Agricultural and Standards Inspector Level I/II (Including Canine Handler Special Skills Class)



Job Details

Agricultural and Standards Inspector Level I/II (Including Canine Handler Special Skills Class)
Employer

County of Sacramento

Salary

$46,270.08 - $65,020.32 Annually

Location

Sacramento, CA

Job Type

Permanent Full-Time

Job Number

27598-B

Dep-Sacramento

Agriculture Commission

Opening Date

05/16/2016

Closing Date

Continuous

FLSA

Non-Exempt

Bargaining Unit

014

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The Position

This is a continuous filing exam. The next filing cut-offs are at 5:00 pm on:

5/16/18, 6/13/18, 7/11/18, 8/15/18, 9/19/18, 10/17/18, 11/14/18, 12/14/18 

Level I - $3,855.83 - $4,685.83/month
Level II - $4,680.58- $5,418.33/month

Agricultural and Standards Inspectors perform inspections of agricultural crops; products; measuring devices; and pesticide use to determine compliance with and enforce applicable Federal, State, and County laws and regulations.

Examples of Knowledge and Abilities

Knowledge of

  • Principles of entomology, plant pathology and botany in relation to the control and quarantine of agricultural pests
  • Pesticides and their effects on the environment
  • Diseases and other defects of fruit, vegetables, nuts and eggs
  • Arithmetic and basic statistical methods and analysis
  • Principles, procedures and practices of investigative techniques
  • Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations
  • Operational characteristics, services, and activities of assigned programs and functions
  • Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and other specialized applications related to area of assignment
  • English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation

Ability to
  • Interpret, apply, and enforce applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations in an impartial manner
  • Collect, compile, and analyze a variety of data and information
  • Write reports in a clear, concise, organized, and accurate manner
  • Develop and maintain cooperative, effective working relationships with others; respond effectively and tactfully to hostility, confusion or concerns expressed by others
  • Communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing
  • Make effective presentations to and respond to questions from various groups, including boards, committees, and the public

Employment Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Either: A Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university with specialization in one or more appropriate disciplines in the agricultural or biological sciences.

Note: Appointees qualifying under this pattern must obtain at least one of the below State licenses within one year from date of appointment or be removed from employment in this class.
 

Or: Possession of one or more of the following licenses issued by the State of California Department of Food and Agriculture:

1. Pesticide Regulation
2. Investigation and Environmental Monitoring
3. Integrated Pest Management
4. Commodity Regulation
5. Pest Prevention and Plant Regulation
6. Weight Verification
7. Measurement Verification
8. Transaction and Product Verification

Note: The word "experience" referenced in the minimum qualifications means full-time paid experience unless the minimum qualification states that volunteer experience is acceptable.  Part-time paid experience may be accumulated and pro-rated to meet the total experience requirements.

Note: If the minimum qualifications include an educational or certificate/license requirement, applicants must submit proof of requirements with the application. Failure to submit proof of requirements may result in disqualification from the examination. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. For guidelines on submitting acceptable proof of educational requirements, please click here or speak to someone in our office before the cut-off date listed in this notice.

General Qualifications

Driver's License:
A valid California Driver License, Class C or higher, may be required at the time of appointment. Failure to obtain or maintain the appropriate California Driver License may constitute cause for personnel action in accordance with Civil Service Rules or applicable bargaining agreement. Individuals who do not meet this requirement due to disability will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Physical Requirements:
  • Some positions in this class require the incumbent to be able to:
  • perform a wide variety of physical tasks such as standing for long periods of time; walking long distances; stooping; stretching; bending; climbing stairs; and lifting items weighing up to fifty (50) pounds.
  • differentiate between colors at a level necessary to identify various insects and weeds.
    Individuals who do not meet these requirements due to disability will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Working Conditions:
  • Some positions in this class require the incumbent to:
  • work in all types of weather conditions.
  • travel in an assigned area.
  • work weekends, holidays, and non-routine hours.
Canine Handler Special Skill:
Some positions in this class require specific knowledge and abilities to perform the responsibilities of a Canine Handler. To be eligible for a Canine Handler designated position, the applicant must have obtained a certificate of completion from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for their 10 week Basic Canine Handler Training, Cargo/Postal prior to appointment.
Where required, this special skill may be used to ensure that the canine receives proper nutrition, grooming, training, medical care, maintenance exercise, affection and acceptable and sanitary living conditions. The Civil Service Commission approved the use of selective certification for this special skill on May 21, 2010.

