Job Description

DEFINITION: Under general supervision, performs inspections and investigations to determine compliance with agricultural quality standards and labeling, plant quarantine, pest detection, pest control, pest  management, and safe use and handling of pesticides; enforces codes and laws pertaining to agriculture inspection in order to promote agricultural industry, consumer, and environmental welfare. DISTINGUISHING FEATURES: The 3450 Agricultural Inspector is distinguished from 6120 Environmental Health Inspector by the latter’s focus on enforcing City health, housing, planning, and air pollution codes. The 3450 Agricultural Inspector is distinguished from the 6220 Inspector of Weights and Measures by the latter’s focus on inspecting weighing and measuring devices and the weights and measures of products and commodities. EXAMPLES OF IMPORTANT AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES: Makes various inspections for enforcement of the minimum provisions of the state and federal agricultural codes and regulations; inspects wholesale markets, retail stores, and farmers markets; inspects eggs by candling and weighing to determine size, grade and wholesomeness; inspects fruits and vegetables for evidence of deterioration, decay and misrepresentation; issues tags and notices of instances of violations. Makes plant quarantine inspections at post offices, railroad stations, truck depots, docks and nurseries for harmful insect and disease pests which may be entering the state in plants, fruits, vegetables and soil; certifies export shipments for requirements of country of destination.  Inspects bees and hives to assure registration and freedom of apiary diseases and insect pests.  Issues standardized violation notices, disposal orders, stop sale orders and warnings, as necessary, in order to insure proper compliance with federal, state and local laws; compiles daily summary sheets of lots and packages inspected; prepares reports of inspections and investigations.  Enforces laws and regulations pertaining to the safe use, handling, sale, and storage of pesticides; prepares investigative reports and cases for administrative actions; responds to inquiries and complaints from industry, governmental agencies, and the public. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of: federal, state and local codes relating to agriculture, environmental protection, and sustainability; agricultural practices; proper scientific methods for performing inspections and investigations; general principles of biology, botany, entomology, plant pathology, and integrated pest management. Ability or Skill to: interpret and explain agriculture laws and regulations; work effectively with merchants, farmers, wholesalers and the general public; prepare and maintain accurate records collect and analyze data, commodities, specimens, and evidence; communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: These minimum qualifications establish the education, training, experience, special skills and/or license(s) which are required for employment in the classification. Please note, additional qualifications (i.e., special conditions) may apply to a particular position and will be stated on the exam/job announcement.

LICENSE AND CERTIFICATION: Possession of any two (2) of the required three (3) valid Agricultural Inspector/Biologist Licenses issued by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CFDA):  Pesticide Regulation License; Commodity Regulation License; Pest Prevention and Plant Regulation License.  (Must obtain the third valid CFDA Agricultural Inspector/Biologist License within twelve (12) months of hire) Possession of a valid California Driver License

Additional Information

NOTES: SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION Inspections are performed primarily at off-site locations and may require a moderate degree of physical exertion including lifting and carrying up to fifty (50) pounds; bending; stooping; climbing; crouching; reaching; kneeling; and manual dexterity; may operate various equipment and vehicles. PROMOTIVE LINES ORIGINATION DATE: 01/12/1961 AMENDED DATE: 07/08/20 REASON FOR AMENDMENT: To accurately reflect the current tasks, knowledge, skills & abilities, and minimum qualifications. BUSINESS UNIT(S): COMMN CONVICTION HISTORY: As a selected candidate for a job, you will be fingerprinted, and your fingerprints will be sent to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The resulting report of your conviction history (if any) will be used to determine whether the nature of your conviction (or arrest, in limited circumstances) conflicts with the specific duties and responsibilities of the job for which you are a selected candidate. If a conflict exists, you will be asked to present any evidence of rehabilitation that may mitigate the conflict, except when federal or state regulations bar employment in specific circumstances, such as: Candidates for positions with the Unified School District and the Community College District may be disqualified from consideration should their conviction history not meet the standards established under the California Education Code. Candidates for positions with the Recreation and Park Department may be disqualified from consideration should their conviction history not meet the standards established under California Public Resources Code 5164. Having a conviction history does not automatically preclude you from a job with the City. If you are a selected candidate, the hiring department will contact you to schedule a fingerprinting appointment. DISASTER SERVICE WORKERS: All City and County of San Francisco employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the City requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT:  All City and County of San Francisco employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of employment. Someone is fully vaccinated when 14 days have passed since they received the final dose of a two-shot vaccine or a dose of a one-shot vaccine. Any new hire must present proof of full vaccination status to be appointed. Any new hire who will be routinely assigned or occasionally enter High-Risk Settings, must provide proof of having received a COVID-19 booster vaccine by March 1, 2022, or once eligible.

The City and County of San Francisco encourages women, minorities and persons with disabilities to apply. Applicants will be considered regardless of their sex, race, age, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition (associated with cancer, a history of cancer, or genetic characteristics), HIV/AIDS status, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, military and veteran status, or other protected category under the law.