AGRICULTURAL COMMISSIONER / SEALER OF WEIGHTS & MEASURES / APCO at County of Tuolumne – Sonora, California

Under administrative direction, plans, organizes, manages and provides administrative direction and oversight for all functions and activities of the County’s Agricultural, Weights and Measures and Air Pollution Control functions; coordinates assigned activities with other County departments, officials, outside agencies, and the public; fosters cooperative working relationships among County departments and with intergovernmental and regulatory agencies and various public and private groups; provides highly responsible and complex professional assistance to County management staff in areas of expertise; and performs related work as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives administrative direction from the County Administrator (CA). The work provides for a wide variety of independent decision-making, within legal and general policy and regulatory guidelines. Exercises general direction and supervision over management, supervisory, professional, technical and clerical staff through subordinate levels of supervision.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
This department head classification oversees, directs and participates in all activities of the agricultural, weights and measures and air pollution control activities throughout the County, including short- and long-range planning and development and administration. This class provides assistance to the County Administrator in a variety of administrative, coordinative, analytical and liaison capacities. Successful performance of the work requires knowledge of public policy, county functions and activities, including the role of an elected Board of Supervisors, and the ability to develop, oversee and implement projects and programs in a variety of areas. The incumbent serves as the County’s Agricultural Commissioner, Sealer of Weights and Measures, and Air Pollution Control Officer . The incumbent serves at the pleasure of the appointing authority and is accountable for accomplishing departmental goals and objectives and for furthering County goals and objectives within general policy guidelines.

ABOUT THE POSITION

The ideal candidate for the Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer/APCO is a collaborative and adaptable leader with exceptional interpersonal and communication skills. They excel in fostering relationships with diverse stakeholders, including staff, growers, industry representatives, and government agencies, while maintaining a customer-focused approach. This individual is a strategic thinker with the ability to analyze complex issues, anticipate trends, and implement effective solutions that align with organizational goals and regulatory requirements. They are skilled in mentoring and motivating teams, demonstrating integrity, accountability, and a commitment to professional development. With a balance of technical expertise and emotional intelligence, the ideal candidate communicates effectively, resolves conflicts with diplomacy, and builds trust across all levels of the organization. Their strong organizational skills, coupled with a proactive and innovative mindset, enable them to ensure compliance, promote sustainability, and lead the department toward operational excellence.

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT

The office of the Agricultural Commissioner / Sealer of Weights and Measures / Air Pollution Control Officer is a regulatory agency acting under the authority of the State of California and direction of the California Department of Food and Agriculture; the Department of Pesticide Regulation; the Division of Measurement Standards; and in collaboration with various other federal, state, and local agencies. Our office enforces laws and regulations that support and protect the well-being of agriculture, the environment, business, and the community.

The Agricultural Division enforces pesticide laws and regulations; certifies agricultural products for export; works to detect and prevent the entry and spread of insects, weeds, and plant diseases harmful to agriculture; and certifies agricultural product quality.

The Weights and Measures Division is responsible for testing and certifying weighing and measuring devices to protect consumers and businesses by promoting a fair and equitable marketplace. The division also conducts quantity control inspections such as price verification point of sale transactions and bulk item sales.

The Air Pollution Control Division is responsible for reducing or eliminating the release of harmful substances into the atmosphere, thereby improving air quality and mitigating the negative impacts of pollution on human health and the environment.

DEPARTMENT PROGRAMS

• Pest Exclusion: The prevention of entry into the County or spread of harmful insects, weeds, plant diseases and other pests. The certification of agricultural export shipments to meet import requirements of importing countries.
• Pest Detection: Surveys of discovery of incipient infestations of pests which may have eluded our exclusion efforts.
• Pest Management: Controlling the population of pests through education and identification of pests.
• Pest Eradication: The elimination of infestations of new pests.
• Pesticide Use Enforcement: A major program which oversees the use of pesticides applied in the production and storage of agricultural crops. This includes the registration of Pest Control Operators and Advisors, the supervision of Pesticide Dealers and monitoring of pesticide use by the public through inspections and the issuance of pesticide permits.
• Fruit & Vegetable Quality Control: To ensure that maturity, quality, labeling and packaging standards are met for fruits and vegetables.
• Egg Enforcement: Ensures that quality and labeling standards are met pertaining to eggs.
• Nursery Regulation: To prevent the spread of injurious pests through infested nursery stock. To assure consumers of nursery stock which is properly labeled, reasonably free of common pests and in viable condition.
• Device Inspection: There are approximately 1,700 devices in Tuolumne County that require inspection- gasoline dispensers, retail water, electric, vapor meters, deli counter, livestock and vehicle scales as examples. A seal of accuracy is affixed to the device after inspection. Devices that are out of tolerance are removed from service until repaired.
• Quantity Control: Packaged goods are checked to ensure they meet the stated content. Package labeling is also examined for compliance with the labeling requirements as set by laws and regulation. Scanner systems are checked for pricing accuracy.
• Petroleum: Inspectors check the quality and labeling of petroleum products as well as gas station price sign advertising. This includes checking gasoline octane, boiling points of brake fluids and quality standards of motor oils and anti-freeze. Random samples of petroleum products are taken to ensure compliance with national standards. Undercover purchases are made to investigate consumer complaints and to inspect the accuracy of the transactions.
• Weighmaster: Weighmasters are licensed to certify the weighed, measured or counted quantity of a commodity. The certificates issued by weighmasters are recognized by courts of law as being a legal document. Inspections are performed to ensure the accuracy of certificates issued by weighmasters.
• Air Pollution:To reduce or eliminate the release of harmful substances into the atmosphere, thereby improving air quality and mitigating the negative impacts of pollution on human health and the environment.

