Agricultural & Standards Inspector TR/I/II/III - Visalia - Tulare County, CA

Description

Salary : $45, $79,104.55 Annually
Location : Tulare, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: A
Department: Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer
Opening Date: 01/17/2026
Closing Date: 2/6/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Salary Ranges:
Trainee: $3, 825 - $4,662 Monthly
Level I: $4,306 - $5,248 Monthly
Level II: $4,755 - $5,795 Monthly
Level III: $5,408 - $6,592 Monthly

This recruitment will establish an employment list to fill current and any future vacancies within the Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer's Office. The anticipated life of the employment list is six months. If interested in employment for this position for current or future vacancies, please submit an online application for consideration.

Current vacancies are with the Tulare County Ag Commissioner/Sealer department located in Tulare. The anticipated life of the list is six months.
Typical Duties

• Conduct field surveys and inspections in areas applicable to the Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer's Department including fruit, vegetable and egg quality control, nursery compliance, pest and disease control, pesticide safety, weighing and measuring devices, quantity control of packaged commodities, weigh-master and petroleum products, electric meters and liquified petroleum gas.
• Investigate and determine commodity fitness and weight/measure and labeling accuracy, and recommend remedial measures used in the regulation of the agricultural industry and other industry affecting consumers such as issuing certificates of compliance or notice of noncompliance, ordering reconditioning or destruction of commodities, or issuing citations.
• Disseminate agricultural and weights and measures policies and information.
• Advise and serve the general public and government agencies.
• Conduct studies and such things as annual crop statistics and statistical sampling surveys.

For a full list of duties for Level Trainee, please click

For a full list of duties for Level I, please click

For a full list of duties for Level II, please click

For a full list of duties for Level III, please click

Minimum Qualifications
Minimum qualifications are used as a guide for establishing the education, training, experience, special skills and/or license which are required and equivalent to the following.

Education:

Level Trainee, I, II, III:

• Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited four (4) year college or university with specialization in one or more appropriate disciplines in the agricultural, biological, chemical, or physical sciences, or other appropriate disciplines, as determined by the Secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture.

Experience:

Level Trainee:

• None

Level I:

• One (1) year experience in the inspection and enforcement of weights and measures and agricultural laws and codes for enforcement purposes, or one (1) year as an Agricultural and Standards Inspector Trainee.

Level II:

• Two (2) years of experience in agricultural/weights and measures inspecting, weights and measures and agricultural laws and codes, one (1) year of which is above the Trainee level.

Level III:

• Three (3) years of experience in agricultural and/or weights and measures inspection and enforcement of weights and measures laws and agricultural codes, with at least two (2) years above the trainee level.

Knowledge of:

Level Trainee:

• Math sufficient to record monies received, calculate packaging errors, use sampling techniques, read and calibrate measurement instruments and convert mass volume and length measurements.
• General principles regarding plant growth and development.
• Insect, animal and disease vectors and their control.
• Types of crops grown and farming methods practiced in Tulare County.

In addition to the above, Level I:

• The specialized field or fields of agricultural or weights and measures inspection as specified by the Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer.
• The provisions of the California Agricultural Code, Administrative Code-Title IV and the Business and Professions Codes and related federal laws and regulations in the functional areas of agricultural or weights and measures inspection and enforcement.

In addition to the above, Level II:

• Departmental safety practices for the use and maintenance of equipment and use of various agricultural related materials.
• Outside resources available to the department.

In addition to the above, Level III:

• Rules of evidence and courtroom procedures.
• Math sufficient convert mass, volume and length measurements to different units of measurement.
• Principles of supervision.

Skill/Ability to:

Level Trainee:

• Work and communicate effectively with people of various education and socioeconomic backgrounds by respecting beliefs, interpersonal styles and behaviors of both clients and co-workers.
• Operate contemporary office equipment inclusive of computer, keyboard, and all applicable electronic equipment.
• Organize and prioritize work activities.
• Follow oral and written instructions.
• Adjust to changes in workloads and assignments and work under stress of meeting deadlines.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships.
• Read and understand technical material such as federal, state and local laws, regulations and ordinances.
• Maintain records, and collect and organize information from records, interviews or tests.
• Prepare clear, concise and grammatically correct reports and correspondence.
• Research background information, establish facts, draw valid conclusions and make appropriate recommendations or decisions.
• Communicate effectively with the public, co-workers and industry people.
• Operate a variety of County vehicles.

