Department of Food & Agriculture

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

Under the general supervision of the Senior Environmental Scientist (Supervisory), the Agricultural Technician II leads, plans, organizes and directs the work of a small crew of seasonal employees. The incumbent is well experienced and has developed the expertise necessary to independently perform the more difficult, varied and responsible duties of the required job. This is generally exhibited by wide and varied experience in the applicable field of entomological or plant pest work or directing the work of others in the applicable field assignments. Specific responsibilities include but are not limited to: following an established work routine to schedule surveys, deployment and servicing for a variety of insect traps, various aspects of pesticide applications, conducting visual survey of designated areas for host material, pest damage (such as Exotic Wood Borer, Cereal Leaf Beetle, etc.), documentation of work completed, field identification of suspect target insects, interaction with the public (notification for property and field surveys), and packaging and electronic data entry of suspect insects for submission to the identification lab.

Act as a lead person over personnel in the Agricultural Aide (Seasonal)/Agricultural Technician I (Seasonal) classifications and/or other assigned cooperators.

Assemble crews, conduct training involving field related activities, personal and equipment safety precautions and schedule daily assignments.

Independently perform the more difficult, varied, and responsible duties in a field or a field and laboratory setting concerned with the inspection of agricultural commodities, the control of plant pests and diseases.

Safely operate and maintain state vehicle to travel to designated work areas locally and throughout the State.

Follow established protocols for visual surveys, pesticide use, eradication and detection/delimitation trapping.

Service various insect traps, perform visual surveys and insect sweeps, visually inspect for target pest damage on local plant hosts, and conduct eradication treatments (mixing and application of spray materials).

Inspect for, collect, process and package suspect plant and insect samples that are removed from plants and/or soil using various insect/plant collection tools.

Ensure field samples are submitted via the electronic Pest Detection Report (PDR) and site registered via GPS technology.

Must be able to read maps to navigate to multiple locations when performing field activities.

Must be able to draw maps to show exact geographic locations.

Use GPS technology to site register samples and package samples separately to maintain sample and site integrity.

Ensure assignments are reviewed for completeness and accuracy; field inspections are conducted for quality and quantity of work performed; time and attendance of assigned staff are monitored, and all pertinent personnel matters are reported to the appropriate supervision level.

Ensure all pesticide labels, MSDS’s, maps, hospital information, accident identification forms and other documentation are in each vehicle and office site.

Candidates may perform these essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.

Working Conditions

The duties of this position are primarily conducted outdoors. The incumbent 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. Incumbent may experience regular exposure to dust, pollen, and moisture. Some trap types use a specific chemical insect lure; some of these lures may contain small amounts of pesticide. The work area can be urban or rural. Incumbent will be provided CDFA uniforms and personal protective equipment when using pesticides.

The incumbent will be required to drive and must have a valid Class C, or equivalent driver’s license and a safe driving record as documented by the Department of Motor Vehicles (a safe driving record is one free from convictions in the past two years for repeated moving violations, or a single serious violation, such as drunk driving or reckless driving). Safely operate and maintain state vehicle to travel to designated work areas. Must be able to apply pesticides, work well under extreme time constraints, exercise good judgement, determine priorities, make appropriate well-thought-out decisions, allocate resources to achieve maximum results, maintain focus under conditions of duress, and provide accurate assessment of rapidly changing situations (e.g., Multiple exotic pest detections requiring multiple operations).

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; and work independently and in cooperation with other staff members in completing assigned duties and meeting required deadlines. Travel by state vehicle or other public transportation systems to various locations throughout the state may be required.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.
AGRICULTURAL TECHNICIAN II (SEASONAL)
AGRICULTURAL TECHNICIAN I (SEASONAL)
AGRICULTURAL TECHNICIAN III (SEASONAL)
Additional Documents

Job Application Package Checklist
Duty Statement
Position Details

Job Code #:
JC-409234
Position #(s):
014-635-0033-XXX
Working Title:
Agricultural Technician II (Seasonal)
Classification:
AGRICULTURAL TECHNICIAN II (SEASONAL)
$17.93 – $21.39
Shall Consider:

AGRICULTURAL TECHNICIAN I (SEASONAL)

$17.25 – $20.61
AGRICULTURAL TECHNICIAN III (SEASONAL)

$19.36 – $22.02
# of Positions:
Multiple
Work Location:
San Diego County
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
Non-Tenured, Intermittent
Department Information

The Pest Detection/Emergency Projects Branch is responsible for the early detection and prompt eradication of serious exotic agricultural pests. The Branch accomplishes its mission by conducting a statewide trapping program, staffed by county and state inspectors, for exotic insect pests; by implementing special surveys for significant agricultural pests and plant diseases for which traps are not available; and by providing emergency eradications services using the best available technology.

Application Instructions

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 to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).
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.CalCareers.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 JC-409234
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:

Department of Food & Agriculture
Human Resources Branch JC-409234
1220 N Street, Room 242
Sacramento, CA 95814
ELECTRONIC APPLICATION IS PREFERRED. All mail or drop-off applications must include JC-409234
08:00 AM – 05:00 PM
Required Application Package Documents

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

Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.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.
Benefits

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.
Contact Information

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

Hiring Unit Contact:
Adam Pena
(916) 584-4069
adam.pena@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:
Office of Civil Rights
(916) 654-1005
Civil_Rights@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.

Hard Copy Applications:

If you are dropping off or mailing in your application, please use the Examination/Employment Application, STD 678 Revised 10/2023 version.
Additional Information:

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

Upon hire you may be required to provide official sealed transcripts or an original degree or certificate.

Applicants 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 and Training and Development assignments 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.