FRESNO COUNTY
REVISED
6/2/15
AGRICULTURAL TECHNICIAN
DEFINITION:
Under immediate supervision, conducts seasonal agricultural commodities inspections and performs a variety of tasks in support of agricultural or weights and measures inspection activities, surveys, pest control and detection programs; and performs related work as required.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:
The Department of Agriculture, headed by the Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer, operates under Federal, State and local mandates to protect the consumer and agricultural industry.
These laws, regulations, and ordinances govern agricultural and weights and measures protective activities in Fresno County. The Department is responsible for the following major protection activities: environmental protection and pest management, pest detection and exclusion, and weights and measures/standardization/statistics.
The Agricultural Technician classification performs quality and standards inspections on seasonal agricultural commodities. Incumbents also order the reconditioning or destruction of products not meeting established standards, conduct pest detection surveys and eradication activities, and perform a variety of tasks in support of Department programs and activities.
The Agricultural Technician classification differs from the Agricultural Technician -
Provisional classification in that the latter is a pre-entry level classification and incumbents are required to advance to the Agricultural Technician classification within two (2) years from the date of hire, or separate from County service. The Agricultural Technician classification differs from the Agricultural Field Aide classification in that Agricultural Technicians perform inspections of seasonal agricultural commodities which require a Seasonal Agricultural Inspector license while the Agricultural Field Aide performs less complex, routine tasks in support of Department programs. The Agricultural Technician classification differs from the Agricultural/Standards
Specialist classification series in that incumbents of the latter must obtain at least one County
Agricultural Inspector/Biologist license issued by the California Department of Food and
Agriculture, and may disseminate regulatory information to the public as well as other agencies and special interest groups.
SAMPLES OF DUTIES:
The information listed below is meant to serve as samples of job duties and responsibilities for positions in this classification. This list is neither inclusive nor exclusive, but indicative of several types of duties performed. Consequently, this information does not reflect Essential
Functions for any given position in this classification.
1. Inspects a variety of seasonal agricultural commodities in areas such as packing houses, wineries and grading sheds, and issues certificates of inspection for compliance with regulations relating to standards.
2. Directs the reconditioning or destruction of products below minimum requirements.

AGRICULTURAL TECHNICIAN (Cont’d)
SAMPLES OF DUTIES : (Cont’d)
3. Assists in agricultural surveys and inspections to enforce provisions of the California Food and Agricultural Code, California Code of Regulations, and Fresno County Ordinance Code relating to protection of various segments of the County engaged in producing or utilizing agricultural and other plant products, and the provision of weights and measures protective services.
4. Conducts pest detection surveys to locate agricultural pests in accordance with State guidelines, protocol and procedures.
5. Assists in pest control and eradication activities such as spraying pesticides, baiting traps, inspecting and removing suspected agricultural products.
6. Assists in a variety of routine quarantine activities.
7. Prepares reports and correspondence, and maintains records.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Knowledge of:
 The California Food and Agriculture Code and California Code of Regulations as it pertains to agriculture;
 Applicable Fresno County ordinances related to commodities standards and inspection;
 Basic principles of botany, entomology, plant pathology, physical science and related laboratory techniques;
 Common agricultural crops, their varieties, pests and diseases;
 Farming practices used in establishing, maintaining and harvesting agricultural crops;
 Chemicals used in basic plant and soil science as related to agricultural crop production;
 Safety procedures pertaining to the use of pesticides and related equipment;
 Safe driving practices;
 Basic mathematics.
Skills/Abilities to:
 Gather designated data and keep accurate, legible records;
 Read, understand and interpret laws, regulations and technical labels pertaining to the use of pesticides;
 Effectively manage multiple work assignments and meet established deadlines;
 Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing;
 Prepare clear and concise correspondence and reports;
 Establish and maintain effective working relationships at all organizational levels, as well as with other agencies and the public;
 Demonstrate and maintain a high degree of maturity, integrity, accountability, and good judgment.

AGRICULTURAL TECHNICIAN (Cont’d)
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Applicants must qualify under one (1) of the options listed below:
OPTION 1: Education: Completion of twelve (12) semester units of coursework in agricultural, life or physical sciences that is acceptable within the
United States’ accredited college or university system.
OPTION 2: Experience: One (1) year of full-time, paid work experience in agriculture or farming.
In addition to the options listed above, the following is required:
Licenses: Possession of all valid Seasonal Agricultural Inspector licenses, or the Commodity Regulation license, issued by the California
Department of Food and Agriculture, necessary to inspect seasonal agricultural commodities in Fresno County, as determined by the Department of Agriculture.
JCN: 1710
License: Possession of a valid Class “C” driver’s license, or equivalent.