Agricultural Inspector/Biologist I/II

Job Description:

Agricultural Inspector/Biologist I/II

Description

Position Description

Final Filing Date: April 17, 2026

Exam#: 26/30N01/03JG

Agricultural Inspector/Biologist I/II

Level I: $4,846 - $6,619 Monthly

Level II: $5,574 - $7,612 Monthly

The County of Monterey is committed to honoring the service and sacrifice of veterans and eligible military spouses and awards veterans’ preference points for this recruitment. To learn more about the eligibility requirements and the process, be sure to read the Hiring Preference for Veterans and Eligible Military Spouses section located towards the end of this job flier.

The Monterey County Agricultural Commissioner's Office acts as the local enforcement agency for specific laws and regulations pertaining to agriculture and business. Major areas of responsibility and jurisdiction include; pesticide use enforcement, plant quarantine, pest exclusion, pest detection, fruit and vegetable standardization, nursery, seed, and weights and measures enforcement.

An Agricultural Inspector/Biologist position is currently available within the Agricultural Commissioner's Office. Depending upon the specific assignment, this position performs a variety of agricultural inspections and enforces provisions of codes, regulations, and ordinances under the jurisdiction of the County Agricultural Commissioner.

This classification is part of a flexible series. Incumbents appointed at the lower level of the career series may be promoted up to the higher level of the career series subject to their meeting the employment standards for the higher class and a recommendation for their promotion by the appointing authority in accordance with the Flexible Staffing Program and Guidelines.

The Eligible List established by this recruitment may be used to fill current and future vacancies on a regular full-time, part-time, or temporary basis County-wide.

Examples of Duties

Agricultural Inspector/Biologist I

• Enforces pesticide use laws and regulations, issues restricted material permits and monitors usage. Monitors and inspects pesticide use by pest control businesses, private applicators, government, and commercial applicators for compliance; analyzes compliance history and recommends appropriate actions.
• Under supervision, evaluates restricted use pesticide permit applications; identifies hazards, sensitive sites, determines likelihood of adverse impacts and conditions permit with feasible mitigation measures; prepares and issues permits; monitors applications for consistency with permit and use requirements.
• Under supervision, investigates a variety of less complex incidents such as pesticide related complaints, illnesses, reports of loss, environmental effects, plant quarantine violations; gathers samples and evidence, and prepares investigative reports; reviews and evaluates evidence to ascertain if a violation has occurred and recommends appropriate action including potential fines.
• Conducts field worker safety inspections, employer records audits, and employee safety record audits.
• Assists the public in person or by telephone; conducts research related to department services, programs and records.
• Establishes and maintains working effective relationships with customers (public, growers, schools, media, etc.).
• Inspects and samples plant material, fruits, vegetables, seed, feed grain and other agricultural commodities in growing areas, the field and markets, packing houses, mills, rail cars and storage areas for compliance with laws and regulations. Inspects plants and plant materials at wholesale and retail nurseries, and those arriving and shipped by private or common carrier, for evidence of disease, pests, noxious weed seeds and proper certification.
• Issues compliance actions such as notices of violation, cease and desist orders, and letters of warning, participates in documented compliance interviews and follows up to ensure compliance.
• Assists in complex investigations and in the preparation of casefiles for enforcement actions such as Agricultural Civil Penalties, or civil/criminal actions with the District Attorney; may testify as a witness.
• Assists in the evaluation of businesses for compliance with laws and regulations as part of certification programs such as organic certification or food safety.