In addition to the above, Level I:

• Provide information and explanation of laws, regulations and technical material to the public on an individual or group basis.
• Enforce laws, issue citations and notice of violations, make appropriate recommendations for corrective action as conditions or studies warrant or permit.
• Be firm, consistent, and courteous, use persuasion and negotiation to gain compliance and cooperation in an enforcement/inspection situation.
• Maintain and service department standards and equipment.

In addition to the above, Level II:

• Recognize such things as defects and maturity of fruit, production areas and relationships of one plant, insect and animal to the environment and to each other.
• Gather and preserve evidence during investigations.
• Negotiate, including listening and persuading for the purpose of conducting interviews and effectively dealing with others.
• Maintain cooperative relations with such people as growers, agency personnel, consumers and the public.
• Remain flexible and tolerant under changing workloads, assignments and stress of meeting deadlines.
• Retain and recall factual information.
• Convey and follow written and verbal instruction.
• Use scientific precision measuring instruments and other technical equipment accurately.

In addition to the above, Level III:

• Read, interpret and apply the provisions of laws and regulations related to agriculture and weights and measures.
• Explain technical terms and inspection policies and procedures to lay persons.
• Write clear, concise, grammatically correct reports, letters and memoranda.
• Conduct research, collect information, define problems, establish facts and draw valid conclusions.
• Work with a high degree of independence.

License or Certificate:

Level Trainee:

• Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid California driver's license.
• Possess one (1) valid State of California Specific Category License in Agriculture or Weights & Measures within one (1) year after date of hire.

Level I:

• Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid California driver's license.
• Possess one (1) valid State of California Specific Category License in Agriculture or Weights & Measures.

Level II:

• Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid California driver's license.
• Possession of three (3) valid State of California Specific Category Licenses, of which two (2) must be in agricultural inspection and one (1) in weights and measures inspection. License categories will be designated by the Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer.

Level III:

• Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid California driver's license.
• Possession of at least six (6) valid State of California Specific Category Licenses of which two (2) must be in weights and measures and three (3) must be in agricultural inspection, and one (1) must be in either agriculture or weights and measures. Categories will be designated by the Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer.

DESIRABLE EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

Knowledge of:

Level III:

• Department goals, objectives, and interaction with other departments and agencies.
• Safety practices and policies regarding use of County equipment and materials.

Training techniques and methods.
Additional Information
Conditions of Employment
Candidates selected will be required to pass a pre-employment drug and alcohol screening. Additionally, a background investigation may also be conducted, which may include a re-investigation every 10 years for some positions. An Employment Eligibility Verification using E-Verify may be required on the first day of employment for some positions. Some job classes may also require a physical exam.

College Cost Reduction Access Act

This may be a qualifying position for student loan forgiveness through the College Cost Reduction and Access Act (CCRAA). Only student loan payments made after October 1, 2007 and in a qualified repayment plan are eligible. For more information you are encouraged to speak with your student loan servicer or visit:

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Bargaining Unit 3

The information listed is a general summary of benefits. These provisions do not constitute an expressed or implied contract and are subject to change.

Benefit Amount: An annual benefit amount is provided and may be applied towards health insurance premiums (medical, dental, vision and life). This benefit is pro-rated and paid on a pay period basis (24 pay periods).

Health Insurance: A choice of PPO and HMO medical plans which include PPO and HMO dental plans and include dental and vision coverage. Dependent coverage is available. Providers include Anthem Blue Cross, Kaiser Permanente, Delta Dental, and Vision Services Plan (VSP).

Retirement: The retirement plan is a defined benefit plan administered pursuant to the 1937 Act County Employees Retirement Act and integrated with Social Security. In addition to ordinary retirement benefits, the plan provides disability and death benefits. Retirement contributions are made by both the County and the employee. The County has reciprocity with the State of California, contracting PERS agencies, and all County 1937 Act Retirement Systems.

Paid Holiday Leave: 12 set days and 1 personal holiday.

Vacation Accrual:
2 weeks per year (0-3 years of service)
3 weeks per year (3-7 years of service)
4 weeks per year (7-11 years of service)
5 weeks per year (11+ years of service)
Limit of 300 hours.
Sick Leave Accrual: 12 days per year with unlimited accumulation, 60 hours of which may be used toward family sick leave.

