POSITION TITLE: Agricultural Specialist I - CPD

DEPARTMENT: Citrus Program

LOCATION: Oxnard/Ventura Areas

REPORTS TO: Lead Agricultural Specialist or Designee

FLSA STATUS: Full-time, Temporary, Non-Exempt

COMPENSATION: Pay Rate: $15.50 - $18.84/Hour

The Cooperative Agricultural Support Services (CASS) is a Joint Powers Authority that was originally formed as a partnership between the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) and the Counties of Yolo and Trinity. Since then CASS’ services have expanded throughout California to support the agricultural industry and the consumers of its products by providing human resources and administrative support services. CASS’ program activities include agricultural inspection, pest prevention and other programs administered by CDFA, county agricultural commissioners, and other public agencies. Our current work includes:

• Agricultural Commodity Grading Program
• Grading using County, State and Federal standards
• Emergency Pest Detection Trapping and Survey program
• Professional Develop and Educational Training

We are seeking an enthusiastic Agricultural Specialist to join our team. This position reports directly to the Program Supervisor.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Safely operate and maintain a motor vehicle to travel to designated work areas.
• Follow established protocols for trapping and survey work.
• Service traps perform insect sweeps and visually inspect local plant hosts for target pest damage.
• Remove suspect plant and insect samples from foliage or from a variety of insect collection tools and check for target pests.
• Draw and follow maps when performing field activities. Use GPS technology to site- register and package samples. Maintain site location and sample integrity.
• Keep daily reports of work completed, i.e. number of traps serviced, properties treated, acreage surveyed, samples collected and other information as needed.
• Screen wet and dry traps for target pests (plant and insect). Examine contents of traps to make preliminary identification of specimens which resemble target pests.
• Take prescribed action when a preliminary identification of a target pest is made which may include, but is not limited to, drawing a map of the find site, completing a Pest Detection Report form, and placing the sample in an appropriate container.
• Initiate contact with a property owner or representative to conduct a visual survey, place traps or carry out eradication activities.
• Briefly answer questions about survey and pest detection projects and/or refer the questioner to the appropriate individual for information.
• Interact with the public in a courteous and professional manner.
• Assist with the transport of vehicles to service or storage facilities. Perform daily vehicle safety and fluid level checks. Clean vehicle interior and truck bed of debris.
• Clean, repair and store all equipment daily. Notify team lead or supervisor when equipment needs repair or replacement.
• Attendance, punctuality, and dependability are essential to this position.
• Other duties as assigned.

SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS:

• High School Diploma
• Valid Driver's License with good driving record
• Ability to adapt to a flexible work environment
• Self-Starter and proactive
• Excellent Oral and Written Communication skills
• Excellent Time Management and Organizational skills

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES:

• This position requires travel, including overnight and extended stays.
• Assumes responsibility for doing assigned work and meeting deadlines.
• Demonstrates an awareness of and sensitivity to clients including cultural and ethical beliefs; and implements care in a thorough, skillful, consistent, and continuous manner.
• Attends work regularly and adheres to policies and procedures regarding absences and tardiness. Provides adequate notice to supervisor with respect to time-off requests.
• Performs other duties, as necessary.

TEAM COMMITMENT:

• Viewed by others to be an effective team member who is flexible, cooperative, and willing to assist others, and acts as a resource to team members and clients where appropriate.
• Tactfully handles conflicts constructively and seeks appropriate assistance and directive when necessary.
• Develops and maintains cooperative and courteous relationships with co-workers, supervisor, and agency clients.

COMPENSATION:

• Full-time, Non-Exempt - Temporary
• $ 15.50-$18.84/Hr.
• Benefits package including medical benefits, matching retirement contributions, and annual and holiday leave.
• Qualified applicants with arrest and/or conviction records will be considered for employment in a manner consistent with federal and state laws.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The incumbent in this position will be required, with or without reasonable accommodation, to operate a desktop computer using a keyboard and mouse; employ repetitive arm and wrist motions; occasionally bend, stoop, twist, reach; and lift file or supply boxes of up to twenty-five pounds.