Job Description

Posting number: 2026-00054

Department: Environmental Management Agency

Division: EMA - Agriculture

Job classification: Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer of Weights & Measurements

Posting type: Open

Categories: Agriculture

Summary

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Under administrative direction, plans, organizes and directs the management and operation of the Department of Agriculture and Weights and Measures, enforces laws and regulations pertaining to pesticide use, agriculture and weights and measures and performs related duties as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

This is a single position class functioning under the Director of the Environmental Management Agency. The incumbent is appointed by the Board of Supervisors and shall serve according to provisions of the Food and Agricultural Code Sections 2121 et. seq. and Business and Professions Code Sections 12200 et. seq., as well as per other applicable laws, regulations and policies.

Examples of duties

• Directs and coordinates staff and activities involved in the enforcement of all state laws, rules and regulations that pertain to the Office of the County Agricultural Commissioner; provides technical advice and training on problems relating to agriculture, pest control and weights and measures.
• Manages programs for inspection, quarantine and standardization of agricultural products; detection, control and abatement of agricultural invasive pests and noxious weeds.
• Enforces state pesticide use laws and regulations.
• Enforces labeling, packing and marketing standards found in the food and ag code for agricultural products.
• Coordinates and supervises the local program for the control of predatory animals.
• Inspects and enforces regulations pertaining to weighing and measuring devices, petroleum products, net contents of packaged goods and weigh master operations.
• Supervises subordinate staff, including hiring, training and evaluation.
• Develops and manages departmental budget, including the monitoring of revenue and expenditure accounts.
• Determines needs for fixed asset purchases, coordinates collection and usage of pertinent statistics.
• Manages agreements and contracts with the California Department of Food and Agriculture and the Department of Pesticide Regulation.
• Prepares and presents reports to the Board of Supervisors, county managers and others; confers with local, state and federal officials regarding departmental activities.
• Compiles a statistical annual report on the agricultural production within the county.
• Accepts applications for and collaborates with the Planning Department to Administer the Williamson Act program.
• Serves as departmental liaison and lead agent for the Right to Farm Ordinance.
• Represents Calaveras County on The Fish and Game Committee, The Ag Advisory Committee and The Hardwood Advisory Committee.
• Represents the Department with external partners and community stakeholders including Farm Bureau, Resource Conservation District, Calaveras Grown and Cattlemen Organizations.

Qualifications

Knowledge of:

Local, state and federal laws and regulations pertaining to agriculture, pesticides, and weights and measures; predatory animal control; detection, management and eradication methods of exotic insect pests and invasive weeds, training and evaluation methods; modern methods of producing, packing, labeling, shipping and marketing agricultural products. The principles and practices of public administration including budgeting, supervision, training and evaluation methods

Skill and Ability to:

Plan, organize and manage a complex department engaged in several different areas of inspection, enforcement, control and service delivery; develop, implement and communicate procedures and programs in response to changing laws, rules, regulations and public demands; develop, communicate and direct operations toward accomplishment of goals and objectives; keep abreast of, understand and interpret departmental administrative practices; develop and direct implementation of operational procedures; identify, analyze and resolve administrative problems; make sound decisions and exercise independent judgment; understand and respond appropriately to local community needs; effectively delegate responsibility and authority; develop responsive and effective operational policy; determine the appropriate course of action in stressful or emergency situations; direct the collection and analysis of data to establish and identify needs and evaluate program effectiveness; prepare and present budgets and control expenditures; prepare and present various narrative and statistical reports or direct same; comply with laws, regulations and professional practices governing agriculture, weights and measures and animal control programs services and operations; secure cooperation and teamwork from management, professional, technical and/or support staff; organize and prioritize departmental operations; determine and evaluate achievements and performance levels; supervise managers and support staff; work in an environment with considerable regulatory change and high public interest; communicate effectively both verbally and in writing; perform various public relations activities; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with a wide variety of groups and individuals; prepare and present effective reports; serve as a member of the county's management team; and represent the county's interests in an effective manner.

Education, Training, and Experience:

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in Agriculture, Biological Sciences or a related field; equivalent to five years of experience in enforcement of agricultural or weights and measures laws, including at least two years of demonstrated management, supervisory or program responsibility. Possession of the required licenses fulfills any educational requirements normally associated with this position.

Supplemental information

• Possession of an appropriate California driver's license issued by the State Department of Motor Vehicles.
• Possession of a valid license as County Agricultural Commissioner issued by the Secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture.
• Possession of a valid license as County Sealer of Weights and Measures issued by the Secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture.