Assistant Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer of Weights and Measures

Job Description:

Assistant Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer of Weights and Measures

Description

The Position

The current vacancy is in Ukiah, CA. At-Will position; exempt from Civil Service.

Under general administrative direction, assists the Agriculture Commissioner/Sealer of Weights and Measures in the administration, coordination, and oversight of departmental programs, operations and staff. Contributes to organizational planning, policy development, budgeting, regulatory compliance, and coordination with other agencies. Supervises assigned staff and day-to-day operations.

* Anticipated salary increase effective June 23, 2026.

Job Requirements and Minimum Qualifications

Duties may include but are not limited to the following:

• Assists in planning, organizing, administering and supervising activities, programs, and operations of the office of the Agriculture Department.
• Performs supervisory responsibility in accordance with policies, procedures and applicable laws including interviewing, hiring and training, assigning and directing work, evaluating performance, rewarding and disciplining employees, addressing complaints and resolving personnel issues and concerns.
• Participates in the development, administration, and management of the department’s budget; directs the forecast of additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, and supplies; directs the monitoring of and approves expenditures; directs the preparation and implementation of budgetary adjustments.
• Participates in establishing long-range goals and developing plans to accomplish departmental objectives.
• Ensures pesticide use enforcement; trains growers and licensees in pesticide use laws and regulations; assists with field inspections and applies applicable laws and regulations; takes appropriate enforcement measures as needed.
• Ensures compliance with weights and measures laws and regulations.
• Reviews and approves periodic reports of work performed; makes field visits to review the work of personnel and to evaluate the quality of the program.
• Consults with and advises staff regarding the interpretation of laws and regulations; recommends the modification or adoption of procedures to meet changing requirements.
• Assists the general public with pest control issues by identifying pest and recommending effective control methods. Meets with state and federal legislators and/or their staff to discuss proposed legislation and other issues affecting the Department.
• Prepares resolutions for Board of Supervisors' consideration; serves as departmental representative in connection with statutory requirements for notice, publications, and other official action of the department.
• Participates in issuance of pesticide permits, operator identification numbers and phytosanitary certificates.
• Assists in preparing the annual crop report by surveying agricultural producers and compiling statistical data. Represents the department at a variety of county and state meetings.
• Performs inspections of incoming out-of-state plant shipments at terminals and ensures weighing and measuring devices meet accuracy standards, proper usage requirements, and state registration compliance. Advises growers regarding the Organic Act laws and regulations.
• Receives, reviews, investigates and resolves public concerns and complaints related to agriculture and weights and measures programs.
• May serve as the Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer of Weights and Measures in their absence, as assigned.
• Supervises the wine grape testing program.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

Education and Experience:
Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in Agriculture Science, Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physical Sciences, Engineering, or a related field;

AND

Four (4) years of progressively responsible agricultural or weights and measures inspection and enforcement work, including at least one (1) year in a supervisory capacity.

Licenses and Certifications:
Valid State Driver's License
Deputy County Agricultural Commissioner License or Deputy County Sealer of Weights and Measures License

Pesticide Regulation License
Pest Prevention and Plant Regulation License
Weight Verification License
Investigation and Environmental Monitoring License
Integrated Pest Management License
Commodity Regulation License
Measurement Verification License
Transaction and Product Verification License

Within two (2) years, possession of both Deputy County Agricultural Commissioner AND Deputy County Sealer of Weights and Measures License must be obtained. Failure to obtain and maintain the required licensure within the timeframes specified above shall be considered failure to meet a condition of employment and may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of:

• All applicable federal, state, county, and local ordinances, codes, laws, rules and regulations.
• Budgetary principles and practices.
• Administrative principles and practices, including goal setting and implementation.
• Administration of staff and activities, either directly or through subordinate supervision.
• Methods and techniques of research, statistical analysis and report presentation.
• Identification of crops, vertebrate pests, basic insects, plants, and trees; treating and controlling plant pests and diseases.
• Construction, mechanics, and operation of scales, gasoline meters, and other weighing and measuring devices.
• Methods and techniques relevant to weights and measures investigation and enforcement.
• All computer applications and hardware related to performance of the essential functions of the job.
• Principles and practices of land use planning.
• Legislative processes and criminal, civil and administrative penalties.

Skill in:

• Using tact, discretion, initiative and independent judgment within established guidelines.
• Researching, compiling, and summarizing a variety of informational and statistical data and materials.
• Organizing work, setting priorities, meeting critical deadlines, and following up on assignments with a minimum of direction.
• Applying logical thinking to solve problems or accomplish tasks; to understand, interpret and communicate complicated policies, procedures and protocols.
• Communicating clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Maintaining accurate records of work performed and findings.
• Planning, organizing, assigning, directing, reviewing and evaluating the work of staff.
• Selecting and motivating staff and providing for their training and professional development.
• Preparing clear and concise reports, correspondence and other written materials.
• Presenting technical information clearly, concisely and in an interesting manner to technical committees, public officials, and the general public.

