Agricultural & Standards Inspector Trainee/I/II/III

Salary Ranges:

Trainee: $3,678 - $4,483 Monthly

Level I: $4,140 - $5,046 Monthly

Level II: $4,572 - $5,572 Monthly

Level III: $5,200 - $6,338 Monthly

This recruitment will establish an employment list to fill current and any future vacancies within the Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer’s Office. The anticipated life of the employment list is six months. If interested in employment for this position for current or future vacancies, please submit an online application for consideration.

Current vacancies are with the Tulare County Ag Commissioner/Sealer department located in Tulare. The anticipated life of the list is six months.

Typical Duties

The Trainee performs basic duties stated below under close supervision. As incumbents acquire the appropriate licenses and experience, responsibilities and complexity of assignments increase and employees may be expected to promote to the Inspector I, II and III levels.

Duties :

• Conduct field surveys and inspections in areas applicable to the Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer's Department including fruit, vegetable and egg quality control, nursery compliance, pest and disease control, pesticide safety, weighing and measuring devices, quantity control of packaged commodities, weigh-master and petroleum products, electric meters and liquified petroleum gas.
• Investigate and determine commodity fitness and weight/measure and labeling accuracy, and recommend remedial measures used in the regulation of the agricultural industry and other industry affecting consumers such as issuing certificates of compliance or notice of noncompliance, ordering reconditioning or destruction of commodities, or issuing citations.
• Disseminate agricultural and weights and measures policies and information.
• Advise and serve the general public and government agencies.
• Conduct studies and such things as annual crop statistics and statistical sampling surveys.

For a full list of duties for Level Trainee, please click here .

For a full list of duties for Level I, please click here .

For a full list of duties for Level II, please click here.

For a full list of duties for Level III, please click here .

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum qualifications are used as a guide for establishing the education, training, experience, special skills and/or license which are required and equivalent to the following.

Education:

Level Trainee, I, II, III:

• Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited four (4) year college or university with specialization in one or more appropriate disciplines in the agricultural, biological, chemical, or physical sciences, or other appropriate disciplines, as determined by the Secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture.

Experience:

Level Trainee:

• None

Level I:

• One (1) year experience in the inspection and enforcement of weights and measures and agricultural laws and codes for enforcement purposes, or one (1) year as an Agricultural and Standards Inspector Trainee.

Level II:

• Two (2) years of experience in agricultural/weights and measures inspecting, weights and measures and agricultural laws and codes, one (1) year of which is above the Trainee level.

Level III:

• Three (3) years of experience in agricultural and/or weights and measures inspection and enforcement of weights and measures laws and agricultural codes, with at least two (2) years above the trainee level.

Knowledge of:

Level Trainee:

• Math sufficient to record monies received, calculate packaging errors, use sampling techniques, read and calibrate measurement instruments and convert mass volume and length measurements.
• General principles regarding plant growth and development.
• Insect, animal and disease vectors and their control.
• Types of crops grown and farming methods practiced in Tulare County.

In addition to the above, Level I:

• The specialized field or fields of agricultural or weights and measures inspection as specified by the Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer.
• The provisions of the California Agricultural Code, Administrative Code-Title IV and the Business and Professions Codes and related federal laws and regulations in the functional areas of agricultural or weights and measures inspection and enforcement.

In addition to the above, Level II:

• Departmental safety practices for the use and maintenance of equipment and use of various agricultural related materials.
• Outside resources available to the department.

In addition to the above, Level III:

• Rules of evidence and courtroom procedures.
• Math sufficient convert mass, volume and length measurements to different units of measurement.
• Principles of supervision.

Skill/Ability to:

Level Trainee:

• Work and communicate effectively with people of various education and socioeconomic backgrounds by respecting beliefs, interpersonal styles and behaviors of both clients and co-workers.
• Operate contemporary office equipment inclusive of computer, keyboard, and all applicable electronic equipment.
• Organize and prioritize work activities.
• Follow oral and written instructions.
• Adjust to changes in workloads and assignments and work under stress of meeting deadlines.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships.
• Read and understand technical material such as federal, state and local laws, regulations and ordinances.
• Maintain records, and collect and organize information from records, interviews or tests.
• Prepare clear, concise and grammatically correct reports and correspondence.
• Research background information, establish facts, draw valid conclusions and make appropriate recommendations or decisions.
• Communicate effectively with the public, co-workers and industry people.
• Operate a variety of County vehicles.

In addition to the above, Level I:

• Provide information and explanation of laws, regulations and technical material to the public on an individual or group basis.
• Enforce laws, issue citations and notice of violations, make appropriate recommendations for corrective action as conditions or studies warrant or permit.
• Be firm, consistent, and courteous, use persuasion and negotiation to gain compliance and cooperation in an enforcement/inspection situation.
• Maintain and service department standards and equipment.

