Agricultural/Weights & Measures Inspector I/II/III
Stanislaus County Modesto, California, United States
- Location: Modesto, California, United States
- Categories: Agriculture / Farm / Ranch Related
- Job Type: Full Time
- Posted: May 21, 2026
Job Description:
Agricultural/Weights & Measures Inspector I/II/III
Description
About the OpportunityTHE IDEAL CANDIDATE The ideal candidate for this position is a detail-oriented professional with a strong interest in protecting agriculture, consumers, and fair business practices. This individual demonstrates sound judgment, accuracy, and consistency when conducting inspections, preparing reports, and resolving issues. The ideal candidate is adaptable, dependable, innovative, and committed to public service. They possess strong written and verbal communication skills, and demonstrate initiative, integrity, and sound judgment when navigating regulatory requirements and enforcement impacts. This person thrives in a fast-paced, multi-tasking environment, is technically proficient with computerized electronic devices, inspection tools and equipment, and takes pride in public service and protecting the interests of the community, agriculture, and consumers.
TENTATIVE RECRUITMENT SCHEDULE
Application Deadline: June 8, 2026
Oral Examination: Week of June 22, 2026 To learn more about the Stanislaus County Agricultural Commissioner's Office, https://www.stanag.org/ .
THE POSITION Agricultural/Weights and Measures Inspectors will work under the supervision of the Supervising Agricultural / Weights and Measures Inspectors, who report directly to the Deputy Agricultural Commissioner. They enforce state, federal, and local agricultural and weights and measures laws and regulations, to protect the well-being of agriculture, the environment, businesses, and the community. As an Agricultural Inspector in the Agricultural Division, you will enforce pesticide laws and regulations, certify agricultural products for export, work to detect and prevent the entry and spread of insects, weeds, and plant diseases harmful to agriculture, and certify agricultural product quality. As a Weights and Measures Inspector in the Weights and Measures Division, you’ll test and certify weighing and measuring devices to protect consumers and businesses and promote a fair and equitable marketplace.
Typical Tasks
Agricultural Inspection, Regulatory, Investigation and Related Activities:
- Ensure the proper, safe, and efficient use of pesticides as well as protection of public health and safety by monitoring their use through on-site field inspections and record audits of employers and licensed businesses;
- Inspect agricultural commodities at production, wholesale, and retail levels;
- Perform phytosanitary inspections and issue certificates that attest cleanliness and quarantine compliance of agricultural commodities;
- Remove products which fail to meet regulatory standards;
- Conduct commodity inspections and issue standardization certificates;
- Perform inspections on incoming shipments to prevent the introduction of harmful pests;
- Register pest control operators and farm labor contractors;
- Conduct pesticide related investigations and prepare reports of incidents and complaints of human exposure and/or illness, adverse environmental effects, and loss of damage of property and/or crops;
- Obtain plant and seed samples for residue, pest, or labeling analysis;
- Conduct agricultural surveys to detect or delimit regulated invasive pests;
- Review pesticide use reports and notices of intent;
- Conduct investigations to enforce the provisions of the California Food and Agricultural Code and California Code of Regulations pertaining to protection of various segments of the County engaged in producing or utilizing agricultural and other plant products;
- Evaluate applications for permits to use pesticides designated as “Restricted Use”;
- Inspect nursery stock to assure compliance with State laws and regulations; and
- Other duties as assigned.
- Inspect, test, seal, or condemn commercially used weights, scales, meters, tanks, and other weighing and measuring devices;
- Sample petroleum products for quality;
- Inspect retail petroleum establishments;
- Inspect weigh masters for accuracy, completeness, and proper handling of weigh master certificates;
- Investigate complaints from consumers;
- Inspect and test packaged and non[1]packaged goods for compliance;
- Perform sale price inspections to determine if correct sale prices are extended; and
- Other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education/Experience)
AGRICULTURAL/WEIGHTS & MEASURES INSPECTOR I SKILLS/ABILITIES
- Establish and maintain effective relationships with the public, coworkers, and others contacted in the course of work;
- Read and write English at a level required for successful job performance;
- Prepare, write and maintain investigation records and reports;
- Investigate complaints;
- Organize, prepare and present information to groups and the public;
- Train and direct fellow inspectors as needed;
- Communicate verbally in a clear and effective manner; and
- Learn, interpret, apply, and enforce laws, regulations, and rules relating to the work of the Agricultural Commissioner's Office.
- General agricultural and/or weights and measures practices;
- Public speaking and writing skills;
- Basic mathematics; and
- Computer literacy.