(Illustrative Only)
Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Plans, organizes, directs and evaluates County agricultural, weights and measures and air pollution control programs and activities.
• Develops, directs and coordinates the implementation of goals, objectives, policies, procedures and work standards for the Department; establishes, within County policy, appropriate service and staffing levels.
• Interprets and ensures department compliance with all County policies and procedures, standards of quality and safety, and all applicable local, state and federal laws and regulations.
• Manages and participates in the development and administration of the department’s budget; directs the forecast of additional funds needed for staffing, equipment and supplies; directs the monitoring of and approves expenditures; directs the preparation and implementation of budgetary adjustments.
• Selects, trains, motivates and directs Department personnel; evaluates and reviews work for acceptability and conformance with department standards, including program and project priorities and performance evaluations; provides or coordinates staff training; works with employees to correct deficiencies; implements discipline and termination procedures; responds to staff questions and concerns.
• Contributes to the overall quality of the department’s service by developing, reviewing and implementing policies and procedures to meet legal requirements and City needs; continuously monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; assesses and monitors the distribution of work, support systems and internal reporting relationships; identifies opportunities for improvement; directs the implementation of change.
• Directs the enforcement of laws, rules and regulations pertaining to areas of responsibility.
• May personally perform professional-level work in agriculture, weights and measures and air pollution control.
• Performs the more complex investigations in the areas of agriculture, weights and measures and air pollution control.
• Conducts administrative hearings for violations of agricultural, weights and measures and air pollution laws and regulations.
• Conducts or directs analytical studies; develops and reviews reports of findings, alternatives and recommendations for the maintenance and improvement of programs and services; prepares and directs the preparation of a variety of periodic and special reports regarding departmental activities.
• Monitors legislation and trends in areas of responsibility; evaluates their impact on County operations, and recommends and implements policy and procedural improvements.
• Confers with, advises and provides professional assistance to the Board of Supervisors, members of County departments and various committees and task forces on agricultural, weights and measures and air pollution control and related matters.
• Advises and provides staff support to the Tuolumne County Agricultural Advisory Committee.
• Coordinates department activities and services with other departments, agencies and organizations as appropriate.
• Makes presentations before the Board of Supervisors; represents the County in meetings with representatives of governmental agencies, professional/business/ community organizations, and the public; participates as a member of various professional organizations as appropriate.
• Receives and responds to difficult and sensitive inquiries, concerns and complaints regarding department programs, activities and personnel.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

• All federal, state and county laws, codes, rules, regulations and standards affecting agricultural use and functions and air pollution control and weights and measures.
• Administrative principles and practices, including goal setting, program development, implementation and evaluation and supervision of staff, either directly or through subordinate levels of supervision.
• Public agency budgetary, contract administration, countywide administrative practices; and general principles of risk management related to the functions of the assigned area.
• Organizational and management practices as applied to the analysis and evaluation of programs, policies and operational needs.
• Principles of supervision, training and performance evaluation.
• Principles, programs and methods related to the management and operation of agriculture /agricultural inspection, weights and measures/weights and measures inspection and air pollution control.
• Chemicals and air quality standards related to agricultural use and air pollution control.

• Methods and techniques for writing and presentations, contract negotiations, business correspondence and information distribution; research and reporting methods, techniques and procedures.
• Techniques for effectively representing the County in contacts with governmental agencies, community groups and various business, professional, educational, regulatory and legislative organizations.

• Modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment and applications related to the work.
• English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and County staff.

Ability to:

• Interpret, analyze and apply federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations, policies and procedures pertaining to department administration and operations.
• Develop, implement and interpret goals, objectives, policies and procedures, and work standards.
• Plan, organize, direct and coordinate the work of management, supervisory, professional and technical personnel; delegate authority and responsibility.
• Select, train, supervise and evaluate the performance of assigned staff.
• Conduct inspection, detection and sampling activities related to agriculture, weights and measures and air pollution control.
• Prepare and administer a budget.
• Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures and techniques.
• Administer special projects with contractual agreements and ensuring compliance with stipulations and a variety of County programs and administrative activities.
• Conduct effective negotiations and effectively represent the County and the department in meetings with governmental agencies, contractors, vendors, and various businesses, professional, regulatory and legislative organizations.
• Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, policies, procedures and other written materials.
• Conduct complex research projects, evaluating alternatives, making sound recommendations in support of goals.
• Interpret complex department projects and programs to the public.
• Prepare, verify, analyze and reconcile complex records, reports and recommendations.
• Perform required mathematical computations with accuracy.
• Operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and specialized software applications programs.
• Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and legal guidelines in politically sensitive situations.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience:
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be

Equivalent to graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in agricultural or biological science. Additional coursework in air pollution control or management is desirable and five years of increasingly responsible combined experience in the areas of agriculture, weights and measures or air pollution control, including at least two years at a supervisory level.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Must possess an Agricultural Commissioner and Deputy Sealer of Weights and Measures license issued by the State of California Department of Food and Agriculture.
• Must be able to obtain Sealer of Weights and Measures license within one (1) year of appointment.
• Must possess a California driver's license and have a satisfactory driving record.