*Extra Help* Agricultural Aide - Seasonal Insect Trapper
The Agriculture Department is dedicated to protecting the agricultural industry and the environment of Humboldt County. The detection trapping position plays a vital role in this process. If you would like to be a part of the team, we encourage you to apply for this opportunity to make a positive impact in our community.
What You'll Do:
Placement and daily servicing of detection traps for invasive insect pests.
Extensive driving in urban and remote areas of the county.
Create accurate maps, keep daily records and communicate with landowners.
Where You'll Do It:This position is located out of 5630 South Broadway, Eureka, CA 95501 and works an 8 am - 5 pm schedule with lunch from 12 pm - 1 pm.
DEFINITIONUnder supervision, performs trapping activities for insects not known to occur in California and other pest prevention activities in accordance with guidelines provided by the State of California; and does other related work as required. Incumbents are expected to become technically proficient in the field of Pest Detection. Works with the public to obtain permission to place insect traps; places, maintains, inspects and moves these traps in accordance with guidelines provided by the California Department of Food and Agriculture; keeps records of activities; follows safety procedures.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISEDReceives general supervision and direction from the assigned supervisory or management personnel. As experience is gained, incumbents are expected to work more independently and receive supervision when needed for unusual and non-routine tasks. Exercises no direct supervision over staff, however may provide support to staff on specific projects.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICSThis is an entry level classification with the Agricultural Commissioner. This classification is responsible for the county’s insect detection trapping program. This involves the placement and servicing of traps for invasive insects that may be accidently brought into the county through commerce or travel. This classification is also responsible for creating and following site maps, as well as completing daily and monthly trapping reports.
Agricultural Aide: Initially, work is supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern. Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise. As an incumbent gains experience, they are expected to conduct fieldwork independently.
Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignment of different positions.
- Completes and files daily and monthly trapping activity reports.
- Locates and identifies existing trap sites.
- Finds appropriate new sites if traps need to be moved.
- Placement of detection traps for different insect pest species.
- Checks traps for presence of target species.
- Draws maps of trap locations.
- May assist permanent staff in other agricultural activities such as pest identification, collecting plant samples, and weed abatement.
The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge and ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Knowledge of:- General entomology, botany, biology, or agricultural science.
- Native and ornamental tree species for trap placement on proper plant hosts.
Ability to:- Navigate highways and back roads in the county.
- Complete routes in a timely manner with minimal supervision.
- Create accurate maps.
- Keep accurate and meticulous daily records.
- Establish and maintain public relations and communicate with landowners.
- Learn and recognize various exotic insects and other pests.
- Identify and recognize plant species that are hosts for these pests.
- Work independently.
- Use a computer.
- Work with baits and lures, some of which contain pesticides.
- Work outdoors.
Minimum Qualifications:Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:
Graduation from high school or possession of a G.E.D. certificate.
See requirements for licenses and certifications below.
and
Agricultural Aide: Must have two (2) years of professional or volunteer experience conducting independent fieldwork in entomology, botany, biology, or agricultural science or related field, OR equivalent to an associate’s degree in entomology, botany, biology, agricultural science, or another field closely related to the assignment.
Licenses and Certifications:- Designated positions require the possession of a valid US driver’s license upon date of application. Designated positions must obtain California driver’s license following hire date per California DMV regulations.
PHYSICAL DEMANDSWhen assigned to an office environment:
- Mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; to operate a motor vehicle and visit various County sites (use only for driving positions); primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required; occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information; ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 10 pounds.
- Vision to read printed materials and a computer screen.
- Hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone.
- Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment.
When assigned to field inspection:
- Mobility to work in changing site conditions; to sit, stand, and walk on level, uneven, or slippery surfaces; to reach, twist, turn, kneel, and bend, and to operate a motor vehicle and visit various County sites.
- Vision to inspect site conditions and work in progress.
- Fieldwork requiring frequent walking in operational areas with exposure to hazardous materials in some site locations.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS- Office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances.
- Also includes field work with exposure to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, chemicals, stinging insects, poisonous plants, and exposure to airborne particles such as dust and vehicle emissions.
- Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS- Some departments may require pre-employment screening measures before an offer of employment can be made (i.e. background screening, physical examination, etc.).
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
HOW TO APPLY
A complete, original application must be filed for each position you are interested in applying for. Applicants must apply online through the County’s automated application system at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/humboldtcountyca.
Applications must be submitted no later than the final filing date and time listed on the job flyer.
