Ag Tech I

Description

POSITION TITLE: Ag Tech I

DEPARTMENT: Animal Health Branch

LOCATION: Ontario

REPORTS TO:  Supervisor

FLSA STATUS:  Non-Exempt

COMPENSATION: $23.32- $25.16 Hr. 

Job Type: Temporary

Schedule: 8 AM-5 PM or 7 AM-7 pm (varies) (weekends possible) 

The Cooperative Agricultural Support Services (CASS) is a Joint Powers Authority established as a partnership between the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) and the Counties of Yolo and Trinity. Over time, CASS has significantly expanded its reach across California, delivering essential support to the agricultural industry and its consumers.

CASS specializes in providing comprehensive human resources and administrative support services to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of agricultural programs. Its diverse program activities include agricultural inspections, pest prevention, and other critical initiatives administered by CDFA, county agricultural commissioners, and various public agencies.

By fostering collaboration and leveraging expertise, CASS continues to play a vital role in supporting California’s agricultural industry and safeguarding the quality and safety of its products.

Our current work includes: 

• Agricultural Commodity Grading Program
• Grading using County, State and Federal standards
• Emergency Pest Detection Trapping and Survey program
• Animal Health Emergency Support
• Professional Develop and Educational Training

We are looking for an enthusiastic Ag Tech I to join our Animal Health Branch. This position reports to the Supervisor.

Position Overview:

Under the supervision of the state and/or CASS staff, the Ag Tech I will provide timely detection services to help prevent, detect, and respond to animal disease threats across the state, with a special focus on poultry and livestock. 

Essential Job Functions: 

· Respond to calls on the sick bird hotline or requests for animal or animal product movement permits

· Assist producers, veterinarians, and animal owners in reporting and submitting samples to the laboratory from sick poultry and livestock

· Coordinate and assist with appropriate testing, quarantine measures, and follow-up actions for disease control.

· Establish and maintain contact with livestock, poultry, and bird producers.

· Educate producers on biosecurity protocols and distribute training materials to reduce the risk of disease transmission.

· Conduct biosecurity audits at infected premises and livestock markets.

· Inspect and collect samples and information from livestock and poultry at farms, ranches, and related facilities.

· Review real-time data on livestock and poultry entering California via Border Protection Stations (BPS)

· Ensure incoming animals have proper health credentials to mitigate the risk of disease entering the state.

· Enter data and upload files into various databases including Animal Health and Food Safety Services Emerging Threats (ET) or USDA Emergency Management Response System (EMRS).

Other Responsibilities:

· Work collaboratively with other staff including assisting current and new staff through shadowing and training on tasks and other job-related responsibilities.

· Assumes responsibility for doing assigned work and meeting deadlines. 

· Demonstrates an awareness of and sensitivity to clients including cultural and ethical beliefs; and implements care in a thorough, skillful, consistent, and continuous manner.

· Attends work regularly and adheres to policies and procedures regarding absences and tardiness. Provides adequate notice to supervisor with respect to time-off requests. 

· Performs other duties, as necessary.

Team Commitment:

· Viewed by others to be an effective team member who is flexible, cooperative, and willing to assist others, and acts as a resource to team members and clients where appropriate.

· Tactfully handles conflicts constructively and seeks appropriate assistance and directive when necessary.

· Develops and maintains cooperative and courteous relationships with co-workers, supervisor, and agency clients. 

Requirements

Work Requirements:

Duties for the job are performed inside or outside of buildings. Work may be performed in office buildings to include data entry, sample and data processing, filing and organizing of supplies and equipment, communicating with stakeholders via phone, text, or email. Work is also performed in livestock or poultry facilities at various locations and includes inspection of poultry or livestock at farms, ranches, and other facilities. The incumbent may regularly work around quickly moving heavy gates and heavy machinery; work in a noisy environment and be exposed to dust, pollen, moisture and temperature extremes, and unpleasant odors. The incumbent will work in regular close contact with livestock, poultry, knives, needles and other sharp instruments and potentially hazardous materials and chemicals. Driving a vehicle, as well as entering and exiting the vehicle frequent times throughout the workday.

Individual Requirements:

The incumbent in this position must be able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with industry; work well under pressure; and work cooperatively with other staff members in completing designated work and meeting required deadlines. Incumbents must have a valid driver’s license and an acceptable driving record during employment. Travel frequently by State vehicle or other modes of transportation, to various locations in-state, for assignments, exercises or meetings. Operate a computer with various software programs including e-mail and word processing. Enter information in a computer database. Process paperwork and samples. Operate an office or cellular phone, fax, calculator, and copier.

Physical Requirements:

The incumbent in this position will be required, with or without reasonable accommodation, to stand and walk constantly, lift up to 20 pounds on a very frequent basis; use repetitive arm and wrist motions; bend, stoop, twist, reach; and, enter and exit a vehicle frequently during the day.

Salary : $23 - $25