Position is Full time Temporary. Rate of Pay is $12.00 an hour.

I.      PROGRAM/POSITION IDENTIFICATION

The Cooperative Agricultural Support Services (CASS) is a Joint Powers Authority that assists in protecting and supporting California's agricultural industry and the consumers of its products by providing services and staff who fairly, impartially, and dependably carry out their work.

Under the close direction of federal, state, county or CASS staff, Plant Pest Agricultural Aides participate in carrying out exotic pest (insect or plant) trapping or surveillance activities in support of programs engaged in regulatory, pest detection, trapping, and eradication. Incumbent in this position provides program support by performing a variety plant pest field work while conforming to federal, state, county and CASS policies in carrying out work activities.

II.   ESSENTIAL AND NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS          

A.  Essential Functions:

Under the close supervision of a designated lead person or supervisor, as well as operating within established guidelines and procedures, the incumbent in this position works in a variety of field settings with close oversight.  Responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Regulatory Activities

Perform quarantine related regulatory activities. Sign compliance agreements with establishments. Visit retail and production nurseries to ensure compliance with rules and regulations. Provide regulatory information and answer questions as required. Monitor pesticide treatments at production nurseries. Conduct inventory of plants as needed. Provide and assist with tagging host material. Monitor field cleaning machines to ensure compliance

2.  Document Work Completed

Keep daily reports of work completed,  and other information as needed.

3. Interact with the Public

Initiate contact with  nursery or other related property owner or representative to conduct  visual surveys,  provide information regarding plant regulatory matters and answer questions as required, and/or refer the questioner to the appropriate agency for information. Interact with the public in a courteous and professional manner. 

B.  Nonessential Functions

 Vehicle and Tool Maintenance 

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.

The incumbent in this position must be able to establish and maintain effective working relationships ; work well under pressure; work cooperatively with other staff members, and other agencies, This position requires effective communication with the public in performing regulatory activiities. Requires the ability to complete assigned work and meet required deadlines; and maintain a valid driver license and acceptable driving record at all times. Copy of current California Department of Motor Vehicle Driving Record required prior to hire.

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. This position requires working in extreme weather conditions.