Job Posting: Agricultural Technician I (seasonal)

Department of Food & Agriculture

JC-95294
-
Agricultural Technician I (seasonal)
AGRICULTURAL TECHNICIAN I (SEASONAL)

$12.18 - $16.67

Final Filing Date: Until Filled

Job Description and Duties

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

Under supervision of the Agricultural Program Supervisor IV, the incumbent performs field work related to pest detection and emergency response and may be assigned to another location for emergency project work and be under the supervision of various levels of supervision including but not limited to: Environmental Program Manager, Agricultural Program Supervisor, Senior Environmental Scientist or Agricultural Pest Control supervisor. The responsibilities of a pest detection Agricultural Technician I include following an established work routine to survey for potentially damaging plant pests; survey visually and deploying and servicing a variety of insect traps; survey of designated areas for host trees and trap sites; documentation of work completed identification of suspect target insects; interaction with the public; and packaging of suspect insects for submission to the identification lab. The detection surveyor/trapper works in varying environments such as urban, suburban, rural and agricultural areas. They conduct surveys designed to detect “A” – rated agricultural pest insects such as the Asian Longhorned Borer, Emerald Ash Borer, Redbay Ambrosia Beetle, and other injurious plant pests. The detection surveyor/trapper is expected to interact with the public in a positive manner to maintain a cordial relationship with property owners.

In addition, the Agricultural Technician I may be called upon to help with Pest Eradication activities. This could include such things as: pesticide application, warehouse work, and administrative duties.

Duties include, but are not limited to:

• When driving is required, employee must have a good driving record and a valid Class
  C, or equivalent driver’s license. Safely operating and maintaining state vehicle to
  travel to various work areas.

• Follow map provided to survey locations. Surveys must be performed within specified
  parameters. When deploying traps, maps must be drawn to show exact trap locations.

• Visually inspect for target pest damage on local plant hosts or conduct eradication
  treatments (mixing and application of spray materials).

• Suspect plant and insect samples are removed from foliage or traps using various
  insect/plant tools and collection procedures and checked for target pests.

• Keep accurate records of survey activities including: placements, servicing’s and
  relocations of traps as required, areas surveyed, description of area/host condition.

• Screen net samples, wet and dry samples traps for target insects. Trapper must
  examine contents of net sweeps, wet or dry traps, which may contain hundreds of
  insects, and debris to make preliminary identifications of specimens which resemble
  target insects.

• Once identified as a target insect, the trapper must take prescribed action, which may
  include phone contact and/or return of the suspect target insect to the field office.

• Make initial contact with County personnel/property owners to perform survey/place
  traps. Develops a cordial relationship with property owner to enable continued use of
  the property for current and future trap placements.

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

Working Conditions

The duties of this position are primarily conducted outdoors. The detection surveyor/trapper 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. There is regular exposure to dust, pollen, and moisture. Each trap type uses a specific chemical insect lure; some of these lures contain small amounts of pesticides. The work area can be urban or rural. The trapper must drive, exit, and re-enter the trapping vehicle numerous times during the work day.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

Additional Documents

Position Details

Job Code #:
JC-95294
Position #(s):
014-692-0034-XXX
Working Title:
Agricultural Technician I (seasonal)
Classification:
AGRICULTURAL TECHNICIAN I (SEASONAL)
$13.97 - $16.67
AGRICULTURAL AIDE (SEASONAL)
$12.18 - $13.49
# of Positions:
Multiple
Work Location:
Santa Clara County
Job Type:

Department Information

The primary responsibilities of the Pest Detection/Emergency Project Branch (PDEP) are the early detection and prompt response to serious exotic agricultural pests from California. PDEP provides direction, training, and supervision for the detection trapping programs throughout the state. The Branch administers the statewide detection program through the implementation of special surveys for significant agricultural pests and plant diseases for which traps may or may not be available; and by providing emergency eradication services using the best available information and technology. Trap programs generally operate by trapping of high-risk areas of exotic species introduction, staffed by county and state inspectors.

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.

When driving is required, employee must have a good driving record and a valid Class C California driver’s license. If employee is not a California resident, but accepts a position with the Branch, or becomes a resident, the employee must obtain a California driver’s license within 10 days of job appointment.

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.

Application Instructions

Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. 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 for an interview.

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.jobs.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
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:

Human Resources Branch
1220 N Street, Room 242
Sacramento, CA 95814
Electronic application is preffered. All mail or drop off applications must include JC# 95294
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Required Application Documents

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

  • State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.jobs.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.

Desirable Qualifications

In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

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

Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.jobs.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.

Contact Information

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

Hiring Unit Contact:
Rodolfo Martinez
403-6653 ext:
rudy.martinez@cdfa.ca.gov

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:
EEO Officer
(916) 654-1005
cathy.dambrosio@cdfa.ca.gov
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.

Additional Information

Please do not include any confidential information such as social security number, marital status, ethnicity, age, 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.

Applications 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 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.