Entry Level Agricultural Science Jobs (NOW HIRING)

CAREER DESCRIPTION AGRICULTURAL / STANDARDS TECHNICIAN SALARY INFORMATION Salary may be negotiable within the range listed above, based on position requirements and the successful candidate's qualifications, subject to appropriate authorization. OPEN TO THE PUBLIC This recruitment is open to the public and is being held to establish an eligible list to fill current and future Agricultural/Standards Technician vacancies within OC Public Works and/or other County of Orange agencies. DEADLINE TO APPLY Friday, July 10 at 11:59 PM PST OC AGRICULTURE, WEIGHTS & MEASURES OC Agriculture, Weights & Measures is comprised of three functional divisions: Agricultural Services programs, Pesticide Use Enforcement programs, and Weights & Measures programs.

The Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer of Weights & Measures has the responsibility of enforcing legally mandated agricultural and pesticide laws and regulations, and the inspection of commercial weighing and measuring devices throughout the County, with the goals of preventing exotic plant pests and diseases from harming California's agricultural industry and environment; protecting residents, users, and the environment from pesticide hazards; and protecting consumers and businesses by providing a basis of value comparison and fair competition. For more information on the Orange County Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer of Weights & Measures' Office, click here. For more information on OC Public Works, click here.

For more information on the County of Orange, click here. THE OPPORTUNITY Under supervision, incumbents learn how to perform inspections in Agricultural Programs, Pesticide Use Enforcement, and/or Weights & Measures as employees of the Orange County Agricultural Commissioner and Sealer of Weights & Measures office. This is the entry-level classification used to provide employees with the experience required for the journey-level classification in the Agricultural/Standards Inspector series.

Incumbents work under general supervision while learning job tasks, progressing as the procedures and processes of the assigned areas of responsibilities are learned. Incumbents in this classification must obtain, within one year of employment, at least one state license in their area of assignment. Incumbents who have not received the appropriate license prior to the end of the probationary period will not pass probation.

Incumbents are expected to demonstrate progressive proficiency and independence in performing the duties outlined below and eventually possess at least three state licenses and one year of experience as a licensed technician to advance to the Agricultural/Standards Inspector class. DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS AND CORE COMPETENCIES In addition to the minimum qualifications, an ideal candidate must possess thorough or general knowledge in the following core competencies: TECHNICAL EXPERIENCE & KNOWLEDGE Interpret and apply state laws and local policies Perform technical fieldwork in one or more functional areas Preparing reports and maintaining records Knowledge of Microsoft Office programs, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook Knowledge of simple calculations and elementary understanding of statistical methods and probabilities as it relates to agriculture and/or weights and measures INDEPENDENT JUDGMENT Ability to prioritize assignments and complete tasks as given Ability to work independently with minimum supervision Exercise independent discretion and judgment in choosing courses of action in the field Understands the impact and implications of decisions and consider conflicting needs, options, and information to make tough decisions, even when data is limited or solutions produce unpleasant consequences COMMUNICATION SKILLS Demonstrate effective communication Clearly explain complex regulations and instructions to the public or business owners Communicate and enforce requirements tactfully and firmly Speak, read, write, and understand English at the level for successful job performance Select appropriate verbiage and examples tailored to the level and experience of the audience EDUCATION REQUIRED Possession of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college in any of the disciplines below with a minimum of 30-semester units or equivalent completed: Agricultural Science Biological Science Chemical Science Mathematics Physical Science Statistics LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS REQUIRED Must have a valid California Class C Driver's license for this position and must be maintained throughout employment. Depending on assignment, some positions in this class may require possession of a valid Commercial California Class B Driver's License.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Click here to view the complete classification description, including the physical and mental requirements as well as the environmental and working conditions for the Agricultural/Standards Technician. RECRUITMENT PROCESS Human Resource Services (HRS) screens all application materials for minimum and/or desirable qualifications. After screening, applicants who meet the minimum and/or desirable qualifications will be referred to the next step in the recruitment process.

All applicants will be notified via email of their status in the process. Application Screening (Refer/Non-Refer) Applications and supplemental responses will be screened for qualifications that are highly desirable and most needed to successfully perform the duties of this job. Only those candidates that meet the qualifications listed in the job bulletin will be referred to the next step.

Online Assessment | Applicants who meet minimum qualifications will be invited to participate in one or more job-related assessments. Applicants will be notified of their test date and access code, if applicable. Only the most qualified applicants will move forward to the next step in the recruitment process.

Structured Oral Interview | SOI Candidates will be interviewed and rated by a qualification appraisal panel of job knowledge experts. Each candidate's rating will be based on responses to a series of questions designed to elicit the candidate's qualifications for the job. Only the most successful candidates will be placed on to the eligible list.

Based on the Department's needs, the selection procedures above may be modified. Candidates will be notified of any changes in the selection procedures. Eligible List Once the assessment has been completed, HRS will establish an eligible list of candidates.

Candidates placed on the eligible list may be referred to a selection interview to be considered for present and future vacancies. Veterans Employment Preference The County is committed to providing a mechanism to give preferential consideration in the employment process to veterans and their eligible spouses and provide eligible participants the opportunity to receive interviews in the selection process for employment and paid internship openings. Please click here to review the policy.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION EMAIL NOTIFICATION Email is the primary form of notification during the recruitment process. Please ensure your correct email address is included in our application and use only one email account. Candidates will be notified regarding their status as the recruitment proceeds via email through the GovernmentJobs.com site

Please check your email folders, including spam/junk folders, and/or accept emails ending with "governmentjobs.com" and "ocgov.com." If your email address should change, please update your profile at www.governmentjobs.com. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: Click here for additional Frequently Asked Questions. Questions

For specific information pertaining to this recruitment, contact Linette Lavey at 714-667-1623 or Zachary.Gutierrez@pw.oc.gov. EEO INFORMATION Orange County, as an equal employment opportunity employer, encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.