AGRICULTURAL AIDE (SEASONAL)

Job Description and Duties

Per CCR 249.3, this job control may be used to fill subsequent vacancies.

Under close supervision of the Senior Environmental Scientist Supervisor (SESS) or the Agricultural Program Supervisor IV (APS IV), the Agricultural Aide will work on the less responsible and routine seasonal work in a field and or laboratory setting concerned with the assistive and nonprofessional entomological or plant pest work.

• Follow established protocols for visual survey, pesticide use, eradication, and detection / delimitation trapping.
• Service various insect traps, perform visual surveys and insect sweeps, visually inspect for target pest damage on local plant hosts, and conduct eradication treatments (mixing and application of spray materials).
• Collect, process, and package suspect plant and insect samples that are removed from foliage using various insect / plant collection tools and inspected for target pests.
• Read maps to navigate to multiple locations when performing field activities.
• Draw maps to identify exact geographic locations using Global Positioning System (GPS) technology to show the coordinates; longitude and latitude.
• Complete a Pest Damage Record (PDR) for samples and packaging of samples for submission to the CDFA Plant Pest Diagnostics Center for Identification when necessary.
• Keep daily reports of work completed in the Route Trap Book and electronically in CalTrap utilizing an iPad, i.e., number of traps serviced, properties treated, acreage surveyed, and samples collected, and other topics as needed.
• Clean vehicle interior and truck bed of insects, lures, and other debris daily.
• Clean, repair and store all survey, trapping and treatment equipment daily.
• Notify supervisor when equipment needs repair or replacement by submitting the Equipment Maintenance form.
• Perform and document vehicle safety and fluid level checks on the weekly Vehicle Inspection Report.
• Screen wet and dry traps for target pests (plant and insect).
• Examine the content of traps visually which may contain hundreds of plant samples, insects, and debris to make preliminary identifications of specimens that resemble target pests.
• Initiate prescribed action for the preliminarily identified suspect target pest, which may include phone contact and / or return of the suspect target pest to the field office for official identification.
• Accurately document the address, host type, and location of the sample retrieved from the property or field by drawing a map and / or using a GPS unit and on a Pest Damage Report.
• Interact with the public in a professional manner at all times.
• Initiate contact with the property owner or representative to obtain verbal or written permission (if required) to conduct surveys, place traps or apply pesticides.

Document property owners address, host information, and any necessary instructions on the trap cards, survey logs and treatment logs.

Candidates may perform these essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

Employee acts under the close supervision of the Senior Environmental Scientist Supervisor or the Agriculture Program Supervisor IV, but the SESS or APS IV may not always be on site in the field.

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. Incumbent will be provided CDFA uniforms and personal protective equipment when using pesticides.

The incumbent will be required to drive, exit, and re-enter the work vehicle numerous times during the workday. The incumbent must possess a valid CA drivers’ license and maintain a good standing 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) to operate a state motor vehicle safely and responsibly.

The incumbent must also be able to apply pesticides, work well under extreme time constraints, exercise good judgment, determine priorities, make appropriate well-thought-out decisions, allocate staff, provide resources to achieve maximum results, maintain focus under conditions of duress, and provide an accurate assessment of rapidly changing situations (ex.

multiple exotic pest detections requiring multiple operations). The incumbent must be able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted during the course of work, cooperate with other staff members in completing assigned work, communicate effectively verbally and in writing, and meet required deadlines.

Employee may be required to travel by state or rental vehicle to perform field active or other public transportation systems to various locations throughout the state.

Must be legally able to rent a car. The incumbent may work various shifts (pre-dawn and after 6 : 00 p.m.), weekends, overtime, and possibly a split shift.

The position may require a background check to be cleared prior to being hired. Some of the work will be conducted at airport facilities, inside and around aircraft.

The incumbent will be exposed to warm temperatures and loud noise. They may also work alone inside aircraft for extended periods of time.

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Retirement

Learn more about the defined benefit plan that is offered to state employees through the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) based on years of service, age and final compensation.

CalPERS also offers disability retirement, partial service retirement, and death benefits for eligible employees.

401(k) and 457(b) Plans (Savings Plus)

Offers a voluntary benefit that allows you to contribute to both a 401(k) and a 457(b) plan to enhance your retirement benefit.

This allows you to contribute, through payroll deduction, up to twice the amount available to the private sector and most public sector employees.

You can contribute on both a pre-tax and an after-tax designated Roth basis that offers you the opportunity to take advantage of tax savings now and in the future.

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Cash In Lieu of Health and / or Dental Benefits (Cash Option)

Allows you to receive cash in lieu of state-sponsored health and / or dental benefits insurance if you have other qualifying medical and / or dental coverage through a spouse, domestic partner, parent or other source.

Common Carrier Travel and Accident Insurance for Excluded Employees Only

Offers employer-paid accidental death and dismemberment insurance to managers, supervisors and other specified employees who travel on state business.

Commute Program

Voluntary benefits that subsidize commuting expenses for eligible employees who commute to and from work using public transportation, vanpools, or bicycles.

Consolidated Benefits (CoBen)

Provides a benefit allowance, rather than specific contribution amounts for health, dental and vision benefits. You may receive additional taxable income each month, depending on the total cost of the benefit plans you choose.

Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA)

Continuation of health, dental, and vision insurance coverage as well as medical reimbursement account for employees and eligible dependents who involuntarily lose coverage.

Death Benefits

Benefits available to legal survivors and / or designees of state employees; see "Planning Ahead" handbook.

Planning Ahead Handbook Dental Benefits

Offers you and your dependents preventive, basic and major dental care coverage through one of several dental plans.

Employee Assistance Program

Employer-paid program offers free professional and confidential short-term counseling and referral services to employees and their eligible dependents, as well as valuable information on a variety of topics including financial, legal, and wellness.

866) EAP-4SOC

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Group Legal Services Insurance

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Available to eligible employees and their eligible dependents.

Group Long-Term Disability Insurance For Excluded Employees Only

Voluntary, employee-paid plan that replaces a portion of the employee's income in the event the employee is unable to work for six months or longer due to a covered illness or injury.

Health Benefits

Offers you and your dependents a broad range of health insurance plans with the state paying a portion of the premium. CalPERS administers this coverage.

CalPERS Health and Wellness

Promotes a work environment that encourages healthy lifestyle choices, decreases the risk of illness and disease and enhances employee effectiveness and well-being.

Long-Term Care Program

Offers coverage through CalPERS for a chronic illness, frailty of old age, or a serious accident. Available to all California public employees, retirees, and their eligible family members.

Part-time, Seasonal, and Temporary Retirement Program

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Reimbursement Accounts

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You can increase your take home pay and decrease your taxable income.

Third-Party Pre-Tax Parking Reimbursement Account Program

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Vision Benefits

Employer-paid benefit that offers you and your dependents an annual eye examination and an allowance for frames and lenses.

An enhanced vision plan is also available which provides higher allowances for certain materials and other benefits.