Senior Agricultural Compliance Inspector

Position Overview
Multiple openings are available

Starting salary up to $48.54/hour ($101,308/year) plus a competitive total compensation package
The Department of Agriculture/Weights & Measures is actively seeking qualified candidates for Agricultural/Weights & Measures Inspector roles at levels I, II, or III. If you wish to apply for other levels, separate concurrent recruitments are available for those positions.

Role Responsibilities

As an Inspector, you will primarily operate within either the Agriculture Division or the Weights & Measures Division, with current hiring in both sectors. Please note: If assigned to the Agriculture Division, you must hold five California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) licenses, including Pest Prevention & Plant Regulation, Pesticide Regulation, Environmental Monitoring and Investigation, Commodity Regulation, and Integrated Pest Management. For the Weights & Measures Division, three CDFA inspector licenses are required, including Weight Verification, Measurement Verification, and Transaction and Product Verification, along with a DMV commercial license (Class A or B) within one year of appointment.
The Agriculture Division

The County Agricultural Commissioners aim to "Promote and Protect" agriculture while safeguarding public health, safety, and welfare. Agriculture significantly contributes to Sonoma County's economy, and the department engages in educational outreach and enforcement. The Agriculture Division conducts field inspections and regulatory functions related to various programs, including pesticide use enforcement, pest prevention and detection, nursery regulation, egg quality, farmers markets, hazardous materials storage, and cannabis regulation.
The Weights & Measures Division

This division is dedicated to maintaining the economic integrity of the community by ensuring the accuracy of weighing and measuring instruments used in local commerce. Through inspections, education, and outreach, consumers can confidently compare values, and businesses can compete fairly in the marketplace.

About the Role

The Agricultural/Weights & Measures Inspector III is a seasoned field inspector who operates independently. Responsibilities may include inspecting incoming plant shipments, monitoring insect traps, issuing Operator IDs, inspecting and measuring equipment, collaborating with senior staff on enforcement actions, and educating the public. You will also be responsible for drafting penalty letters, compiling evidence, and preparing reports.

Ideal Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate will possess many of the following attributes:

• Experience in a leadership or training capacity
• Two or more years in the agriculture and weights & measures sector
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office
• Experience operating large vehicles and trailers, along with mechanical aptitude
• Geographical Information Systems (GIS) mapping skills
• Strong communication skills for presentations and public speaking
• Able to engage with a diverse customer base and foster effective relationships
• Ability to adapt quickly and thrive in a fast-paced environment
• Bilingual skills in English/Spanish are preferred but not mandatory

Commitment to Public Service

The County of Sonoma offers a unique opportunity to live, grow, and build a meaningful career. Joining the County means exploring the beauty of the region, including its coastline, redwoods, historic towns, fine dining, wineries, and diverse cultural activities. For more information about the community and the services provided, please visit our website.

What We Provide

Working with the County of Sonoma presents numerous opportunities for professional growth and development, along with a rewarding work environment. You can expect flexible work arrangements and excellent benefits, including:

• Salary Advancement - Salary increases after 1,040 hours (approximately 6 months of full-time work) for satisfactory performance; eligibility for annual salary increases thereafter until reaching the top of the salary range.
• Paid Time Off - Competitive vacation and sick leave accruals, 12 paid holidays, and an additional 8 floating holiday hours annually.
• County Paid Health Premium Contributions - 100% premium contribution for most employee-only and employee + family health plan options.
• Staff Development/Wellness Pay - Annual benefit allowances of up to $500 and ongoing education/training opportunities.
• Post-Retirement Health Reimbursement Arrangement - County contributions to assist with post-retirement health insurance/benefits.
• Retirement - A pension fully integrated with Social Security.
• Paid Parental Leave - Eligibility for up to 8 weeks (320 hours) after 12 months of County employment.
• Student Loan Debt Relief - Potential eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness through the U.S. Department of Education.

*Salary is negotiable within the established range. Benefits described herein are subject to change without notice. Additional information can be found in the Service Employees International Union Local 1021 Memorandum Of Understanding (SEIU MOU) and our Employee Benefits Directory.

This Agricultural/Weights & Measures Inspector III employment list may also be utilized to fill future full-time, part-time, or temporary positions as they arise during the active status of the list.Qualified County employees interested in future positions should consider applying to this recruitment.

APPLICATION SUBMISSIONS REQUIRE THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE BE COMPLETED. Minimum Qualifications
Education and Experience: Any combination of education and work experience that would provide an opportunity to acquire the knowledge and abilities listed herein. Typically, this includes two years of experience in enforcing agricultural and/or weights and measures laws and regulations.

License: A valid driver's license at the appropriate level, including special endorsements, may be required depending on the assignment to perform essential job functions. If assigned to weights and measures inspection, possession of a valid Class B California driver's license and Tank Vehicle Endorsement are required within one year of appointment to this class.