It is important that your application shows all the relevant education and experience you possess. Human Resources staff does not consider or review resumes or attachments. Incomplete applications will be rejected.
Please read the job requirements section of the announcement. Be sure you meet these requirements since they will be carefully evaluated during the selection process.
Your performance in any employment examinations will be compared with the performance of others who take the tests. The examination results will be emailed to you as quickly as possible.
SELECTION PROCEDURE
The County utilizes a set of rules to ensure that our hiring processes are fair and equitable. Applications will be screened and those considered qualified will be invited to appear for an oral and/or written examination. Meeting the requirements does not guarantee inclusion into the selection process. Depending upon the number of applications received, the selection process may consist of additional application screening, written and/or practical exam(s), oral interview, or any combination thereof.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How long does it take to fill out the application?
- You should allow 30 – 45 minutes to fill out your application.
Can I change my application after submitting it?
- No. Once an application has been submitted, it is final. Applicants may submit a new application with updated information during the filing period if they wish. Only the most recent application submitted will be considered. All other applications will not be considered.
How long until I hear back from you and how can I check for updates on my application?
- You may receive communications regarding your application at different stages of the selection process. Important updates will be sent to the email address listed in your governmentjobs.com account at the time of notification. To ensure you don't miss any critical information, we recommend keeping your email address current and regularly checking both your inbox and junk mail folders throughout the process. You can also log into your governmentjobs.com account at any time to check your application status. If you have any questions about your application's progress, please contact the County of Humboldt Human Resources Personnel Division at 707-476-2349 or personnel@co.humboldt.ca.us.
Will I be informed if I am not selected for an interview / Oral Exam?
- Yes, you will be informed via email if you are not selected for an interview / Oral Exam.
OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION
Research indicates that individuals in protected classes can be less likely to submit a job application. The County of Humboldt is dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace where our employees are free to bring their full selves to work each day in an environment that allows them to reach their full potential. The County Board of Supervisors has made organizational commitments to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and the County is working to ensure that these commitments are reflected in all we do. The County recognizes that certain populations (BIPOC, Disabled Persons, Veterans, LGBTQIA+ community members, etc.) face systemic and structural challenges which may inhibit their ability to satisfy every requirement of the position. In recognition of these structural and systemic factors, the Human Resources Department understands that experience can be gained in many ways – oftentimes, outside of formal institutions – and strives to take a holistic approach in assessing an applicant’s qualifications for a position.
If you’re excited about this role but your past work experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we strongly encourage you to apply.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS
The County of Humboldt is committed to providing equal access and opportunities in its programs, activities, and employment, and does not discriminate on the basis of mental or physical disabilities. The Human Resources Department is located in the Humboldt County Courthouse, which has an accessible entrance on 4th Street. Accessible parking is available adjacent to the 4th Street entrance and on the 4th Street side of the K Street lot. Special testing arrangements may be made to accommodate disabilities or religious convictions. If invited to an examination and you are in need of a reasonable accommodation, please contact Human Resources immediately at (707) 476-2349 so arrangements can be made.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The county is an equal opportunity employer. We enthusiastically accept our responsibility to make employment decisions without regard to race, religion or religious creed, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, marital status, medical condition, mental or physical disability, military service, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local laws or ordinances.
MEDICAL EXAMINATION
A pre-employment medical examination provided by the County may be required upon offer of employment.
OTHER EXAMINATIONS
Some positions also require psychological evaluation and/or extensive background investigation.
LICENSES
Some classifications require possession of valid professional and/or technical licenses. Some classifications may require the possession of a valid California driver’s license.
PROBATIONARY PERIOD
Persons appointed to regular County positions serve a probationary period. This is normally six (6) months but could be up to one (1) year. All designated safety employees serve a one-year probationary period.
EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY
It is the County’s intention to hire only those workers who are authorized to work in the United States, pursuant to the Immigration Act of 1990. If you are offered employment, you will be required to verify your eligibility to work in the United States. For law enforcement positions you will be required to verify your U.S. citizenship or legalized status.
DISASTER SERVICE WORKERS
All County of Humboldt employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). 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.
THE PROVISIONS OF THIS BULLETIN DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESS OR IMPLIED CONTRACT. THE COUNTY OF HUMBOLDT RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MAKE NECESSARY MODIFICATIONS TO THE EXAMINATION PLAN IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE HUMBOLDT COUNTY MERIT SYSTEM RULES.
