Agricultural Technician I (Seasonal)

State of California; New York (NY); On-site; USD 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking an Agricultural Technician I for seasonal work, focusing on entomological and plant pest management. This role involves outdoor fieldwork, requiring keen observational skills and the ability to interact professionally with the public. The technician will perform surveys, collect samples, and train seasonal staff on pest identification and treatment methods. Candidates must possess a valid Class C driver's license and be prepared to work in diverse weather conditions. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to agricultural health and pest management efforts across the state.

Qualifications

• Experience with entomological or plant pest field work.
• Ability to operate vehicles and maintain good driving record.

Responsibilities

• Conduct visual and larval surveys for pests in various environments.
• Train seasonal employees on pest identification and treatment procedures.

Skills

Entomological Survey

Plant Pest Identification

Data Entry

Public Interaction

Driving (Class C License)

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Tools

iPhone

iPad

Tablet

Sprayer Equipment

Job description

Job Posting:Agricultural Technician I (Seasonal)

Department of Food & Agriculture

JC-475706 -

JC-475706 - Agricultural Technician I (Seasonal)
AGRICULTURAL TECHNICIAN I (SEASONAL)

Final Filing Date: Until Filled

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

Per CCR 249.3, this job control may be used to fill subsequent vacancies.

Under the supervision of the Agricultural Program Supervisor I (APS I), the incumbent will work on entomological or plant pest field and laboratory work. the incumbent will perform assignments of average difficulty and routine seasonal entomological or plant pest field and laboratory work.

• Safely operate and maintain a State owned and State rented vehicles to travel to designated work areas. Incumbent is required to drive, have a good driving record, and a valid Class C, or equivalent drivers license.

• Follow established protocols for visual survey, larval survey, eradication treatment, host removal, and detection/delimitation trapping.

• Collect, process, and package suspect plant and insect samples that are removed from foliage and host material using various insect/plant collection tools and inspect for target pests.

• Keep daily reports of work completed, i.e. number of traps serviced, properties treated, acreage surveyed and samples collected and other topics as needed.

• Enter technical data into computers or other electronic devices such as iPhone, iPad, and tablet.

• Screen wet and dry traps for target pests (plant and insect) and examine trap contents, which may contain hundreds of plant samples, insects and debris to make preliminary identifications of specimens, which resemble target pests.

• Once a suspect target pest is preliminarily identified, follow prescribed action, which may include phone contact and/or return of the suspect target pest to the field office for official identification.

• Interact with the public in a professional manner.

• Initiate contact with property owner or representative to conduct visual surveys, place traps or apply pesticides.

• Train seasonal employees on proper host identification, drawing property diagrams, correct trap placement, baiting and application procedures, the biological aspects of the target pest, etc.

• Train seasonal employees on ground bait application using the solo backpack sprayer, truck mounted ground treatment equipment, soil drench application using the Hudson sprayer, and the use of a pressure gun and other equipment as needed.

• Transport vehicles to service facility.

• Perform weekly vehicle inspection reports

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. Incumbents 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 incumbent may drive, exit and re-enter the work vehicle numerous times during the workday. Employee acts under the general direction of the Agricultural Pest Control Supervisor, but the Agricultural Pest Control Supervisor may not always be on site in the field.

The incumbent will be required to drive, exit and re-enter the work vehicle numerous times during the workday, must possess a valid CA drivers’ license and maintain a good standing driving record to operate a state motor vehicle safely and responsibly, be able to apply pesticides, work well under extreme time constraints, exercise good judgement, determine priorities, make appropriate well-thought out decisions, allocate staff and resources to achieve maximum results, maintain focus under conditions of duress, and provide accurate assessment of rapidly changing situations (ex. Multiple exotic pest detections requiring multiple operations).

The incumbent in this position must be able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted during the course of work; work well under pressure; work independently and in cooperation with other staff members in completing assigned work and meeting required deadlines.

May be required to travel by state or rental vehicle to perform field active or other public transportation systems to various locations throughout the state. Must be legally able to rent a car.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• AGRICULTURAL TECHNICIAN I (SEASONAL)
• AGRICULTURAL AIDE (SEASONAL)
• AGRICULTURAL TECHNICIAN II (SEASONAL)

The Pest Detection/Emergency Projects Branch is responsible for the early detection and prompt eradication of serious exotic agricultural pests. The Branch accomplishes its mission by conducting a statewide trapping program, staffed by county and state inspectors, 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:

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: Until Filled

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-475706 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-475706 1220 N Street, Room 242 Sacramento , CA 95814 ELECTRONIC APPLICATION IS PREFERRED. All mail or drop-off applications must include JC-475706 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

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.
• School Transcripts
• Other - References

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: Until Filled

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-475706 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-475706 1220 N Street, Room 242 Sacramento , CA 95814 ELECTRONIC APPLICATION IS PREFERRED. All mail or drop-off applications must include JC-475706 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

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.
• School Transcripts
• Other - References

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.

Hiring Unit Contact:
Oscar Aguilar
[phone]
[e-mail]

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.

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 be sure to 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 course work is equivalent to a degree from an accredited U.S. College or University.

This position may require a medical clearance.

Alternate Classifications and Training and Development assignments may be considered.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), 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 (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), 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.