Other Licenses: Possession of five licenses issued by the California Department of Food and Agriculture in: 1) Pest Prevention & Plant Regulation; 2) Pesticide Regulation; 3) Environmental Monitoring and Investigation; 4) Commodity Regulation; 5) Integrated Pest Management.

OR

Possession of three licenses issued by the California Department of Food and Agriculture in: 1) Weight Verification; 2) Measurement Verification; and 3) Transaction and Product Verification.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of: complex mathematics; principles of physical science and/or principles of botany, entomology, plant pathology, physical science, chemistry, and related laboratory techniques; investigative and interview techniques; principles of identification, preservation, and presentation of evidence; techniques of case management, record keeping, and report preparation; Federal, State, and local regulations, laws and procedures in the functional area of agricultural or weights and measures, and hazardous material and fire safety inspection and enforcement; the agricultural industry of Sonoma County; principles of sanitation when handling and testing food products; universal pricing code look-up systems; data processing equipment and systems; county quarantine protocols; integrated pest management and prevention; safety principles and equipment used for handling chemicals and responding to hazardous materials incidents; general law enforcement powers and obligations of the Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer of Weights and Measures; and rules of evidence, investigative techniques, and enforcement and court procedures.

Ability to: perform mathematical computations; read, understand, interpret, explain, and enforce laws, codes, and regulations; read, understand, and interpret technical material and lab analyses; collect and organize field information, write clear and concise reports and maintain records; draw accurate maps of field locations; conduct a wide range of agricultural, hazardous material, fire safety, and/or weights and measures inspection and enforcement functions; gather information and data through interviewing individuals and conducting investigations; offer technical assistance and direction to subordinates; use and maintain department equipment including sensitive weighing and measuring devices; establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships; work with uncooperative and potentially hostile individuals; follow oral and written instructions; analyze situations accurately and recommend appropriate action; communicate tactfully and effectively with the public, co-workers, consumers, and industry representatives to provide information or obtain compliance with enforcement actions; safely handle hazardous materials such as herbicides, pesticides, insecticides, gasoline, and propane; maintain situational awareness while confidently approaching unknown environments with changing circumstances; use common office technology and software, databases, and other software products used by the California Department of Food and Agriculture, the California Department of Pesticide Regulation, and the County of Sonoma to carry out regulatory programs; lift and move 50-pound objects or containers for short distances; and operate a pickup truck with a trailer for some assignments.

Selection Procedure & Helpful Tips When Applying

• Your application information and responses to the supplemental questions are evaluated throughout the selection process.
• List all employers and positions held within the last ten years in the work history section of your application. Be thorough when responding to the supplemental questions.
• You may include history beyond ten years if related to the position for which you are applying. If you held multiple positions with one employer, list each position separately.
• Failure to follow these instructions may impact your competitiveness in this process or may result in disqualification.

APPLICATION SUBMISSIONS REQUIRE THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE BE COMPLETED.
Responses to supplemental questions will be scored using position-specific criteria. Provide specific and detailed responses of a reasonable length to allow for a thorough assessment of your qualifications. Responses that state, "See Resume" or "See Application" may be considered insufficient and therefore may not be scored.
The selection procedure will consist of the following examination:

An Application & Supplemental Questionnaire Appraisal Examination (weight 100%) will evaluate each applicant's application and supplemental questionnaire for satisfaction of minimum qualifications (pass/not pass); and for educational coursework, training, experience, knowledge, and abilities related to this position. Each applicant will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

• Relevance of work history, related experience, and achieved level of education and/or training as described in the application and responses to the supplemental questions.

Candidates demonstrating possession of the minimum qualifications will be placed on an employment list in order of most qualified to least qualified based on the achieved score received in the Application & Supplemental Questionnaire Appraisal Examination, which evaluates the education, training, experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, and other qualifications demonstrated in the application and/or response to the supplemental questionnaire. Scores may be adjusted based on factors such as the number of candidates, anticipated vacancies, past practice, and natural breaks in the scores achieved by this group of candidates.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

A background investigation is required prior to employment. Candidates referred to departments for a selection interview are typically required to sign authorization and release forms enabling such an investigation. Failure to sign prescribed forms will result in the candidate not being considered further for that vacancy.

Additional requirements, such as successful completion of a physical exam, drug screen, etc., may apply, depending on the duties and responsibilities of the position. If you receive a conditional job offer for the position, the requirements upon which the offer is contingent will be outlined in the conditional job letter.

HOW TO APPLY

Applications are accepted online. Paper applications may be submitted by person, fax, or through the mail. All applications and appropriate supplemental information must be RECEIVED by the time and date specified on the first page of this job announcement. Applications received after the recruitment closes will not be accepted.

The County of Sonoma values diversity and is dedicated to creating a workplace environment that provides individuals with a sense of belonging. We are committed to having a diverse workforce that is representative of the communities we serve. The County is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer where all aspects of employment are based on merit, competence, performance, and business need.

HR Analyst: CA
HR Technician: RR

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