Probationary Period

The probationary period for this classification is twelve (12) months.

Application and Testing Information

APPLICATION

Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply immediately. All applicants must complete and submit an online County of Sacramento employment application by 5:00 PM on the posted cut-off date. Click here to apply.

County of Sacramento
Department of Personnel Services
Employment Services Division
700 H Street, Room 4667
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone (916) 874-5593; 7-1-1 California Relay Service
Inter-Office Mail Code: 09-4667
www.SacCountyJobs.net

  • Employment applications and all documentation requested in this announcement must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on the cut-off date.
  • Employment Services is not responsible for any issues or delays caused by an applicant's computer or web browser. Applicants will be automatically logged out if they have not submitted their applications and all documentation prior to 5:00 p.m. on the cut-off date.
  • Your application should highlight all relevant education, training, and experience, and clearly indicate how you meet the minimum qualifications for the position as of the cut-off date.
  • Application information must be current, concise and related to the requirements in this job announcement. You may only apply for this recruitment once. Duplicate and incomplete applications will be disqualified.
  • A resume may be included with your application, however it will not substitute for the information requested on the application.
 
SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE

Applicants are required to provide a full and complete response to each supplemental question. The Supplemental Questionnaire is located in the tab marked "Supplemental Questions". Please be descriptive in your response.

Note: Responses of "See Resume" or "See Application", or copy and paste of work experience are not qualifying responses and will not be considered.
  • Supplemental Questionnaires must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on the cut-off date. Employment Services is not responsible for any issues or delays caused by an applicant's computer or web browser. Applicants will be automatically logged out if they have not submitted their applications and all documentation prior to 5:00 p.m. on the cut-off date.
  • The supplemental questions are designed to elicit specific information regarding a candidate's experience, education, and training. Responses should be consistent with the information on your application and are subject to verification.
  • Please provide place of employment, pertinent dates, and concise, descriptive and detailed information for each question.
  • If a job included responsibilities applicable to several questions, separate the different functions of the job to answer all the questions completely.
  • Resumes or referral to the application or other questionnaire responses will not be accepted in lieu of completing each question.
  • If you have no experience, write "no experience" for the appropriate question.
  • For many individuals, it is more efficient to develop responses to the supplemental questions in a word processing document and then paste them into the final document to be submitted. Changes or corrections to your Supplemental Questionnaire cannot be made once your application packet has been submitted.
  • If the Supplemental Questionnaire is used in the Formula Rate or Credentials Screening Panel exam, failure to complete all of the questions or incomplete responses will result in a lower score. While scoring the Supplemental Questionnaire, the candidate's application and/or attachments will not be reviewed, therefore, a candidate's responses to the questions should be accurate, thorough, detailed, and complete.
 
FORMULA RATE EXAMINATION (Weighted 100%)

All candidates meeting the minimum qualifications by the cut-off date will have their Supplemental Questionnaire scored in the Formula Rate Examination.

This examination will evaluate the relevance, level, recency, progression and quality of candidate's education, training and experience. The candidate's application or other materials will not be included in this examination. Therefore, the candidate's responses to the supplemental questionnaire should be thorough, detailed and complete. The score from the Formula Rate Examination will determine the ranking on the eligible/employment list for this job.

All candidates competing in the testing process will receive written notice of their examination results by email. Applicants achieving a passing score will be placed on the eligible list in rank order. The rank is determined by the test score attained from the examination.
 
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Click here for Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

For information regarding County jobs:
  • www.saccountyjobs.net
  • Call (916) 874-5627 and you will be provided with a recorded message, accessible 24 hours a day.