Agricultural Inspector/Biologist II

In addition to the level I duties, the level II also includes:

• Independently investigates a variety of incidents such as pesticide related complaints, illnesses, reports of loss, environmental effects, plant quarantine violations; gathers samples and evidence, and prepares investigative reports; reviews and evaluates evidence to ascertain if a violation has occurred and recommends appropriate action including potential fines.
• Independently evaluates restricted use pesticide permit applications; identifies hazards, sensitive sites, determine likelihood of adverse impacts and conditions permit with feasible mitigation measures; prepares and issues permits; monitors applications for consistency with permit and use requirements.
• Issues quarantine certificates of compliance, and notice of violation, origin certificates, and phytosanitary certificates and hold orders.
• Identifies potential environmental and human effects hazards during inspections and investigations.
• Conducts field worker safety inspections and employee safety record audits; performs Pest Control Advisor audits and Pest Control Business audits.
• Prepares case files for enforcement actions such as Agricultural Civil Penalties, or civil/criminal actions with the District Attorney; may testify as a witness.
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with customers such as the public, growers, media, schools, etc.
• Prepares and delivers continuing education for private and commercial applicators and pest control licensees and makes oral presentations.
• Evaluates businesses for compliance with laws and regulations as part of certification programs such as organic certification or food safety.

Visit the Monterey County Website to view the complete job description:

Agricultural Inspector/Biologist I

Agricultural Inspector/Biologist II

THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE:

Will have a proven track record demonstrating the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:

Agricultural Inspector/Biologist I
Some Knowledge of:

• College-level chemistry.

Agricultural Inspector/Biologist II:

In addition to the level I Some Knowledge of, the level II also includes:
Some Knowledge of:

• Plant and insect identification
• Personal computer usage including the following software: Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, as well as Internet research methods; use of specialized programs such as for restricted materials permits.

Working Knowledge of:

• California Food and Agricultural Code, California Code of Regulations, Business and Professions Code, export plant quarantine requirements, County Ordinances and other County, state and federal laws and regulations pertaining to County agricultural operations.
• The Pesticide Use Enforcement Program.
• Plant Quarantine Program, including export requirements.

Agricultural Inspector/Biologist I
Skill and Ability to:

• Apply basic computer skills and techniques in order to use common office programs and specialized programs.
• Observe safe work practices and procedures.
• Maintain confidentiality of protected records.

Agricultural Inspector/Biologist II
Skill and Ability to:
In addition to the level I Skills and Abilities, the level II also includes:

• Interpret, apply, and enforce provisions of the Food and Agriculture Code, and agricultural standards, laws and regulations.
• Deal tactfully and effectively with the public and others contacted in the course of work.
• Establish and maintain effective communication in enforcement situations that may be difficult or tense.
• Speak in public before large and small groups.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Prepare and maintain detailed reports and accurate records of inspections.
• Distinguish basic insects/pests through a hand lens.
• Analyze situations and make decisions on routine enforcement problems, in accordance with departmental policy and procedure.
• Maintain confidentiality of protected records.

Examples of Experience/Education/Training

Agricultural Inspector/Biologist I:
Pursuant to the Food and Agricultural Code of California, Chapter 2, Section 2106 the following education or licensure is required:

Education

Graduation from an accredited four-year institution of higher education with a Bachelor's degree specializing in one or more appropriate disciplines in the agricultural, biological, chemical, physical sciences or other appropriate disciplines as determined by the Secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture to qualify for the licensing exam.

AND

License

Incumbent must obtain one of the following core licenses: Pesticide Regulation, Investigation and Environmental Monitoring, or Pest Prevention and Plant Regulation within one year or two testing periods from date of appointment. Incumbent must then obtain one other core license within two years from date of employment and the remaining core license within three years of employment. Failure or inability to obtain licenses is cause for termination.

Agricultural Inspector/Biologist II:

The knowledge, skills and abilities listed above may be acquired through various types of experience, education or training, typically:

Experience:

One year of experience in agricultural inspection and enforcement work comparable to that of an Agricultural Inspector/Biologist I in Monterey County

AND

Education:

Graduation from an accredited four-year institution of higher education with a Bachelor's degree specializing in one or more appropriate disciplines in the agricultural, biological, chemical, physical sciences or other appropriate disciplines as determined by the Secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture to qualify for licensing exam.

Additional Information

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
The required conditions of employment include, but are not limited to the following:
Level I

• Be available to work weekends, holidays, and evenings when assigned or in emergency situations.
• Possess a valid California Class C driver license at the time of appointment and possess and maintain a satisfactory driving record or provide evidence of suitable transportation which is approved by the appointing authority.
• Pass a pre-employment physical examination.

