Position Details
Agricultural Biologist I Apply
Bargaining Unit: Local 1 - Agricultural & Animal Control Unit
The Contra Costa County Agricultural Commissioners Office is seeking an enthusiastic professional who desires an exciting career opportunity as an Agricultural Biologist I working the Canine Handler assignment. Pairing a handler with the dog is a large commitment that typically lasts 6 years at which time the handler gets the option to adopt the dog. Agricultural Biologist I is the entry level in the Agricultural Biologist class series.The chosen candidate will work under the direction of a Deputy Agricultural Commissioner.
In addition to the base salary, the County offers an excellent benefits plan which includes a county contribution to health insurance, dental and vision insurance plans. Other benefits also offered by the County include:
- $150 per month to an employees account in the Contra Costa County Deferred Compensation Plan for permanent employees who meet specific criteria
- $275 safety shoe reimbursement for each two-year period
- Effective July 1, 2024, the base rate of pay will be increased by five percent (5%)
- 2.5% longevity pay differential after 10 years of service in Contra Costa County
We are looking for someone who is:
- A professional that has outstanding integrity and ethics, displays honesty, adheres to principles, and has personal accountability
- An excellent oral and written communicator
- Able to demonstrate learning agility and seeks learning opportunities, and applies those lessons to ones work
- Able to focus on the details of work content, work steps, final work products, and exhibits a high degree of attention to detail
- A collaborator that can thrive working in a team and as an individual
- Able to work independently with many early hours and some variable hours
- Working as a Canine Handler conducting inspections with a USDA Certified Canine at parcel facilities and Post Offices in Contra Costa and neighboring counties
- Attending a 10-week training in Georgia at a USDA training facility to be paired with a dog
- Working varying hours depending on the facility being inspected, including up to 40 days a year working nights
- You will work with a team of outstanding and caring professionals
- Your work will have a direct impact on the community
- You will be able to realize a healthy work-life balance
:
- You will work in a diverse county with various stakeholders and priorities
- You will carry out enforcement actions which may be difficult or controversial
- You will work in a fast-paced, and sometimes stressful environment
- Using Technology:Working with electronic hardware and software applications
- Learning Agility:Seeking learning opportunities and applying the lessons to ones work
- Safety Focus:Showing vigilance and care in identifying and addressing health risks and safety hazards
- Attention to Detail:Focusing on the details of work content, work steps, and final work products
- Displaying Ownership and Accountability:Holding self and others accountable for measurable high-quality, timely, and cost-effective results
- Professional Integrity & Ethics:Displaying honesty, adherence to principles, and personal accountability
- Interpersonal Savvy:Considering and responding appropriately to the needs and feelings of others in different situations
- Teamwork:Collaborating with others to achieve shared goals
- Fact Finding:Obtaining facts and data pertaining to an issue or question
- Oral Communication:Engaging effectively in dialogue
- Writing:Communicating effectively in writing
- Legal & Regulatory Navigation:Understanding, interpreting, and ensuring compliance with laws and regulations
The eligible list established from this recruitment may be used to fill future openings for up to six (6) months.
Licenses Required:
- Possession of a valid California motor vehicle operators license. Out of state valid motor vehicle operators license will be accepted during the application process.
- Inspection License. Appointees must meet the licensing requirements as established by the California Code of Regulations, and within nine months must obtain a minimum of at least one valid license as an Agricultural Biologist.
Education: Possession of Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university with a major in Agriculture, Biological Science, or a closely related field that would qualify the candidate to take the California Department of Food and Agricultures licensing exams.
Desirable Qualifications:
- Possession of one or more CDFA county agricultural inspector/biologist licenses
- Experience enforcing California laws and regulations
- Self-motivated, enjoy working outside, excellent follow through
- Enjoy working with dogs
Application Filing and Evaluation:Applications will be evaluated to determine which candidates will move forward in the next phase of the recruitment process.
Virtual Oral Exam:The Oral Exam will measure candidates' competencies as they relate to the job. In the Oral Exam, candidates must achieve an average passing score of 70% or higher on each of the competencies, as well as an overall passing score of 70% or higher. These may include, but are not limited to: Learning Agility, Displaying Ownership and Accountability, Professional Integrity and Ethics, Teamwork, and Oral Communication.
The Oral Interview is tentatively scheduled to take place, remotely, 2/16 - 2/21/2024
Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an invitation to participate in the selection process.
The Human Resources Department may change the examination steps noted above in accordance with the Personnel Management Regulations and accepted selection practices.
For recruitment-specific questions, please contact Melissa Moglie at Melissa.Moglie@hrd.cccounty.us.? For any technical issues, please contact the GovernmentJobs applicant support team for assistance at +1 855-524-5627.
CONVICTION HISTORY
After you receive a conditional job offer, you will be fingerprinted, and your fingerprints will be sent to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The resulting report of your conviction history (if any) will be used to determine whether the nature of your conviction conflicts with the specific duties and responsibilities of the job for which you have received a conditional job offer. If a conflict exists, you will be asked to present any evidence of rehabilitation that may mitigate the conflict, except when federal or state regulations bar employment in specific circumstances. Having a conviction history does not automatically preclude you from a job with Contra Costa County. If you accept a conditional job offer, the Human Resources department will contact you to schedule a fingerprinting appointment.
DISASTER SERVICE WORKER
All Contra Costa County employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law. Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
It is the policy of Contra Costa County to consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, or other protected category under the law.
