AGRICULTURAL PROGRAMS BIOLOGIST

Transcription

1 Monterey County DEFINITION AGRICULTURAL PROGRAMS BIOLOGIST Under direction, performs complex professional work in general biology, including the detection, and identification of plant disease, insect and weed infestations, conducts or directs chemical, biological and mechanical exclusion, control and eradication of agricultural pests, enforces Federal, State and local agricultural laws and regulations in the areas of pest prevention, plant quarantine, pest exclusion, pesticide use enforcement, nursery and seed regulation, and fruit and vegetable quality control; supervises, plans, assigns, reviews and evaluates the work of assigned staff, and does other work as required. DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS The Agricultural Programs Biologist class is found only in the office of the Agricultural Commissioner, a regulatory and enforcement agency, with the authority to issue administrative penalties, and is responsible for programs to monitor compliance with State, Federal and local law within the industries of the County, and to ensure the health, safety and welfare of consumers and workers and the protection of the environment. This is a specialized class functioning as department general biologist, entomologist and plant pathologist with primary countywide responsibility for detection, identification and eradication or management of pests, and with limited responsibility for enforcement/inspection work. It is distinguished from the Agricultural Inspector/Biologist series in that incumbents of the latter class perform more regulatory compliance and inspection duties in a major program or branch office of the Agricultural Commissioner. It is further distinguished from the class of Deputy Agricultural Commissioner in that the latter has full responsibility for the supervision of staff engaged in regulatory inspection and enforcement work in a major program or branch office of the Agricultural Commissioner. EXAMPLES OF DUTIES 1. Conducts field surveys and laboratory inspections to detect and identify plant disease and insect infestations, and other pests and pathogens. 2. Identifies causes, recommends appropriate solutions and plans, organizes and coordinates proper methods for control and eradication of plant diseases, insect pests and noxious weeds. 3. Determines possible sources of potential new pests including likely entry and high hazard areas, designs surveys for early detection; develops detection protocols and coordinates field staff. 4. Supervises assigned staff performing a variety of program duties. 5. Examines plant, insect and soil samples or other biological materials in laboratory or field settings to identify potential pests and diseases; submits samples to state or private laboratories as appropriate.

2 6. Disseminates and monitors biological control agents. 7. Examines insect specimens, insect traps and other materials in laboratory and field settings to detect and identify pests; submits specimens to state laboratories as needed for official confirmation. 8. Inspects seed production facilities, green houses and other production areas to ensure pest-free production and operations. 9. Plans and conducts weed control and eradication activities, may personally address small or remote infestations or plan and direct larger control and eradication operations. 10. Maintains collections of insects, plants and other materials for reference and identification. 11. Meets with members of the agricultural industry, other agencies, universities and the public regarding pest and disease issues; makes presentations and represents County interests. 12. Researches, issues and evaluates certificates of quarantine compliance, phytosanitary certificates, and special permits, notices of violation, origin certificates, and hold orders. 13. Evaluates crop losses/damage due to insect and diseases, pesticides, weather, and other causes. 14. May assist Agricultural Inspector/Biologists in conducting inspections, may issue permits, and may conduct specialized training. 15. Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with other agencies and clients such as the public, growers, media, schools, etc. 16. May act in the absence of a Deputy Agricultural Commissioner. QUALIFICATIONS A combination of experience, education, and/or training which substantially demonstrates the following knowledge, skills and abilities: Knowledge and Skills: Thorough knowledge of: 1. Investigation procedures and methods used to isolate, identify, evaluate and classify insects, plant diseases, nematodes or other organisms 2. Methods and techniques used in the control or eradication of common plant diseases, pests and noxious weeds 3. Usage and application of pesticides Working Knowledge of: 1. General biological science 2. Organic and inorganic chemistry 3. Crop science 4. Laboratory equipment, methods and techniques used in the identification and classification of common insect and plant pathogens, culture of plant pathogens and preparation of plant and insect slides for microscopic examination 5. Nursery, seed and apiary regulation

