AGRICULTURAL TECHNICIAN III (SEASONAL)
State of California
San Diego County, CA, USA
USD 20.54-23.36 / hour
Job Posting: Agricultural Inspector
Department of Food & Agriculture
AGRICULTURAL TECHNICIAN III (SEASONAL)
$20.54 - $23.36 per Hour
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
Final Filing Date: 5/28/2026
Job Description and Duties
Per CCR 249.3, this job control may be used to fill subsequent vacancies.
Under direction of the Agriculture Program Supervisor, the Agricultural Technician III leads, plans, organizes and directs the work of a small crew of seasonal employees. The incumbent is well experienced and has developed the expertise necessary to independently perform the more difficult, varied and responsible duties of the required job. This is generally exhibited by wide and varied experience in the applicable field of entomological or plant pest work or directing the work of others in the applicable field assignments. Specific responsibilities include but are not limited to: following an established work routine to schedule surveys, deployment and servicing for a variety of insect traps, various aspects of pesticide applications, conducting visual survey of designated areas for host material, pest damage (such as Exotic Wood Borer, Cereal Leaf Beetle, etc.), documentation of work completed, field identification of suspect target insects, interaction with the public (notification for property and field surveys), and packaging and electronic data entry of suspect insects for submission to the identification lab.
Essential functions of this position include, but are not limited to:
- Acts as a lead person for personnel in the Agricultural Aide/Agricultural Technician I classifications and/or other assigned cooperators.
- Assembles crews, conducts training involving field related activities, personal and equipment safety precautions and schedules daily assignments.
- Keeps daily reports of work completed, i.e. number of traps serviced, properties treated, acreage surveyed, and samples collected.
As an employee of the California Department of Food & Agriculture (CDFA), you are required to perform the “essential functions” of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation. If you are interested in becoming part of a diverse and inclusive workforce where talent, experience, and expertise are valued, then CDFA is the place for you!!
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.
Working Conditions
The duties of this position are primarily conducted outdoors. The incumbent works in extremes of weather and temperature. Changes in lighting such as alternating bright sunlight and dark shade are encountered. Noise levels constantly vary. Terrain encountered varies from smooth and stable to irregular and unstable. Incumbent may experience regular exposure to dust, pollen and moisture. Some trap types use a specific chemical insect lure; some of these lures may contain small amounts of pesticide. The work area can be urban or rural. The technician may drive, exit and re-enter the work vehicle numerous times during the workday. The technician acts under the general direction of the Senior Environmental Scientist or equivalent, but the Senior Environmental Scientist may not always be on site in the field.
The incumbent will be required to drive and must have a valid Class C, or equivalent driver’s license and a safe driving record as documented by the Department of Motor Vehicles. (A safe driving record is one free from convictions in the past two years for repeated moving violations, or a single serious violation, such as drunk driving or reckless driving). The incumbent must be competent to safely operate and maintain state vehicle to travel to designated work areas. The incumbent in this position must be able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted during the course of work; work well under pressure; and work independently and in cooperation with other staff members in completing assigned duties and meeting required deadlines.
Minimum Requirements
You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.Additional Documents
Position Details
Department Information
The Mission of the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is to safeguard a resilient food system and promote an equitable marketplace, cultivating a California grown food supply that is globally recognized for innovation, quality, and sustainability.
The Pest Detection/Emergency Projects Branch is responsible for the early detection and prompt eradication of serious exotic agricultural pests. The Branch accomplishes its mission by conducting a statewide trapping program, staffed by county and state inspectors, for exotic insect pests; by implementing special surveys for significant agricultural pests and plant diseases for which traps are not available; and by providing emergency eradications services using the best available technology.
Special Requirements
- The position(s) require(s) a valid California Drivers License (CDL). You must answer the questions addressing your CDL on your application. Ensure you provide your CDL number, class, expiration date, and any endorsements and/or restrictions.
Application Instructions
Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. 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: 5/28/2026Who May Apply
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
Address for Mailing Application Packages
You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
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:
- Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
- Resume is optional. It may be included, but is not required.
Contact Information
The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.
Suttamas Pongprachakkul
(760) 250-2999
suttamas.pongprachakkul@cdfa.ca.gov
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:Office of Civil Rights
(916) 654-1005
Civil_Rights@cdfa.ca.gov
Hard Copy Applications
If you are dropping off or mailing in your application, please use the Examination/Employment Application, STD 678 Revised 06/2024 version.
Additional Information
Please do not include any confidential information such as social security number, marital status, ethnicity, age, salary or disability information on any of the documentation uploaded with your online application.
If the classification you are applying for has an education requirement, transcripts will be required to verify you meet the minimum qualifications of the classification. Please be sure to redact any confidential information before uploading your transcripts.
Upon hire you may be required to provide official sealed transcripts or an original degree or certificate.
Applicants with foreign degrees may be asked to provide an official foreign transcript evaluation which indicates course work is equivalent to a degree from an accredited U.S. College or University.
This position may require a medical clearance.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.
It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.