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EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

As an employee of the County of Sacramento, there will be a variety of benefits available to you. These benefits currently include: health, dental and life insurance; flexible spending account options for dependent care and unreimbursed dental and/or medical cost; and an employee assistance program (EAP).



GENERAL BENEFITS:
Most employee benefits are similar to the following for all County employees. However, some benefits differ, depending on the employee representation unit to which the employee's job classification is assigned. Information about the exact benefits applicable to a particular job classification may be obtained from the Sacramento County Department of Benefits or by visiting www.saccountyjobs.net.



TEMPORARY POSITIONS:
Most benefits do not apply to temporary positions. The explanations of benefits applies to employees in regular positions.



SALARY STEP INCREASES:
The beginning salary and the top of the salary range are usually shown on the job announcement. Upon satisfactory service, salary increases of approximately 5% are given annually until the top of the salary range has been attained.



PAY:
All employees are paid bi-weekly via direct deposit into the employee's bank account. The pay period covers fourteen (14) calendar days, starting on a Sunday and ending on the second Saturday thereafter. Salaries are generally paid on the Friday following the end of the pay period. Employees can set up their direct deposit and access their pay information via Employee Self Service in MySacCounty.



VACATION:
Generally, vacation with pay begins at 10 days annually. With increase over a period of years, the maximum annual vacation with pay is 25 days.



HOLIDAYS:
13.5 holidays per year as recognized.



SICK LEAVE:
Equivalent to 15 days annually, unlimited accumulation. Upon retirement, unused sick leave is converted to retirement service credit.



PARENTAL LEAVE:
Entitles a regular County employee, with at least one year of continuous employment, to schedule a paid parental leave of up to 160 hours upon the birth or during the process of an adoption of a minor child. Parental leave shall be approved by the employee's appointing authority, except where the granting of the parental leave request would unduly interfere with or cause severe hardship upon department operations.



TUITION REIMBURSEMENT:
Dependent upon union agreements, regular County employees may be eligible to receive Tuition Reimbursement. The costs for course tuition/registration fees and required books/supplies are eligible for reimbursement. Tuition reimbursement amounts may vary depending upon union agreement.



RETIREMENT:
Social Security and Sacramento County Employees' Retirement System coverage.



HEALTH INSURANCE:
The County offers a variety of health plan design options to fit individual needs.



DENTAL INSURANCE:
The County provides a comprehensive dental benefit program for regular full-time and part-time employees and their eligible dependents. This plan pays on a set fee schedule that varies by procedure. Any amount over the fee schedule is the employee's responsibility. The yearly maximum is $2,000 per person, not including orthodontia. The orthodontic benefit is 50% of covered charges with a lifetime maximum of $1,000 per person.



LIFE INSURANCE:
The County of Sacramento provides a basic life insurance benefit of $15,000 to all eligible employees at no cost. Additional coverage may be purchased through payroll deduction.



DEFERRED COMPENSATION:
The County offers a Deferred Compensation Program which enables employees to save in a systematic way without paying income tax on either the payroll deduction or the earned interest, prior to withdrawal.



EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM:
The County of Sacramento provides an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for employees and their eligible dependents. The EAP offers confidential, professional counseling services in areas such as:

  • Legal Advice/Difficult Decisions
  • Marriage or Family Relationships
  • Financial or Credit Worries/Elder Care
  • Alcohol and Drug Abuse



WELLNESS INCENTIVE PROGRAM:
The County will recognize and award time off to eligible employees who maintain an excellent attendance record.



FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNT:
The County offers regular employees two separate Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA's). These accounts allow employees to set money aside, on a pre-tax basis via payroll deduction, to pay for medical, dental or dependent care expenses.


 
  • DEPENDENT CARE REIMBURSEMENT ACCOUNT:
    Employees may set aside pre-tax dollars to pay for qualified childcare or dependent care expenses that are necessary for the employee and/or spouse to continue working.


     
  • MEDICAL REIMBURSEMENT ACCOUNT:
    The Medical Reimbursement Account allows pre-tax dollars to be set aside to pay for out-of-pocket expenses that are not paid by insurance or reimbursed by any other benefit plan.



