aide/Agricultural Technician I, and Agriculture Technician II classifications and/or other assigned cooperators.
• Assemble crews, conduct training involving field related activities, personal and equipment safety precautions and schedules daily assignments for:
• Survey – sample collecting for analysis, inspection of fruit trees for presence of viral diseases, fungal pathogens and insect pests, visual inspection of cargo planes for insect pests.
• Eradication – application and mixing of pesticides, cleaning and preparing pesticide equipment, pesticide safety training and proper treatment protocols. Support crews by refilling treatment equipment and repairing equipment.
• Detection – deployment and inspection of various exotic insect pest traps; has required knowledge of biology and host material for each type of exotic pest.
• Implement rapid response protocols for new pest finds.
• Keep daily reports of work completed, i.e. number of traps serviced, properties treated, acreage surveyed, and samples collected.
• Review and correct Daily Trapping Summary of the assigned crews as needed.
• Ensure a written database is maintained – written or electronic. This database contains survey sites, trap placements/servicing and properties treated.

Candidates may perform these essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.

Working Conditions

The duties of this position are primarily conducted outdoors. The incumbent works in extremes of weather and temperature. Changes in lighting such as alternating bright sunlight and dark shade are encountered. Noise levels constantly vary. Terrain encountered varies from smooth and stable to irregular and unstable. Incumbent may experience regular exposure to dust, pollen and moisture. Some trap types use a specific chemical insect lure; some of these lures may contain small amounts of pesticide.

The work area can be urban or rural. The technician may drive, exit and re-enter the work vehicle numerous times during the workday. The technician acts under the general direction of the Senior Environmental Scientist or equivalent, but the Senior Environmental Scientist may not always be on site in the field.

A complete list of the working conditions can be found in the duty statement.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• AGRICULTURAL TECHNICIAN III (SEASONAL)

AGRICULTURAL TECHNICIAN III (SEASONAL) $20.54 - $23.36 New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

# of Positions: 4

Work Location: In Office

Job Type:

Department Information

The Pest Detection/Emergency Projects Branch (PD/EP) is responsible for the early detection and prompt eradication of serious exotic agricultural pests. Staffed by county and state inspectors, the Branch accomplishes its mission by conducting a statewide trapping program for exotic insect pests, by implementing special surveys for significant agricultural pests and plant diseases for which traps are not available, and by providing emergency eradication services using the best available technology. The primary objective of the emergency project component is to quickly and efficiently eradicate incipient infestations of serious agricultural pests, thereby preventing permanent establishment and subsequent spread in California.

Special Requirements

• The position(s) require(s) a valid California Drivers License (CDL). You must answer the questions addressing your CDL on your application. Ensure you provide your CDL number, class, expiration date, and any endorsements and/or restrictions.

Application Instructions

Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.

Final Filing Date: 12/31/2025

Who May Apply

This is a non-testing Classification, therefore, anyone meeting the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification may apply for this position. Individuals in specific programs, such as the Welfare to Work Program, are encouraged to apply and will be given priority according to the applicable Laws and Rules. Please note on your application your current participation in these programs.

Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).

How To Apply

Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below.

Address for Mailing Application Packages

You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:

Department of Food & Agriculture Attn: Human Resources Branch JC-492851 1220 N Street, Room 242 Sacramento , CA 95814

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:

Department of Food & Agriculture Human Resources Branch JC-492851 1220 N Street, Room 242 Sacramento , CA 95814 ELECTRONIC APPLICATION IS PREFERRED. All mail or drop-off applications must include JC-492851

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

• Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
• Resume is optional. It may be included, but is not required.

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

Contact Information

The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.

Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.

EEO Contact:
Office of Civil Rights
[phone]
[e-mail]

California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

Hard Copy Applications:

If you are dropping off or mailing in your application, please use the Examination/Employment Application, STD 678 Revised 6/2024 version.

Additional Information:

• Please do not include any confidential information such as social security number, marital status, ethnicity, age, salary or disability information on any of the documentation uploaded with your online application.
• If the classification you are applying for has an education requirement, transcripts will be required to verify you meet the minimum qualifications of the classification. Please redact any confidential information before uploading your transcripts.
• Upon hire you may be required to provide official sealed transcripts or an original degree or certificate.
• Applicants with foreign degrees may be asked to provide an official foreign transcript evaluation which indicates coursework is equivalent to a degree from an accredited U.S. College or University.
• This position may require a medical clearance.
• Per CCR 249.3, this job control may be used to fill subsequent vacancies.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability, exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex, and sexual orientation.

It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.