In addition to the above, Level II:

• Recognize such things as defects and maturity of fruit, production areas and relationships of one plant, insect and animal to the environment and to each other.
• Gather and preserve evidence during investigations.
• Negotiate, including listening and persuading for the purpose of conducting interviews and effectively dealing with others.
• Maintain cooperative relations with such people as growers, agency personnel, consumers and the public.
• Remain flexible and tolerant under changing workloads, assignments and stress of meeting deadlines.
• Retain and recall factual information.
• Convey and follow written and verbal instruction.
• Use scientific precision measuring instruments and other technical equipment accurately.

In addition to the above, Level III:

• Read, interpret and apply the provisions of laws and regulations related to agriculture and weights and measures.
• Explain technical terms and inspection policies and procedures to lay persons.
• Write clear, concise, grammatically correct reports, letters and memoranda.
• Conduct research, collect information, define problems, establish facts and draw valid conclusions.
• Work with a high degree of independence.

License or Certificate:

Level Trainee:

• Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid California driver's license.
• Possess one (1) valid State of California Specific Category License in Agriculture or Weights & Measures within one (1) year after date of hire.

Level I:

• Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid California driver's license.
• Possess one (1) valid State of California Specific Category License in Agriculture or Weights & Measures.

Level II:

• Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid California driver's license.
• Possession of three (3) valid State of California Specific Category Licenses, of which two (2) must be in agricultural inspection and one (1) in weights and measures inspection. License categories will be designated by the Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer.

Level III:

• Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid California driver's license.
• Possession of at least six (6) valid State of California Specific Category Licenses of which two (2) must be in weights and measures and three (3) must be in agricultural inspection, and one (1) must be in either agriculture or weights and measures. Categories will be designated by the Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer.

DESIRABLE EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

Knowledge of:

Level III:

• Department goals, objectives, and interaction with other departments and agencies.
• Safety practices and policies regarding use of County equipment and materials.

Training techniques and methods.

Additional Information

Conditions of Employment

Candidates selected will be required to pass a pre-employment drug and alcohol screening. Additionally, a background investigation may also be conducted, which may include a re-investigation every 10 years for some positions. An Employment Eligibility Verification using E-Verify may be required on the first day of employment for some positions. Some job classes may also require a physical exam.

College Cost Reduction Access Act

This may be a qualifying position for student loan forgiveness through the College Cost Reduction and Access Act (CCRAA). Only student loan payments made after October 1, 2007 and in a qualified repayment plan are eligible. For more information you are encouraged to speak with your student loan servicer or visit: https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Bargaining Unit 3

The information listed is a general summary of benefits. These provisions do not constitute an expressed or implied contract and are subject to change.

Benefit Amount: An annual benefit amount is provided and may be applied towards health insurance premiums (medical, dental, vision and life). This benefit is pro-rated and paid on a pay period basis (24 pay periods).

Health Insurance: A choice of PPO and HMO medical plans which include PPO and HMO dental plans and include dental and vision coverage. Dependent coverage is available. Providers include Anthem Blue Cross, Kaiser Permanente, Delta Dental, and Vision Services Plan (VSP).

Retirement: The retirement plan is a defined benefit plan administered pursuant to the 1937 Act County Employees Retirement Act and integrated with Social Security. In addition to ordinary retirement benefits, the plan provides disability and death benefits. Retirement contributions are made by both the County and the employee. The County has reciprocity with the State of California, contracting PERS agencies, and all County 1937 Act Retirement Systems.

Paid Holiday Leave: 12 set days and 1 personal holiday.

Vacation Accrual:
2 weeks per year (0-3 years of service)
3 weeks per year (3-7 years of service)
4 weeks per year (7-11 years of service)
5 weeks per year (11+ years of service)
Limit of 300 hours.

Sick Leave Accrual: 12 days per year with unlimited accumulation, 60 hours of which may be used toward family sick leave.

Group Term Life Insurance and AD&D: $10,000; Provided by Standard Insurance Company.

Disability Insurance: Employees are covered by State Disability Insurance. The premium is paid by the employee.

Deferred Compensation: A voluntary deferred compensation plan is available.

To view more detailed descriptions of Tulare County's benefits, please view the Benefits section of our Web site at https://tularecounty.ca.gov/hrd/benefits-wellness/health-plans-active-employees/

The Provisions Of This Bulletin Do Not Constitute An Expressed Or Implied Contract And Are Subject To Change.

Closing Date/Time: 9/29/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

• 

• County of Tulare - HR&D

• 559-636-4900

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