WORKERS' COMPENSATION:
In case of injury while on the job, each employee is protected under the Workers' Compensation laws of California.



SACRAMENTO CREDIT UNION:
The credit union offers loan facilities and systematic saving plans through payroll deduction.



SELECTION AND PLACEMENT

Sacramento County encourages applications from all persons regardless of race, color, ancestry, religious creed, national origin, gender, disability, political affiliation, or age.



Certain age limits may be required by law, ordinance, or Civil Service direction for specific classifications such as those identified with hazardous occupations.



FOR APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES ONLY:Every effort is made to provide reasonable accommodations to disabled applicants such as in the selection of test sites, aides, or other equipment which permits the disabled applicants to compete in the examination process. Applicants with disabilities requesting an applicable ADA testing accommodation must complete a Reasonable Accommodation Request Form filled out and signed by the applicant and their doctor. This form must be submitted to the Disability Compliance Office, 700 H Street, Room 5720, Sacramento, CA 95814, by the cut-off date or final filing date as listed in this job announcement. Download the Reasonable Accommodation Request Form by clicking here or contact by mail or in person the Sacramento County Employment Services Division or Disability Compliance Office.

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Please read carefully the "Minimum Qualifications" section of your announcement. You must meet those qualifications by the application deadline date unless otherwise specified. Your application must clearly show you meet the minimum qualifications by the application deadline date, or it will not be accepted. All statements are subject to verification.
"Experience" means full-time paid experience unless the announcement states that volunteer experience is acceptable. Part-time paid experience may be accumulated and pro-rated to meet the total experience requirements.



PROMOTIONAL EXAMINATIONS:
If the announcement indicates the examination is given on a promotional basis, candidates must hold permanent status in Sacramento County Civil Service by the application deadline date and must meet the minimum qualifications.



OPEN EXAMINATIONS:
Any person who meets the minimum qualifications may apply.



CONTINUOUS FILING EXAMINATIONS:
Applicants are eligible to reapply to and retake a continuous filing exam after 6 months from the date the previous exam results was received.



ELIGIBLE LISTS:
Names of qualified persons who made a passing score on an examination are entered, in order of their final grades, on an eligible list. To fill each vacancy, the hiring department will make a selection from among the top three ranks on the employment lists.



EXAMINATION RATINGS:
Unless otherwise stated on the announcement: To be successful, candidates must obtain a rating of at least 70% on each part of the examination. This may be an adjusted score or an arithmetic 70% of the total possible score as determined by the Director.



APPEAL PROCESS:
Persons who believe their applications have been improperly rejected may request the Employment Services Division to review its decision to reject the application. If the applicant desires to submit additional proof of qualifications, such proof must be received by Personnel Services not less than two (2) calendar days prior to the scheduled date for the examination.
Persons who are disqualified in any phase of the examination may appeal such adverse action, in writing, to the Civil Service Commission, 700 H Street, Room 2640, Sacramento, CA 95814, telephone: (916) 874-5586. Such appeals must be filed within thirty (30) calendar days after notice of the adverse action was mailed to the candidate.


 

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE VISIT OUR FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs): http://www.personnel.saccounty.net/Documents/FAQ(2).pdf


OTHER INFORMATION

VETERAN'S PREFERENCE:
Military veterans who have served during wartime shall be given preference in initial appointment to County service. Such preference shall apply, provided the veteran has first achieved a minimum passing score in the examination. The passing score of a veteran shall be annotated to indicate the veteran's score shall be regarded as 5 points or higher, OR 10 points higher for disabled veterans, only for the purpose of determining the three ranks along with which the veteran's name shall be certified. No score shall actually be changed and no new rank shall be created as a result of application of veteran's preference for certification purposes.
"Disabled Veteran" means any veteran who has served during wartime and, who, as of the final filing date for an examination is declared by the United States Veterans Administration or military service department to be 10% or more disabled as a result of his/her military service. Persons claiming eligibility for disabled veteran's preference must submit to the employment office, on or before the application deadline date, a certification from the United States Veterans Administration or a military service department, dated within 1 year, which certifies the present existence of a service related disability of 10% or more, or other acceptable proof of such disability as a result of his/her military service.
Persons claiming eligibility for veterans preference must submit a copy of Form DD 214 or other acceptable proof of veteran's status on or before the final filing date for the examination. For purpose of this rule "reserve" status does not constitute active duty.



