Deputy Agricultural Commissioner

Job Description:

Deputy Agricultural Commissioner

Description

Position Description

Final Filing Deadline: Wednesday, December 31, 2025

Exam #: 25/30N80/12JG

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.

The Deputy Agricultural Commissioner position is the first line supervisor responsible for the day-to-day program or branch operation and supervision of clerical and field staff. Plans, assigns, supervises, reviews, and evaluates the work of staff engaged in making inspections to enforce the provisions of codes and regulations pertaining to the Office of the Agricultural Commissioner.

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

Examples of Duties

• Supervises agricultural and clerical staff in an office, or staff performing inspection and enforcement duties.
• Interprets, clarifies, explains and enforces agricultural laws and regulations to subordinates as well as growers, shippers, the public and others in local agricultural community; and ensures work is performed in accordance with these laws and regulations; issues are sometimes controversial.
• Conducts and/or receives research and answers pesticide use enforcement related questions from county employees as well as industry representatives and the general public.
• Plans, organizes and directs complex investigations, coordinates investigations with other agencies.
• Participates in hearings as needed; may act as an advocate for the Department or testify at hearings.
• Prepares documentation for case hearings and investigative reports. Reviews documentation prepared by subordinates to determine sufficiency and validity of evidence necessary for successful prosecution.
• Trains employees in agricultural inspection techniques and standards.
• Evaluates work of subordinates and takes necessary corrective action
• Assists in the development, planning and implementation of comprehensive state-county work plans; monitors work plan goals and redirects staff activities to ensure that goals are met.
• Assists in the evaluation of programs to assess strengths, weaknesses, and areas needing improvement.

To view the complete classification description, please visit the County of Monterey website:

Deputy Agricultural Commissioner

Examples of Experience/Education/Training

THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE

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

Thorough Knowledge of:

• Laws, regulations, ordinances and codes pertaining to the programs of the Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer of Weights and Measures as found in the:

a. California Food and Agricultural Code

b. California Code of Regulations

c. Business and Professional Code

d. County Ordinances

e. Other county, state and federal laws and regulations pertaining to county agricultural operations

• Effective inspection and enforcement principles and techniques pertaining to agricultural inspection and certification, and/or weights and measures inspection.

Working Knowledge of:

• PC usages including the following software: Word, Excel, Outlook, Access, PowerPoint, Restricted Material Permit Program, as well as internet research methods.
• Working knowledge of all programs conducted by the Agricultural Commissioner and in-depth knowledge of one or more programs.
• Principles of personnel and program management

Skill and Ability to:

• Plan, assign, review and evaluate the work of subordinate staff.
• Interpret and apply applicable rules and regulations.
• Read, understand and monitor program budgets.
• Develop work plans in conjunction with state entities.
• 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.
• Manage difficult situations and make decisions on complex and/or controversial matters.
• Analyze data and situations and make effective recommendations.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; special emphasis on report writing.
• Speak in public before small and large groups.
• Maintain confidentiality of protected records.
• Prepare accurate reports and records of inspections.
• Manage complex investigations.
• Direct the development of complex enforcement actions such as Agricultural Civil Penalties and act as an Advocate for the Department

Examples of Experience/Education/Training:

Any combination of training, education and/or experience which provides the knowledge, skills and abilities and required conditions of employment is qualifying. An example of a way these requirements might be acquired is:

Experience:

In addition to the five Agricultural Inspector/Biologist Licenses or three Weights and Measures Inspector licenses, must have one year’s experience performing the more difficult and complex inspections and performing senior inspector duties.

Additional Information

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

The required conditions of employment include, but are not limited to the following:

• Possess and maintain a valid California Class C driver’s license or the ability to provide suitable transportation that is approved by the appointing authority.
• Be available to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and during times of disaster and/or emergency.
• Possess a valid Deputy County Agricultural Commissioner license issued by the state of California Department of Food and Agriculture.
• Possess all inspector licenses necessary to qualify for the Deputy License.
• Pass a pre-employment physical examination.

BENEFITS:

The County of Monterey offers an excellent benefits package. Please visit our website to view the F- Unit Benefit Summary . 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 Wednesday, December 31, 2025, 11:59 PM (PST)

or

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 Fax: (831) 754-2632

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

• Valid Deputy Agricultural Commissioner License

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.

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, Senior Human Resources Analyst, at (831)759-7378 or garciaj7@countyofmonterey.gov

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

Closing Date/Time: 12/31/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

Salary:

$7,371.35 - $10,067.72 Monthly