• Possess and maintain a good driving record and good driving habits.
• Travel and work throughout Monterey County.
• Adhere to related Federal, State, and local safety laws, regulations, and ordinances as applicable.
• Wear and use proper and appropriate safety clothing and equipment.
• Acquire and maintain safety certifications as required.

Level II

In addition to all basic requirements listed for the Agricultural Inspector/Biologist I classification, as a condition of employment, the incumbent will be required to:

• Possess the following three (3) valid core licenses designated by the County Agricultural Commissioner and issued by the Secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture: Pest Prevention and Plant Regulation, Pesticide Regulation, Investigation and Environmental Monitoring
• Obtain the Federal Cooperators’ License for phytosanitary certification within one year of appointment to Level II position.
• Obtain either the Integrated Pest Management or Commodity Regulation licenses within two years from date of appointment and promote to the journey-level Agricultural Inspector Biologist III level.

BENEFITS

The County of Monterey offers an excellent benefits package. Please visit our website to view the J-Unit Benefit Summary Sheet . This information is not legally binding, nor does it serve as a contract. The benefits listed in the Monterey County Personnel Policies and Practices Resolution or Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) prevail over this listing.

NOTES

• As a condition of employment, prospective employees may be required to submit to a background review which may include a review of information concerning present and/or prior employment, driving record, and record of any criminal convictions.
• Employment is contingent upon acceptable documentation verifying identity and authorization for employment in the U.S.; a list of acceptable documents is available on the USCIS Form I-9.
• If you are hired into this classification in a temporary position, your rate of pay will be hourly, and you will not be eligible for the benefits listed in the summary.

Application and Selection Procedures

Apply On-Line at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/montereycounty
by Friday, April 17, 2026, 11:59 PM(PST)

Hard copy applications may be obtained from and submitted during normal business hours,

Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM by contacting:

Agricultural Commissioner’s Office

Attn: Human Resources

1428 Abbott St.

Salinas, CA 93906

Phone: (831) 759-7378

The selection process is tentative, and applicants will be notified if changes are made. To assess applicants' possession of required qualifications, the examination process may include an oral examination, pre-examination exercises, performance examination, and/or written examination. The competitive examination process includes submittal of required application materials. A complete application package will include:

• A completed County of Monterey Employment Application
• Responses to the Supplemental Questions

• Copy of Diploma and/or Transcripts showing graduation from an accredited four-year college as described in the required Licenses/Certification section of the minimum qualifications.

Applicants who fail to provide all required materials by the final filing deadline will not be considered. Resumes, cover letters, letters of interest, and other correspondence will not be accepted as a substitute for required application materials. All required application materials will be competitively evaluated. Those applicants that are determined to be the most appropriately qualified will be invited to participate further in the selection process.

HIRING PREFERENCE FOR VETERANS AND ELIGIBLE MILITARY SPOUSES

The County of Monterey is committed to honoring the service and sacrifice of veterans and eligible military spouses (i.e., surviving spouses of veterans, spouses of totally disabled veterans, and spouses of active-duty service members) and awards veterans’ preference points for this recruitment. To obtain a Veterans and Eligible Military Spouse Preference Application, please visit the Human Resources website or click on the following link: Click Here to View the Veterans and Eligible Military Spouse Preference Application

To apply for veterans’ preference points, veterans or eligible military spouses must complete and email a Veterans and Eligible Military Spouse Preference Application with supporting documentation of their eligibility by the final filing deadline to [email protected] .

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION
Monterey County is a drug-free workplace and an equal opportunity employer. The County seeks candidates who can make contributions in an environment of cultural and ethnic diversity. Monterey County is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, contact Jennifer Garcia, Human Resources Analyst, at (831) 759-7378 or [email protected]

http://www.co.monterey.ca.us/government/departments-a-h/human-resources/human-resources/benefits/benefit-summary-sheet

Closing Date/Time: 4/17/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Salary:

$27.95 - $43.91 Hourly