The Cooperative Agricultural Support Services Authority (CASS) is looking for reliable, dedicated individuals to work as an Agricultural Technicians performing regulatory inspections on vehicles and commodities entering California from other states.  This is a seasonal position with a starting wage of $12.85 per hour.

Under the general supervision of the Station Manager, Shift Supervisor, or Lead Inspector, the Agricultural Technician I performs regulatory inspections on vehicles and commodities to prevent the introduction of unwanted pests into California.   Responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Vehicle Inspection – 40%

Inspect vehicles to determine if plant material (i.e., fruits, vegetables, plants, etc.) is present.  Check and determine admissibility of plant materials based upon quarantine compliance and freedom from pests.  Activities associated with this function include:

• Physically inspect and/or enter the interior of vehicles including trailers, trunks, and passenger compartments of commercial trucks, automobiles, and recreational vehicles.  This may require the use of ladders or climbing steps.
• Visually inspect for and remove hitchhiking pests (i.e., gypsy moth, zebra mussel, etc.) from the exterior of recreational vehicles and watercraft.  This may require the use of “creepers” to inspect the underside of vehicles, ladders to climb into or onto vehicles, and power-washers to remove pests.

• Determine the contents and admissibility of commercial shipments by reading and interpreting shipping manifests and quarantine certificates.  This may require the use of printed and electronic reference materials to make sound decisions relating to the release or rejection of shipments.
• Determine the admissibility of private shipments of plant material by using printed and electronic reference materials to make sound decisions relating to the release or rejection of shipments.
• Complete on-the-job training (including manuals, computer programs, and videos) designed to assist inspectors in learning and keeping abreast of changes in regulations, and vehicle inspection procedures.

2. Commodity Inspection/Pest Sample Submission – 20%

Inspect commodities for pest insects, diseases, weeds, and nematodes.  Submit suspect pest species to the CDFA Plant Pest Diagnostics lab for identification.  Activities associated with this function include:

• Sample and inspect rejected or regulated commodities for pest infestation.  This may require the collecting and carrying of samples and the use of knives, fruit crushers, hand lenses, and microscopes to examine commodities.
• Make preliminary identification of common pests by comparing collected specimens with samples or printed or electronic reference materials.
• Using prescribed methods, preserve and ship suspect pest specimens for laboratory identification.
• Dispose of rejected commodities by grinding, burning, or placement in dumpster.  This may require the use of wheel barrows, hand trucks, and incinerators.
• Complete on-the-job training (including manuals, computer programs, and videos) designed to assist inspectors in inspecting for and identifying pests.

3. Data Collection/Entry/Dissemination – 20%

Gather data and enter it into electronic and printed forms for legal and statistical pruposes.  Activities associated with this function include:

• Use computers to enter information regarding traffic flow, pest samples, and rejected or quarantined commercial shipments into computer databases.
• Use photocopy machines to make copies of shipping documents and certificates accompanying commercial shipments.
• Use digital camera to document important and unusual events occurring at the facility including accidents, quarantine incidents, and pest finds.
• Gather data for cooperative interagency activities performed at the station.  This may include supplying information to the Board of Equalization, the Department of Fish and Game, and other private or governmental agencies as approved by management.
• Use fax, email, and postal systems to disseminate information to interested parties including headquarters office, agricultural commissioners, and other agencies.

4. Public Relations – 10%

Apply good public relations techniques to educate and solicit the cooperation of the public and maintain the good image of CASS and CDFA.  Activities associated with this function include:

• Verbally communicate regulations and the purpose of inspection to the general public and truck drivers.
• Distribute job-related informational flyers to the general public and truck drivers.
• Maintain a courteous, professional, and friendly demeanor in all interactions with the public and truck drivers.
• Politely answer the station telephone and give accurate information to callers.
• Follow established grooming and uniform standards.

B.  Nonessential Functions

1. Facility Maintenance – 10%

Perform minor cleanup and maintenance of buildings and grounds to ensure a facility that is safe, sanitary, and functional.  Activities associated with this function include:

• Clean restrooms, storerooms, offices, inspection booths, inspection lanes and other work areas.  This may entail cleaning toilets, picking up and emptying trash, washing windows, mopping, sweeping, and other duties as prescribed by the Station Manager, Shift Supervisor, or Shift Leader.
• Perform minor maintenance of the facility and grounds including: restrooms, storerooms, offices, inspection booths, and inspection lanes and areas.  This may entail using power equipment to cut lawns or weeds, painting, and minor building repair, and other duties as prescribed by the Station Manager, Shift Supervisor, or Shift Leader.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Employees in this classification are routinely assigned to rotating work shifts including day, evening and night.  This job is performed outdoors, in the private vehicle and truck inspection areas approximately 80% of the time.  The remaining time is spent in an office environment.   When working outdoors, the incumbent may be exposed to high-low temperature changes, variable climatic conditions, rain, fog, dust, fumes, gases, and odors.  The noise level in the work environment is moderate.  The wearing of a uniform is required.
 

The incumbent in this position must be able to establish and maintain effective working relationships; work well under pressure; and, work cooperatively with other staff members, other agencies, and the public in completing assigned work and meeting required deadlines.  Dependability and job commitment are critical to success in this classification.  Inspectors must understand and follow directions; communicate effectively (verbally and in writing) in English; and follow prescribed safety practices.  Seasoned inspectors are expected to be able to work independently with little or no supervision.  The incumbent in this position will be required, with or without reasonable accommodation, to stand on their feet for extended periods on a frequent basis during their shift; occasionally lift up to 20 pounds; use repetitive arm and wrist motions; bend, stoop, twist, reach, and kneel; climb ladders and steps; enter, exit, and climb on and off of vehicles and trailers; and, maintain visual acuity.

For all temporary or seasonal job classifications, offers of employment are contingent upon an acceptable driving record as documented on a California Deparment of Motor Vehicle Driving Record.  The incumbent must maintain and acceptable driving record and a valid drivers' license at all times.