Pest Detection Specialist - Project

Pest Detection Specialist - Project

Salary

$4,971.73 Monthly

Location

County-Wide, CA

Job Type

Full-Time Project

Job Number

B9W1-2026A

Department

Agriculture / Weights and Measures

Opening Date

05/28/2026

Closing Date

Continuous

FLSA

Non-Exempt

Bargaining Unit

QA

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

The Position

Bargaining Unit: Local 1 - Agricultural & Animal Control Unit

The Contra Costa County Department of Agriculture is recruiting to fill multiple Pest Detection Specialist positions. All interested and qualified individuals are encouraged to apply.

Why join the Contra Costa Department of Agriculture, Weights & Measures?

Contra Costa County is one of the largest employers in the area, offering multiple career opportunities in public service. The Agriculture/Weights & Measures Department has a staff of 44 employees County-wide and provides a wide range of services for the public and industry. Our goal is to promote and protect agriculture, the environment, and the people of Contra Costa County. We are responsible for operating many statewide programs through a combination of education, outreach and enforcement. The Weights and Measures side of Agriculture protects buyers and sellers by promoting fair packaging and by checking commercial weighting, measuring and timing devices for accuracy. The main office is located in Concord, CA and the branch office is in Knightsen, CA.

The primary function of the Pest Detection Specialist is to deploy and service insect traps designed to detect the presence of specific non-endemic insect pests that pose a serious risk to California agriculture.

Ideal candidates should be able to:

• identify common landscape plants and fruit trees
• Work outdoors in all types of weather conditions
• Operate a county vehicle and have a good driving record
• Draw basic maps of insect trap placements
• interact professionally with the public
• Work independently without supervision
• Maintain detailed records
• Work with small amounts of insecticides

The Pest Detection Specialist Position is a seasonal position, typically lasting from April through November, and is dependent on state contract funds.

To read the complete job description, please visit the website: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/contracosta/classspecs/5190

For more information about the Department of Agriculture / Weights & Measures please visit the website: Agriculture / Weights & Measures | Contra Costa County, CA Official Website

Typical Tasks

• Identifies basic fruit trees and vegetable/plant species that are hosts for specific insect pests
• Identifies specific target pests that are caught in detection traps
• Organizes effective trapping routes in an efficient manner
• Deploys and services insect detection traps according to State guidelines
• Works with various insect traps that contain insect food lures, pheromone lures and pesticides
• Draws neat and accurate maps of trap locations
• Reads and utilizes simple diagrams and maps efficiently
• Maintains legible and accurate records and prepares reports
• Works within close proximity and with large quantities of insects
• Works safely around dogs, stinging insects, and allergic plants
• Performs basic mathematical calculations
• Assists with surveys to detect plant pests and diseases
• Complies with laws, regulations and professional practices governing agricultural programs
• Establishes and maintains cooperative working relationships
• Manages time efficiently to complete assigned tasks
• Communicates effectively and tactfully with home and property owners, coworkers, supervisors and the general public
• Operates assigned vehicles safely
• Works independently to assess situations for risk and responds in a safe and effective manner
• Performs other work as required which may include the use of pesticides when assigned to Pest Management Programs

Minimum Qualifications

License Required: Possession of a valid California motor vehicle operators license. Valid out of state motor vehicle operators license will be accepted during the application process.

Education: Possession of a high school diploma or G.E.D. equivalency or a high school proficiency certificate.

Selection Process

• Application Filing and Evaluation: Applicants will be required to complete a supplemental questionnaire at the time of application; applications will be evaluated to determine which candidates will move forward in the next phase of the recruitment process.
• Hiring Interview: Applicants selected to move forward will participate in an interview conducted by the hiring department, which will assess candidates in job-related competencies and qualifications.

Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an invitation to participate in the selection process.

The Human Resources Department may change the examination steps noted above in accordance with the Personnel Management Regulations and accepted selection practices.

CONVICTION HISTORY

After you receive a conditional job offer, you will be fingerprinted, and your fingerprints will be sent to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The resulting report of your conviction history (if any) will be used to determine whether the nature of your conviction conflicts with the specific duties and responsibilities of the job for which you have received a conditional job offer. If a conflict exists, you will be asked to present any evidence of rehabilitation that may mitigate the conflict, except when federal or state regulations bar employment in specific circumstances. Having a conviction history does not automatically preclude you from a job with Contra Costa County. If you accept a conditional job offer, the Human Resources department will contact you to schedule a fingerprinting appointment.

DISASTER SERVICE WORKER

All Contra Costa County employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law. Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

It is the policy of Contra Costa County to consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, or other protected category under the law.

To find more information on Benefits offered by Contra Costa County, please go to https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/1343/Employee-Benefits

01

The purpose of the questionnaire is to provide applicants the opportunity to elaborate on their experience, education, and training for this position and to assist the HR staff in assessing each applicants qualifications. Your responses to the questionnaire will be used to better understand your relevant experience, education, and training to determine which applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the recruitment process. Do not answer any of the questions by indicating "see attached application or see resume."

• I understand

02

Do you have a high school diploma or G.E.D. equivalency or a high school proficiency certificate?

• Yes
• No

03

Do you have a valid motor vehicle operators license.

• Yes
• No

04

By checking this box, I am confirming that all statements made in this supplemental questionnaire and on the application are accurate and true; and I understand that misstatements or omissions of material facts will result in being rejected from this recruitment process or released from future employment with Contra Costa County

• I understand

Required Question

Employer County of Contra Costa