Bargaining Unit: Local 1 - Agricultural & Animal Control Unit
The Contra Costa County Agricultural Commissioner’s Office is seeking an enthusiastic professional who desires an exciting career opportunity as an Agricultural and Standards Aide. The chosen candidate will work under the direction of a Deputy Agricultural Commissioner. Incumbents in the Agricultural and Standards Aide position will assist Biologists and Inspectors in inspections and have a key role in the Pest Detection and Pest Management programs.
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 employee’s 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
- $200 per month salary differential for bilingual pay if designated by the appointing authority
- 2.5% longevity pay differential after 10 years of service in Contra Costa County
We are looking for someone who is:- Professional with outstanding integrity and ethics, who displays honesty, adherence to principles, and personal accountability
- Able to communicate effectively verbally and in writing
- Able to demonstrate learning agility and seeks learning opportunities, and able to apply those lessons to one’s work
- Detail oriented and can demonstrate this in work content, work steps, and final work products
- A collaborator who can thrive working in a team and as an individual
What you will typically be responsible for:- Assisting Biologists and Inspectors in conducting inspections and other duties
- Working in the Pest Detection and Pest Management programs
- Helping to conduct Glassy-winged Sharpshooter inspections
A few reasons you might love this job:- 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 enjoy a healthy work-life balance
- There is potential for professional development and possible career advancement
A few challenges you might face in this job:- You will work in a diverse county with various stakeholders and priorities
- You will work in a fast-paced, and sometimes stressful environment
- You will be working outside most of the day, exposed to the elements, sometimes on uneven terrain
Competencies Required:
- Decision Making: Choosing optimal courses of action in a timely manner
- Reading Comprehension: Understanding and using written information
- Environmental Exposure Tolerance: Performing under physically demanding conditions
- General Physical Ability: Using strength, endurance, flexibility, balance, and coordination
- Safety Focus: Showing vigilance and care in identifying and addressing health risks and safety hazards
- Using Technology: Working with electronic hardware and software applications
- Adaptability: Responding positively to change and modifying behavior as the situation requires
- Attention to Detail: Focusing on the details of work content, work steps, and final work products
- Professional Integrity & Ethics: Displaying honesty, adherence to principles, and personal accountability
- Oral Communication: Engaging effectively in dialogue
- Writing: Communicating effectively in writing
- Coaching & Developing Others: Supporting others in stretching and expanding their capabilities
The eligible list established from this recruitment may remain in effect for six (6) months.
License Required: Possession of a valid California Motor Vehicle Operator’s License. Out of state valid motor vehicle operator’s license will be accepted during the application process.
1. Education: Possession of a high school diploma, G.E.D. equivalency or high school proficiency certificate
and
Experience: Six (6) months of full-time experience with a California County or California State Department of Agriculture working in a pest detection or pest eradication program
Or
2. Education: Successful completion of 30 semester or 45 quarter units from an accredited college or university which included at least 9 semester units or 12 quarter units in agricultural, environmental, biological, chemical, or physical science, mathematics, statistics, or closely related field
Application Filing and Evaluation: Applications will be evaluated to determine which candidates will move forward in the next phase of the recruitment process.
Multiple Choice Exam: A multiple choice assessment will be conducted to measure candidates' competencies as they relate to the job. These may include but are not limited to: Decision Making, Reading Comprehension, Using Technology, Attention to Detail, Professional Integrity and Ethics, and Writing. (Weighted 100%)
Tentative Dates:
The Agricultural and Standards Aide Multiple Choice exam is tentatively scheduled to take place via computer (remotely) December 17-21, 2025. The assessment will be administered remotely using a computer. You will need access to a reliable internet connection to take the assessment. It is not recommended to take the assessment using a cell phone.
If you apply for another recruitment that uses this exam and the test is scheduled within 6 months of the date you took the test this time, you will not have the option to re-take the exam. If more than 6 months has passed you will need to retake the exam.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 Austin Wagers at Austin.Wagers@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.
