AGRICULTURAL TECHNICIAN I (SEASONAL) Job at State of California in Sacramento

Job Posting: Agricultural Technician I (Seasonal)

Department of Food & Agriculture

Job ID: JC-493830

Salary: $18.30 - $21.87 per hour. New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

Application Methods: Electronic (through CalCareer) or By Mail Drop-off.

Final Filing Date: Until Filled

Position Summary: Under the supervision of the Agriculture Program Supervisor I, the incumbent will independently perform field or laboratory support duties of average difficulty for various fruit fly delimitation programs, maintain fruit fly trapping routes, coordinate the application of pesticides, maintain pesticide inventory and vehicle fleet, oversee pesticide applications performed by outside vendors, perform fruit removal and tree removal, communicate with the public at educational public meetings, coordinate with other agencies, and perform various insect/disease surveys for targeted pests for the emergency eradication. These activities include working independently and in cooperation with other staff, overseeing treatment activities, preparing written reports, performing quality control inspections for treatment-survey-trapping programs, training new employees, and acting as the back‑up trapper/applicator. The incumbent must be able to establish working relationships with those contacted during work and work well under pressure while completing assigned work and meeting required deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Perform field or staff support duties of average difficulty, to deploy traps, perform visual surveys, or apply control measures for target pests such as, but not limited to, various fruit flies, Japanese beetle, and gypsy moth.
• Follow established protocols for trapping, visual survey, or treatment activities and work with outside vendors to ensure compliance with Department policies and procedures, and State laws, rules, and regulations; enforce and implement new procedures or processes with seasonal employees when necessary.
• Safely drive and operate a state owned/leased/rented vehicle, abiding by all applicable state and local traffic laws, to execute required field work.
• Assemble equipment and mix chemicals using the appropriate protocols; assure that the Department is in compliance with all pesticide rules and regulations.
• Work with field staff in solving technical problems such as equipment breakdowns and trap deployment, using effective communication skills, knowledge, manuals, and/or facility operational procedures.
• Prepare and complete accurate and detailed technical reports (daily, weekly, and/or as required) as associated with detection trapping, survey, and treatment activities, or other related activities.
• Carefully document address, host type and location of samples on property or field by drawing a map and/or using a Global Positioning System (GPS) unit and on a Pest and Damage Record (PDR).
• Assist lead staff with onboarding new seasonal staff and training on proper host identification, drawing property diagrams, correct trap placement, baiting and application procedures, the biological aspects of the target pest.
• Assist lead staff with onboarding new seasonal staff and training on ground bait application using the solo backpack sprayer, truck mounted ground treatment equipment, soil drench application using the Hudson sprayer, and the use of a pressure gun and other equipment as needed.

Minimum Requirements

Refer to the Class Specification for detailed requirements. Position considers:

• AGRICULTURAL TECHNICIAN I (SEASONAL)
• AGRICULTURAL AIDE (SEASONAL)

Candidates may perform these essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Working Conditions

The duties of this position are primarily conducted outdoors and may be exposed to extreme temperatures and weather, uneven terrain, and various noise levels. The incumbent may work within an office/warehouse environment furnished with office equipment such as desks, chairs, filing cabinets, computers, phones, and photocopiers.

Special Requirements

• A valid California Driver’s License (CDL) is required. Provide license number, class, expiration date, and endorsements/restrictions as part of the application.

Application Instructions

Submit a complete application package electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. For hard copy, mail or drop off your completed application package to:

Mailing Address: Department of Food & Agriculture, Human Resource Branch, JC-493830, 1220 N Street, Room 242, Sacramento, CA 95814.

Drop‑off Location: Same address. Electronic application is preferred. All mail or drop‑off applications must include job ID and hours (08:00 AM – 05:00 PM).

Required Documents:

• Current State Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) (online or printed). Include evidence of experience and education meeting the Minimum Qualifications.
• Resume is optional.

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request accommodations at the time of interview scheduling. Questions regarding accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed below.

Contact Information

For questions regarding the position or application process, contact the Hiring Unit or the EEO Office.

EEO Contact:
Office of Civil Rights
(916) 654-1005
civil_rights@cdfa.ca.gov

California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY)

Equal Opportunity Employer

California is an equal‑opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability, family care obligations, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, and other protected categories.

California maintains a drug‑free workplace. Applicants are expected to comply with applicable laws and regulations prohibiting drug use.