DEFINITION

Under general direction, plans, coordinates and directs the divisional operations of either agricultural or weights and measures enforcement inspections in the assigned programs; may act as the Department Head in the absence of the Agricultural Commissioner/Director of Weights and Measures; and perform other duties as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Positions in this class manage a major discipline and coordinate staff assignments between disciplines and specialty fields in the combined Agriculture Inspection and Weights and Measures Department. Incumbents serve as a member of the management team to assist in long range planning and to set policy and procedures. Incumbents are technical experts and internal consultants expected to provide information to the public on Department matters and are required to respond to the media and public on sensitive inter-jurisdictional issues requiring tact, judgment and diplomacy. Positions in this class act for the Department Head as assigned.

TYPICAL TASKS

Plans, organizes, coordinates and directs a division in the combined Agricultural and Weights and Measures Department; supervises, trains and evaluates the work of subordinates staff; assists in preparing and monitoring the annual budget; coordinates staff assignments between major disciplines and specialty fields to integrate Weights and Measures and Agricultural assignments and to handle work load variations; evaluates policies and procedures and formulates and recommends improvements, then implements as approved; analyzes work flow, recordkeeping systems, computerized systems, recommends and implements changes as approved; analyzes revenue sources and recommends revenue generating programs; represents the department to community groups and acts as an internal consultant and technical advisor for Agriculture and Weights and Measures issues; investigates complaints, arbitrates and mediates cases, and represents the department in court as required; performs complex and difficult investigations and inspections; issues press releases and conducts public relations programs as directed; coordinates with the State and local agencies on major programs and in emergencies; consults with the Commissioner on work programs, work standards, schedules, policies and program development; represents the department at meetings and conference; prepares reports and correspondence; uses a computer to input, analyze and retrieve data.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

Knowledges:

• Thorough knowledge of the organization, procedures and operation of combined County agriculture and/or weights and measures program;
• Thorough knowledge of applicable local, State and Federal laws and regulations pertaining to agriculture and/or weights and measures programs;
• Thorough knowledge of agriculture and weights and measures inspection, investigation and enforcement techniques;
• Working knowledge of the structure and function of County government;
• Working knowledge of the application of data processing to agriculture and/or weights and measures operations.
• Some knowledge of administration, management and supervision including affirmative action, labor relations and personnel management;
• Some knowledge of the principles and practices of program planning, budgeting, training and public relations.

Ability to:

• Plan, organize, direct and coordinate the work of a division engaged in enforcement, investigation and inspection of agriculture and weights and measures programs;
• Supervise, train and evaluate the work of subordinate staff;
• Exercise initiative, ingenuity and sound judgment to solve administrative, operational and technical problems;
• Evaluate program operations and develop more efficient and effective work methods and programs;
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others;
• Understand, interpret, explain and apply laws and regulations pertaining to agriculture and/or weights and measures programs;
• Coordinate functions among division, departments and the state;
• Collect, interpret, analyze and evaluate data;
• Prepare and present clear and concise administrative and technical reports;
• Speak effectively before groups;
• Learn to operate a computer terminal to access, input and analyze data.

Training and Experience:

Any combination of training and experience which would provide the knowledges and abilities listed above. A typical way to obtain these knowledges and abilities would be:

• At least two years of experience equivalent to an Agriculture/Weights and Measures Inspector III.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT:

• Possession of a valid State Certificate of Eligibility as a Deputy County Sealer of Weights and Measures or a Deputy County Agricultural Commissioner.
• Possess and maintain a valid California Class C Driver's License and the ability to obtain a valid California Class B license within a year may be required for one position.

Bargaining Unit: 11
EEOC Job Category: 02
Occupational Grouping: 73
Worker's Comp Code: 0285 

formerly: Deputy Sealer of Weights & Measures and Deputy Agricultural Commissioner