3 6. Principles of personnel and program management 7. Personal computer usage including the following software: Word, Excel, Outlook, Access, PowerPoint, as well as internet research methods 8. Principles and practices of field inspection Basic Knowledge of: 1. California Food and Agricultural Code, Code of Regulations, Business and Professional Code, County Ordinances and other County, state and federal laws and regulations pertaining to County agricultural operations 2. The Pest Prevention and Plant Regulation (Quarantine) Program, including export requirements 3. The Pesticide Use Enforcement Program 4. Agricultural production methods and business practices 5. Botany, entomology, vertebrate and invertebrate zoology, nematology and plant pathology Skill and Ability to: 1. Use standard laboratory equipment 2. Photograph plant, animal and insect specimens and maintain files for identification and tracking 3. Identify common agricultural crops, ornamental plants and weeds 4. Interpret, apply and enforce agricultural standards, laws and regulations 5. Train, assign, review and evaluate the work of subordinate staff 6. Deal tactfully and effectively with the public and others contacted in the course of work 7. Establish and maintain cooperative relations in enforcement situations that may be difficult or tense 8. Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing 9. Distinguish basic insects/pests through a hand lens 10. Speak in public before large and small groups 11. Prepare accurate reports and records 12. Analyze data and situations, and make effective recommendations 13. Maintain confidentiality of protected records REQUIRED CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT As a condition of employment, the incumbent will be required to: 1. Possess a valid California class C driver s license 2. Pass a pre-employment physical examination 3. Possess and maintain a good driving record and good driving habits 4. Travel and work throughout Monterey County 5. Adhere to related Federal, State and local safety laws, regulations, and ordinances as applicable 6. Wear and use proper and appropriate safety clothing and equipment

4 7. Work overtime, weekends and holidays as assignments require 8. Acquire and maintain safety certifications as required 9. Work under such adverse conditions as inclement weather, heat, dust, chemicals, and noise 10. Work in confined spaces such as rail cars 11. May come in contact with a variety of toxic elements or irritants while wearing protective equipment REQUIRED EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION/TRAINING Pursuant to the Food and Agricultural Code of California, Chapter 2, Section 2106, must meet State of California requirements for licensing as a County Agricultural Inspector/Biologist. Must possess all five state licenses required for a County Agricultural Inspector/Biologist and become a federal Accredited Certifying Official (ACO) for export certification within four years of employment, must obtain core license (a) within the first year of employment; core licenses (b) and (c) as well as the ACO accreditation by the end of the second year of employment; and the remaining two licenses by the end of the fourth year of employment: a. Pest Prevention and Plant Regulation b. Pesticide Regulation c. Investigation and Environmental Monitoring d. Integrated Pest Management e. Commodity Regulation Licensure as a Deputy Agricultural Commissioner is desirable. EXAMPLES OF EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION The knowledge, skills and abilities listed above may be acquired through various types of experiences, education or training, typically: Experience: One year of professional field or laboratory experience in entomology, plant pathology, as an agricultural pesticide control advisor or closely related field is desirable Education: AND Graduation from an accredited four-year institution of higher education with a Bachelor's degree specializing in one or more appropriate disciplines in the agricultural, or

5 biological sciences or other appropriate disciplines as determined by the Secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture to qualify for licensing exam, and sufficient coursework in entomology and plant pathology to acquire the requisite knowledge and skills. PHYSICAL AND SENSORY REQUIREMENTS The physical and sensory abilities required for this classification include: 1. Operate a motor vehicle, including forklifts, ATVs, trucks with trailers 2. Walk on uneven terrain 3. Lift, push pull and/or carry a 50-pound object 4. Visually acuity sufficient to identify insects and plant pathogens and use a microscope; may have to differentiate between colors while conducting tests 5. Verbally communicate and to hear cell phones in field or noisy environments 6. Read maps, fine print, gauges, meters and other calibrated or precision measuring instrument, data on computer screen, and to visually detect differences between agricultural pests, crops, plant material, etc. 7. Sit and/or walk for approximately 8-10 hours a day 8. Distinguish and identify sounds and voices in a noisy environment, able to recognize potential danger 9. Project a voice that can be heard over loud noises 10. Work outdoors, on uneven ground or floor surfaces, and on slippery surfaces, or come into contact with water 11. Work under adverse weather conditions CLASS HISTORY CLASS DATA Class Code: 30N50 Job Group: 03 Established Date: EEO Category: P Revised Date: June, 2013 Work Comp. Code: 8810 Former Title: Staff Biologist Bargaining/Employee Unit: F FLSA: E Prepared by: Barbara Santos, CPS Consultant Approved by: /s/ Kim Moore County Administrative Office 6/24/2013 Date