Agricultural Specialist I - Plant Pest

Sacramento, CA (Meadowview Rd)

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Job Description

Rate of Pay $13.25 per hour

Under the direction of federal, state, county, board, commission or CASS staff, the Plant Pest Agricultural Technician I participates in carrying out exotic pest (insect or plant) trapping or surveillance activities in support of plant pest detection, trapping and eradication programs.

The incumbent in this position provides program support by performing a variety plant pest field work while conforming to federal, state, county, board, commission and/or CASS policies in carrying out work activities.

II.         ESSENTIAL AND NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS          

            A.  Essential Functions:

Under the general direction of a designated supervisor, as well as operating within established guidelines and procedures, the incumbent in this position works in a variety of field settings with limited oversight.  The Agricultural Specialist may also be assigned as a team leader working with a small group of Agricultural Aides.  In this capacity, the Agricultural Specialist will be the point of contact with the public, provide technical direction and coordination of the team members and report any unusual situations to the project supervisor or manager for resolution.  Responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to, the following:

  1. Trapping / Survey and Eradication Activities – 55%
  • Safely operate and maintain a motor vehicle to travel to designated work areas.
  • Follow established protocols for trapping, survey or eradication work.  Service traps, perform insect sweeps, visually inspect local plant hosts for target pest damage or conduct eradication treatments.
  • 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.
  1. Document Work Completed – 25%
  • Keep daily reports of work completed, i.e. number of traps serviced, properties treated, acreage surveyed, samples collected and other information as needed.
  1. Collect and Submit Target Pest Samples – 10%
  • 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.
  1. Interact with the Public – 5%
  • Initiate contact with a property owner or representative to conduct a visual survey, place traps or carry out eradication activities.
  • Briefly answer questions about the survey, detection or eradication projects and/or refer the questioner to the appropriate agency for information.
  • Interact with the public in a courteous and professional manner.           
  1. Vehicle and Tool Maintenance – 5%
  • 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 is in need of repair or replacement.

III.        WORK ENVIRONMENT

Duties for the job are primarily performed outside of buildings.  Weather, temperature, lighting and noise levels may constantly vary. Terrain may vary from smooth and stable to irregular and unstable.  The incumbent may be regularly exposed to dust, pollen, moisture and pesticide chemicals associated with insect lures and treatment activities.  Driving a vehicle, as well as entering and exiting the vehicle numerous times throughout the workday, is generally required.

IV.        INDIVIDUAL REQUIREMENTS   

The incumbent in this position must be able to establish and maintain effective working relationships; work well under pressure; work independently; and, work cooperatively with other staff members in completing assigned work and meeting required deadlines. Incumbent must have a valid driver license and acceptable driving record during course of employment. A current DMV record required at time of interview.  Due to the nature of the Pest Detection Emergency Projects, availability for overtime, overnight and extended overnight travel,  will be required for this position.

V.         PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The incumbent in this position will be required, with or without reasonable accommodation, to lift up to 20 pounds on a frequent basis; use repetitive arm and wrist motions; bend, stoop, twist, reach (with and without a trapping pole); and, maintain visual acuity.





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