Department of Food & Agriculture
Location
Sacramento County, CA | United States
Job description
Per CCR 249.3, this job control may be used to fill subsequent vacancies.
The Biological Control Program imports, rears, releases and evaluates natural enemies that attack serious agricultural pests and weeds. Its headquarters is in South Sacramento. Each year about nine new exotic terrestrial invertebrate species, (mostly insects), are accidentally introduced into California. Some of these escape eradication efforts and become serious pests. One of the only remaining actions that the state can take to prevent such organisms from causing serious economic damage to agricultural and urban areas is their reunification with host-specific natural enemies from their native home range.
This position is located in South Sacramento.
Under general supervision of the Senior Environmental Scientist Supervisor, the Agricultural Technician I performs duties of average difficulty relating to the rearing of plants, pest insects, and control agents in the laboratory. The incumbent in this position must be able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted during the work, work well under pressure, and work independently and in cooperation with other staff members in completing assigned work and meeting required deadlines.
Duties include, but are not limited to the following:
Follows protocols for all activities related to the rearing of biological control organisms.
Collect, package, and ship natural enemies from mass-rearing cultures.
Compile daily written colony rearing records.
Document, on field data sheets, pest and control agent abundance at field sites before and after release of biological control agents.
Count host plants along field transects and insect abundance and damage.
Collect infested plant parts for dissection in the laboratory.
Process insect and weed biological control project field samples in the laboratory.
Enter records collected in field and laboratory research projects into spreadsheets and/or data software.
Travel to areas in the State of California to collect and release biological control agents.
Participates in field and laboratory studies after release of biological control agents.
Process field samples.
Perform plant propagation/greenhouse activities.
Perform upkeep of facilities, equipment and State vehicle.
Perform administrative activities related to the program.
Please refer to duty statement for more detail.
Candidates may perform these essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
You will find additional information about the job in the .
Must possess a valid driver’s license and a safe driving record.
Completion of one semester college in Agricultural Subjects OR One season of Ag related experience.
Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.
Final Filing Date: Until FilledWho May Apply
This is a non-testing Classification, therefore, anyone meeting the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification may apply for this position. Individuals in specific programs, such as the Welfare to Work Program, are encouraged to apply and will be given priority according to the applicable Laws and Rules. Please note on your application your current participation in these programs.
Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).How To Apply
Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included.
If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:
Address for Mailing Application Packages
You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:
Department of Food & Agriculture
Attn: Human Resources Branch JC-414090
1220 N Street, Room 242
Sacramento , CA 95814
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
Department of Food & Agriculture
Human Resources Branch JC-414090
1220 N Street, Room 242
Sacramento , CA 95814
ELECTRONIC APPLICATION IS PREFERRED. All mail or drop-off applications must include JC-414090
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Required Application Package Documents
The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:
Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.
The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.
Hiring Unit Contact:
Tiffany Nissen
(916) 926-9888
[email protected]
Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.
EEO Contact:California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.
If you are dropping off or mailing in your application, please use the Examination/Employment Application, STD 678 Revised 10/2023 version.
Job tags
Salary
$17.25 - $20.61 per hour