CITIZENSHIP OR AUTHORIZED ALIEN REQUIREMENT:
As required by the Immigration Reform and Control Act, all County employees must be United States citizens or aliens lawfully authorized to work in the United States. Proof of citizenship or authorized status will be required prior to appointment.



CONFLICT OF INTEREST CODE:
Some County Civil Service positions are covered by financial disclosure requirements intended to identify potential conflicts of interest.



CONCURRENT EMPLOYMENT:
No employee may concurrently occupy more than one County position.



SPECIAL SKILL QUALIFICATIONS (WHEN SPECIFIED ON THE APPLICATION):
Persons who have special skills required by some (but not all) positions in a class may be certified ahead of others provided that:
Such special skills are based on the duties and requirements of the positions and are in conformance with merit system and equal opportunity principles, and
The certification of eligibles who possess special skills have been approved by the Civil Service Commission.



PRE-EMPLOYMENT MEDICAL EXAMINATION & DRUG TESTING:
The County of Sacramento is committed to maintaining a drug and alcohol free workplace. All persons selected for appointment to positions must pass a medical examination and a drug test, administered by the County at no cost to the applicant.



DRIVER LICENSE:
Possession of a valid California Driver License may be required for some positions.



PROBATIONARY PERIOD:
Regular positions are subject to a probationary period which is an extension of the selection process. Unless otherwise indicated on the announcement, the probationary period is six (6) months.



AGENCY SHOP/FAIR SHARE FEE:
Some positions require, as a condition of continued employment, that the person either:
1. Become a union member;
2. Pay a fair share fee to the union; or,
3. Meet specific requirements under which an equivalent amount must be paid to a charity.



FINGERPRINTING AND CRIMINAL RECORD CHECKS:
Fingerprinting and criminal record checks are required for some positions.

01
This is the Civil Service Exam for this position and will be used to determine your exam score. The Application is used only to determine if the minimum qualifications are met.

In order to receive every consideration in the selection process, you must complete all questions on the Supplemental Questionnaire and provide all requested information. Each answer will be scored separately. Provide concise but detailed answers to questions requiring a written response.