Mental and Physical Abilities:

• Effectively deal with the general public and the media in stressful situations.
• Speak effectively before public groups and respond to questions.
• Read, analyze and interpret professional periodicals and journals, technical procedures and government regulations.
• Work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference.
• Interpret a variety of technical instructions with abstract and/or concrete variables.
• Define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions.
• Enforce the laws in a fair and impartial manner.
• Identify many different plants, animals, insects, and diseases.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Resolve issues or concerns involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
• While performing the essential functions of this job, the incumbent is regularly required to: stand, walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects; reach with hands and arms; speak and hear; and push, pull, move, or lift above and below the neck objects weighing up to 25 pounds.

Selection Procedure & Other Important Information

Important Application Information:

• It is your responsibility to demonstrate through your application materials how you meet the minimum qualifications of the position/s for which you apply.
• You must complete all sections of the application. A résumé or other information you feel will help us evaluate your qualifications may be attached to your completed application, but will not be accepted in lieu of completing any part of the application. Blank applications that contain only a résumé or those that reference “see résumé” will be rejected as incomplete.
• Check your application before submitting to ensure it is complete and correct; no new or additional information will be accepted after the closing date.
• Inquiry will be made of your former and current employers; please provide the names and telephone numbers of supervisors on your application.
• You must provide the names and contact information of at least three (3) references (not relatives) that have knowledge of your job skills, experience, ability and/or character.
• Application materials are the property of Mendocino County and will not be returned.
• It is your responsibility to keep your NEOGOV profile updated, including any changes to your telephone number or address. Failure to do so may result in missed notification of exams or interviews.
• The exam process listed on this flyer is tentative. Mendocino County reserves the right to make necessary modifications to the examination plan. Such revisions will be in accordance with approved personnel standards. Should a change be made, applicants will be notified.
• The provisions of this job bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract.

Examination Process: All complete applications and supplemental questionnaires submitted by the final filing date will be reviewed with those judged most qualified progressing further in the selection process; incomplete applications will not be considered. Based on the number of qualified candidates, a Qualifications Appraisal may be administered.

Special Testing: The County of Mendocino is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), if special accommodations for a disability or religious conviction are necessary at any stage of the application and/or testing process, please notify the Human Resources Department in advance at (707) 234-6600. Reasonable notice is required to allow adequate time for review and evaluation of your request.

Special Requirements: Employment in some County departments or positions may require the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background, which may include fingerprinting, and/or a medical examination, which may include drug screening.

This announcement is a synopsis of duties and requirements of this job. To review the complete classification specification and benefits, please see the HR website. Applications must be submitted to the Human Resources Department by the final filing date.

The County of Mendocino participates in the E-Verify program to confirm employment eligibility. If hired, the information you provide on your Form I-9 will be used to verify your authorization to work in the United States.

Learn more:

• E-Verify Notice of Participation (Download PDF reader)
• Right to Work (Download PDF reader)

The County of Mendocino is an Equal Opportunity Employer

This information is a summary of general benefits. Benefits listed in Mendocino County Resolutions or Memorandums of Understanding prevail over this listing. This information is not legally binding, nor does it constitute a Contract.

SALARY
Compensation is based on a five-step salary range, with annual merit-based increases within the salary range.

RETIREMENT
Covered under Social Security and the 1937 act; both employees and the County pay into the retirement fund. For the most current information regarding County Retirement please go to:
https://www.mendocinocounty.org/retirement

HOLIDAYS AND PERSONAL LEAVE
Mendocino County observes 11 paid holidays per year. Employees are granted 24 - 48 hours of personal leave annually, depending upon Bargaining Unit.

VACATION
Accrues at the rate of two weeks per year for three years. Three weeks per year after three years, four weeks after eight years and five weeks after 15 years.

SICK LEAVE
Paid sick leave accrues at the rate of 1.25 days per month, or 15 days per year. Accruals are pro-rated for part-time employees working at least 20 hours per week. Part-time employees working less than 20 hours per week, and extra-help employees receive up to 24 hours (or 3 days) of paid sick leave annually.

MEDICAL, DENTAL, VISION, AND LIFE INSURANCE
The County and the employee share the cost of an employee selected health care plan; enrollment in the plan includes $20,000 Life Insurance.

HEALTH INSURANCE
For the most current information regarding Health Insurance please go to:
http://www.mendocinocounty.org/hr/ehb

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
For the most current information regarding Employee Assistance please go to:
http://www.mendocinocounty.org/hr/eap

EMPLOYEE WELLNESS PROGRAM
For the most current information regarding Employee Wellness please go to:
http://www.mendocinocounty.org/hr/mcwow

LABOR CONTRACTS
For the complete list of most current labor agreements please go to:
http://www.mendocinocounty.org/hr/labor

Closing Date/Time: Continuous

Salary:

$89,793.60 - $109,158.40 Annually