Career Incentive Pay
Employees who have completed five (5) or more Years of Service with Tulare County and meet the eligibility criteria described in Administrative Regulation - 52, earn additional pay according to the schedule below.
Years of Service

% Increase

Total

5

3%

3%

10

2%

5%

15

3%

8%

20

2%

10%
Group Term Life Insurance and AD&D: $10,000; Provided by Standard Insurance Company.

Disability Insurance: Employees are covered by State Disability Insurance. The premium is paid by the employee.

Deferred Compensation: A voluntary deferred compensation plan is available.
To view more detailed descriptions of Tulare County's benefits, please view the Benefits section of our Web site at

The Provisions Of This Bulletin Do Not Constitute An Expressed Or Implied Contract And Are Subject To Change.
01

The supplemental application form is an EXAMINATION. All candidates are required to complete the questions at the end of the application. The supplemental application questions will be used to select the most highly qualified candidates who will then advance to the next step in the selection process. The questions that follow will be used to evaluate the extent to which a candidate has demonstrated and applied the knowledge, skills and abilities critical to successful performance for this position. You must respond to all required questions to be considered for this position.To qualify for the Agricultural and Standards Inspector Trainee position, you MUST possess a bachelor's degree with specialization in an appropriate discipline in the agricultural, biological, chemical, physical sciences, or other appropriate discipline as determined by the Secretary of California Department of Food and Agriculture. NOTE: State and Federal Inspection Certificates/Licenses do NOT meet this requirement.The following questions measure necessary employment standards for Agricultural and Standards Inspector Trainee/I/II/III. You must respond to all of these questions to be considered for this position.Do you possess a bachelor's degree with specialization in agricultural or biological sciences from an accredited college or university?

• Yes
• No

02

If you answered yes to the above question, indicate your major and the institution from which obtained:
03

Do you possess a valid statewide specific category license(s) as a County Agricultural Inspector/Biologist?

• Yes
• No

04

If you answered yes to the above question, check below the /those valid license(s) that you possess:

• Commodity Regulation
• Integrated Pest Management
• Pest Prevention and Plant Regulation
• Older, valid Agriculture Licenses
• Investigation and Environmental Monitoring
• Pesticide Regulation

05

If you indicated having older, valid Agriculture Licenses-Please list those you possess.
06

As an Agricultural and Standards Inspector you will be required to interpret and apply laws and regulations. Please list any technical material which you have read and applied and indicate how you applied the information, i.e., wrote research paper/term paper, enforced policy or procedure, explained a process to employees.
07

As an Agricultural and Standards Inspector you will be required to maintain effective communications with the Agricultural community. Describe the types of communications you have had with others which utilized your interviewing and listening skills in an effort to persuade or negotiate with others to gain their cooperation.
08

Describe the types of reports you have prepared which included collecting, organizing and analyzing information.
09

Indicate if you have math skills sufficient to record monies received, calculate packaging errors, use sampling techniques, read and calibrate measurement instruments and convert mass, volume and length by: A. Listing high school, college, trade or technical school math course work taken.B. Listing work experience, college or technical school projects, and/or research projects completed that demonstrate your level of math skills.
10

The following questions measure desirable employment standards for the Trainee position. It is not necessary to answer these questions to apply for the Trainee position, however, those that answer these questions may be considered more qualified and may be given first consideration. Describe your knowledge of and skill in the use of various work aides, equipment and precision instruments, such as refractors, scales, lab equipment, spray equipment, and titration equipment. Include in your response the equipment used and the skill level attained.
11

Describe your experience and knowledge of the methods and practices used to grow and market agricultural commodities. Include in your response the type of commodity and your responsibility in this area.
12

Do you possess a valid statewide specific category license(s) as a County Weights and Measures Inspector?

• Yes
• No

13

If you answered yes the above, check below the valid license(s) that you possess:

• Measurement Verification
• Transaction and Product Verification
• Weight Verification
• Older, valid Weights and Measures Certificates

14

If you indicated having older, valid Weights and Measures Certificates-Please list those you possess:
15

Some assignments may require operating a heavy weight truck. Are you willing to drive or operate heavy equipment such as a truck?

• Yes
• No

16

If you answered yes to above, please describe any experience you have had driving equipment and training you may have gained or licenses you may possess relating to this duty.
Required Question