Demonstrated ability with all Level I requirements plus:
- Make oral presentations before groups;
- Collect and analyze data, commodities, specimens, and evidence;
- Apply proper scientific methods and principles in performing inspections and investigations;
- Independently analyze situations and take appropriate action;
- Perform investigations; testify and act as an expert witness in administrative hearings and prosecutions;
- Determine the sufficiency and validity of evidence for administrative hearings and prosecutions;
- Operate and maintain departmental equipment;
- Plan, organize, and coordinate general work activities; and
- Train and direct Level I inspectors and extra-help personnel.
KNOWLEDGE
Demonstrated knowledge of all Level I requirements plus:
- Provisions of the California Food and Agricultural Code, California Business and Professions Code, and California Code of Regulations as they relate to the Agricultural Commissioner's Office;
- Duties and responsibilities of the Agricultural Commissioner's Office;
- General policies and procedures of the County Agricultural Commissioner's Office, the California Department of Food and Agriculture and the Department of Pesticide Regulation; Basic investigative techniques, methods, and report writing; and
- Principles of administrative hearing and courtroom testimony.
- Train and assist in directing Level I and II inspectors and extra-help personnel by acting as a lead person;
- Act as an advocate in administrative hearings;
- Plan, organize, coordinate, and be responsible for completing specific program work activities; and
- Represent the Deputy Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer in the Deputy's absence.
- Federal, State, and County laws and regulations pertaining to agricultural, environmental, and weights and measures programs;
- Principles of supervision; and
- Program organizing and coordinating techniques.
- Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Biology, Physical Science or a closely related field. The State of California Department of Food and Agriculture County Licensing Program reviews the applicant's college transcripts to make the final determination regarding the applicants qualifications; OR
- Bachelor's degree in any discipline with a minimum of 30 semester units, or equivalent, in any of the following disciplines: Agricultural Science, Biological Science, Chemical Science, Physical Science, Mathematics, and/or Statistics. The State of California Department of Food and Agriculture County Licensing Program reviews the applicant's college transcripts to make the final determination regarding the applicants qualifications.
- As a condition of continued employment, incumbents must possess or obtain at least one County Biologist/Inspector license issued by the California Department of Food and Agriculture within the 12-month probationary period. Failure to obtain a license within this timeframe may result in termination. Acceptable categories include:
- Pesticide Regulation
- Pest Prevention and Plant Regulation
- Weight Verification No prior experience is required.
- Possession of five (5) valid Biologist/Inspector licenses issued by the California Department of Food and Agriculture. Of the five (5) licenses required, three (3) must be Pesticide Regulation, Pest Prevention and Plant Regulation, and Weight Verification, and the other two (2) may be any combination of the following Investigation and Environmental Monitoring, Integrated Pest Management, Commodity Regulation, Measurement Verification, or Transaction and Product Verification; AND
- One (1) year of full-time paid work experience as an Agricultural/Weights & Measures Inspector I for a California Agricultural Commissioner or Sealer's office or equivalent.
- Possession of all eight (8) valid Biologist/Inspector licenses issued by the California Department of Food and Agriculture; AND
- Two (2) years of full-time paid work experience as an Agricultural/Weights & Measures Inspector II for a California Agricultural Commissioner or Sealer's office or equivalent.
- Possess and maintain a valid California Driver's License; AND
- Employees may be required to use personal transportation during the performance of their duties; AND
- Possess and maintain a valid California Commercial Driver's License prior to or after appointment for staff assigned to the Heavy Capacity Weight Truck.
Application and Selection Procedures
APPLICATION PROCEDURES/FINAL FILING DATE Applications cannot be submitted later than 5:00 p.m. on the final filing date. Make your online application as complete as possible so a full and realistic appraisal may be made of your qualifications. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application. Attaching your resume and cover letter are an optional feature for those who wish to do so in addition to completing the required application. Information on your resume and cover letter will not substitute for the education, work experience and required fields on the County application. The online County application is the primary tool used to evaluate your job qualifications. EXAMINATION PROCESS
Most County recruitments consist of the steps detailed below and are governed by Merit Principles. The examination process ensures that all applicants are given the same opportunity to gain employment within Stanislaus County.
- Application Review and Screening. Applications are carefully screened based on information provided. Those who submit incomplete applications that lack relevant qualifications or do not submit all required documents will not be invited to move on.
- Written Examination. Applicants will be invited to participate in a written exam that tests knowledge for the position.
- Oral Examination. Applicants are invited to a panel interview in which they will be evaluated by County subject matter experts.
- Eligible Lists. Candidates who pass the examination will be placed on an eligible list for that classification. Eligible lists are effective for six months but may be extended up to eighteen months.
- Pass County-paid pre-employment job-related background investigation.
- Perform job duties in a manner assuring a safe working environment for oneself and others.
- Maintain confidential information according to the legal standards and/or County regulations as required.
- Some positions may be required to possess and maintain a valid California Driver’s License and meet County insurability requirements.
Benefits associated with this position can be found at Benefits Summary.
Closing Date/Time: 6/8/2026 5:00 PM Pacific