A properly completed Supplemental Questionnaire must be submitted with each application. Failure to submit the Supplemental Questionnaire or submission of a Supplemental Questionnaire that is incomplete will result in disqualification.

THE POSITION(S): Incumbents in the class of Agricultural Biologist perform journey level inspection duties in designated subject areas in which they possess inspection licenses. Supervision is received by means of periodic checks and close review of inspection reports. Agricultural Biologists may give direction and guidance on specific assignments to Agricultural Biologist Trainees. Within two to five years incumbents are expected to earn the five agricultural licenses (certificates) required to perform all types of inspections and are expected to promote to the next higher class of Senior Agricultural Biologist.

PROMOTIONAL OPPORTUNITIES: Agricultural Biologist is a flexibly staffed position and may advance to Senior Agricultural Biologist ($1659.00 -Current Bi-Weekly Maximum) upon obtaining the five State issued Agricultural Inspection/Biologist certifications.

THE REQUIREMENTS: These are entrance requirements for admission to the examination, which is competitive. Possession of the entrance requirements does not assure a place on the eligible list. A candidate's performance in the examination will be judged in comparison with the performance of other candidates.

EDUCATION: Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with specialization in agricultural or biological science.

EXPERIENCE: The equivalent of two years full time experience in the enforcement of agricultural laws, in agricultural pest control, or in the production, marketing, or processing of agricultural commodities. This experience must have been at a level comparable to a County Agricultural Biologist.

CERTIFICATE: (Required for both qualifying patterns.) Possession of one or more valid State Certificates as an Agricultural Biologist in at least one of the following fields of agricultural inspection: Pesticide Regulation; Investigation and Environmental Monitoring; Integrated Pest Management; Commodity Regulation; Pest Prevention and Plant Regulation. Proof of certification(s) must be attached to application/Supplemental Questionnaire.

LICENSES: All candidates must possess a valid California Motor Vehicle Operator's license.

THE EXAMINATION: THIS IS A NEW CONTINUOUS EXAMINATION. The eligible list resulting from this examination will cancel any existing list and will last approximately one year but may be extended. This examination may be reopened as necessary and the names of additional candidates merged onto the existing list according to examination score.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY NECESSARY to perform the duties of an Agricultural Biologist are: KNOWLEDGE OF the provisions of the California Agricultural Code relating to the functions of the Agricultural Commissioner and related laws, orders and regulations; identification of crops, vertebrate pests, basic insects, plants, trees; use of pesticides, poison baits; record keeping systems. SKILL IN operating four-wheel drive vehicles; performing physical tasks equivalent to manual labor. ABILITY TO interpret and explain State and Federal agricultural regulations; enforce rules and regulations; work effectively with the public and other agencies engaged in agricultural inspection or control work; keep records and prepare reports; direct and train personnel in common field; and methods of inspection and identification.

THE EXAMINATION WILL CONSIST OF a review of candidates' applications and Supplemental Questionnaires to verify possession of minimum qualifications. Those candidates who possess the minimum qualifications for the class will be placed on the eligible list based on an evaluation of education, training, and experience. WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO MAKE CHANGES TO ANNOUNCED EXAMINATION STEPS.

General Application Information