WEIGHTS AND MEASURES INVESTIGATOR

Job Specifications

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY FLAGGED FOR REVIEW APRIL 1990

DEFINITION

Under general direction, to initiate and conduct investigations in a quantity control verification program and to perform a wide variety of inspections and tests of commercial weighing and measuring devices for conformance to State laws and regulations; and to do other work as assigned.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is a full journeyperson level class in the Weights and Measures Inspector series with a special emphasis in the area of investigations. This single position class is given general direction to initiate and conduct investigations in the Weights and Measures Division's Quantity Control Verification Program. In addition to the investigative responsibilities, an incumbent in this class is also assigned a wide variety of weights and measures inspection duties. The incumbent in this class who possesses a Deputy Sealer of Weights and Measures Certificate, when so designated, may act for the Director of Weights and Measures in his/her absence.

TYPICAL TASKS

Typical tasks in this class are divided into two categories and are shown in descending order of importance.

Investigations

Under general direction, a Weights and Measures Investigator initiates and conducts investigations to detect or verify suspected violations of provisions of State and local laws, rules, and regulations which pertain to goods and services which are sold on the basis of weight, measure, or count. Investigations may typically occur at any or all levels of production, distribution, or point of sale. A Weights and Measures Investigator located and interviews accused persons and witnesses and analyzes and evaluates their testimony; examines a variety of records to secure and verify information concerning suspected violations and violators; contacts and interviews individuals and representatives of businesses or government agencies; gathers, assembles, preserves and reports facts, statements, or affidavits and other evidence for use in legal action; as a public officer issues infraction or misdemeanor citations or makes arrests; investigates complaints; arranges the appearance of witnesses to present testimony at legal or administrative actions; swears to complaints; serves legal papers within the County; appears as a witness in legal or administrative proceedings; interprets and explains the provisions of laws, rules, or regulations; cooperates with and secures the cooperation of Federal, State, and local law enforcement and regulatory agencies; prepares correspondence and reports of investigations and recommends actions to be taken.

Inspections

Inspects commodities packages in advance of or at the time of sale to assure that customers receive correct weight, measure, or count; inspects package labels to establish their compliance with the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act; orders commodities found short-weight or measure or not properly labeled off-sale and takes appropriate enforcement action; using calibrated mass standards, inspects and tests a wide variety of weighing devices for sensitivity, weight and computational accuracy over a range of loads and conditions; inspects and tests a wide variety of measuring or counting devices for accuracy, ability to calculate accurately, or correct for temperature and pressure influences; affixes seals to approved devices or places out of service or condemns devices which fail accuracy or other tests or which facilitate fraud; samples and tests petroleum products to assure their conformance to State and Federal standards relating to safety and performance; enforces laws and regulations pertaining to petroleum product advertising and labeling; inspects and investigates licensed weighmasters and weighmaster records; investigates complaints of inaccurate weighing, measuring, or counting devices or complaints of short weight, measure or count commodities or services; issues warnings or citations; takes samples or makes purchases as necessary for evidence; prepares reports of inspections, tests, and investigations; may direct the work of or train new employees.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

Knowledge:

• Working knowledge of laws, regulations, policies, and procedures relating to Weights and Measures;
• Working knowledge of investigative techniques and procedures;
• Working knowledge of rules of evidence and court procedure;
• Working knowledge of techniques of identifying, preserving, and presenting evidence;
• Working knowledge of laws of arrest, search and seizure, and the legal rights of citizens;
• Working knowledge of duties and responsibilities of Federal, State, and local regulatory and law enforcement agencies.

Ability to:

• Interpret, apply, and enforce laws and regulations to specific situations;
• Conduct or participate effectively in investigations and interviews;
• Detect or verify suspected violations;
• Gather and analyze facts, reason logically, draw valid conclusions and make appropriate recommendations;
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships;
• Perform moderately heavy physical labor requiring dexterity and mechanical aptitude;
• Prepare and present accurate, clear and concise written and oral written reports;
• Follow oral and written instructions.

Training and Experience: Any combination of training and experience which would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain these knowledge and abilities is:

• Certification Required: Possession of six (6) valid certificates as a County Weights and Measures Inspector.
• Experience Required: Three (3) years minimum experience in the enforcement of weights and measures laws and and regulations with an emphasis in investigations.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Possession of a valid California Class C Driver's license. Candidates must obtain a Class B license within one year of appointment to this class.