By continuing in the exam process, you are certifying that all information provided in the Supplemental Questionnaire is true to the best of your knowledge. I have read and understood the above instructions.
  • Yes
  • No
02
NOTE: If you meet the minimum qualifications (via the information you provided on your application and requested documentation), your exam score (based on your supplemental questionnaire responses) places you within the reachable ranks on the resulting eligible list and you are invited to interview; you will be asked to expand on, clarify, and/or provide examples to support the selections you made on this exam (supplemental questionnaire). I have read and understood the above information.
  • Yes
  • No
03
Select the one box that best describes your education from an accredited college or university with a major in Agricultural Science, and/or Biological Science.
  • None.
  • Units leading to a related Bachelor's Degree in Agricultural Science and/or Biological Science.
  • Bachelor's Degree in Agricultural Science and/or Biological Science.
  • Bachelor's Degree or higher in another field.
  • Master's Degree or higher in Agricultural Science, and/or Biological Science.
04
Describe your education and any degrees achieved in Agricultural Science and/or Biological Science. Include any training related to the field as well as how you are keeping up-to-date in your field. A copy of your transcripts or degree, in English, must be included with your application. If you have no education, write none.
05
Select all the boxes that indicate your active licenses issued by the State of California Department of Food and Agriculture.
  • None.
  • Pesticide Regulation.
  • Investigation and Environmental Monitoring.
  • Integrated Pest Management.
  • Commodity Regulation.
  • Pest Prevention and Plant Regulation.
  • Weight Verification.
  • Measurement Verification.
  • Transaction and Product Verification.
06
Please list your State of California Department of Food and Agriculture licenses, date issued, and date of expiration, and ensure they are included on your application in the Certificates and Licenses section. If you have no license, write none.
07
Select the one box that best describes your experience as an inspector enforcing agricultural laws, agricultural pest detection, or control in a California city, county, or state jurisdiction.
  • None or less than one month.
  • Experience as a student intern or program aide assisting with inspections, trapping, or enforcing laws related to agriculture and/or agricultural pest control in a California city, county, or state jurisdiction.
  • 1 month but less than 6 months of experience as an inspector enforcing agricultural laws in a California city, county, or state jurisdiction.
  • 6 months but less than 12 months of experience as an inspector enforcing agricultural laws in a California city, county, or state jurisdiction.
  • 12 months or more of experience as an inspector enforcing agricultural laws in a California city, county, or state jurisdiction.
08
Describe in detail your experience as an inspector enforcing agricultural laws and/or agricultural pest detection or control in a California city, county, or state jurisdiction. Include in your response, employer(s), date(s) of employment, and exact duties performed. If you have no experience, write none.
09
Select the one box that best describes your experience as an inspector conducting inspections and enforcing laws related to weights and measures in California.
  • None or less than one month.
  • Experience as a student intern or program aide assisting with inspections and enforcing laws related to weights and measures in a California city, county, or state jurisdiction.
  • 1 month but less than 6 months of experience as an inspector enforcing laws related to weights and measures in a California city, county, or state jurisdiction.
  • 6 months but less than 12 months of experience as an inspector enforcing laws related to weights and measures in a California city, county, or state jurisdiction.
  • 12 months or more of experience as an inspector enforcing laws related to weights and measures in a California city, county, or state jurisdiction.
10
Describe in detail your experience as an inspector conducting inspections and enforcing laws related to weights and measures. Include in your response, employer, dates of employment, and exact duties performed. If you have no experience, write none.
11
Select the one box that describes your current valid California Driver License.
  • None.
  • California Class C or higher Driver License.
  • Driver License from another state.
12
If you have a current valid California Driver License please list the license class, license number, expiration date, and any endorsements you possess. If you have no license, write none.
13
Some positions in this class require a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Basic Canine Handler certificate to perform agricultural protection duties in passenger/cargo environments. Select all the boxes that indicate your interest in this program.
  • None.
  • I currently possess the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Basic Canine Handler Certificate.
  • I am available to take the 10 week USDA course in Georgia.
  • I am available to maintain the USDA annual certification.
  • I am able to perform further development of canine inspection techniques through increasingly difficult practice exercises.
  • I am able to perform ongoing canine health care, canine behavior, canine training, canine handling skills, and canine well-being through proper feeding, grooming, daily exercise, physical checks, and regular veterinarian visits.
  • I am able to follow guidelines for canine kenneling and socialization.
  • I am able to maintain the canine's detection proficiency of targeted materials, and behavior, through weekly mock training exercise to test and maintain skills and periodic obedience training.
14
If you have a current valid the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Basic Canine Handler Certificate please indicate the date you graduated from the course, your registration number, and a narrative of how you are maintaining your Canine Handler skills as well as how you are maintaining your ongoing canine detection proficiency. If you have no Certificate, write none.
15
Select all the boxes that indicate what you are willing and able to do.
  • None.
  • Lift items weighting up to fifty (50) pounds unassisted.
  • Work nights.
  • Work weekends
  • Work holidays
  • Work on–call
  • Work outdoors in all types of local weather conditions
  • Stand for long periods of time
  • Walk long distances
  • Differentiate between colors at a level necessary to identify various insects and weeds.
16
I have read the General Requirements, License Requirement, Physical Requirements and Working Conditions as stated on the job announcement.
  • Yes
  • No

* Required Question

Employer
County of Sacramento
Dep-Sacramento
Agriculture Commission
Address
Attn: Juli Jensen

Sacramento, California, 95814

Apply

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