Search
Header navigation

Agricultural and Standards Investigator IV

PublishedPublished: Published 4 days ago
Salary : $82,534.40 - $104,270.40 Annually
Location : Riverside
Job Type: Regular
Job Number: 26-78708-02
Department: Agricultural Commissioner
Division: Agricultural Commissioner
Opening Date: 09/08/2026
Closing Date: 9/21/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

For questions regarding this position, please contact the Recruiter listed in the Supplemental Information section.
ABOUT THE POSITION
The County of Riverside's Agricultural Commissioner's Office is currently seeking to fill an Agricultural and Standards Investigator I-IV position in Riverside. Agricultural and Standards Investigators perform work in the enforcement of agricultural and/or weights and measures laws, regulations, and policies for consumer and agricultural industry protection. Investigators work outdoors and are exposed to various weather conditions, as well as drive to locations throughout Riverside County to conduct inspections and investigations.

These positions require the ability to work independently and in a team environment, strong customer service skills, and the dedication to strictly follow policies and procedures while enforcing State laws, regulations, and County ordinances. Applicants must be willing to work outdoors and be exposed to all types of weather conditions.

Candidates must upload a copy of your official/unofficial transcripts or license(s) issued by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) at time of application.

Applicants who have passed the State License exam but have not yet received their license, should upload documentation that indicates you have passed the exam. Applicants who are within three months of graduating with their bachelor's degree in a related field may apply but will need to provide transcripts.

Assignments for these positions will be based on the department's needs. Incumbents become eligible for promotion to the next higher level, up to and including the Agricultural & Standards Investigator IV, upon receipt of the required State Licenses, as specified in the Recruiting Guidelines at each level.
Salary Range:
Meet the Team!
The is entrusted with the mission of promoting and protecting the agricultural industry of the County and its environment, ensuring the health and safety of the County's citizens, and fostering confidence and equity in the marketplace through education and the fair and uniform enforcement of laws, regulation, and ordinances enacted by the people of the State of California and the County of Riverside.
EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES
• Attend training sessions to receive instruction in agricultural and weights and measures laws and regulations, including methods and techniques, routine biosecurity policies, and pest detection methods and techniques involving plant materials.

ALL LEVELS
• Conduct periodic inspections and complaint investigations involving agricultural properties and businesses, mobile home parks, food markets, gas stations, and other various commercial business establishments for compliance with the California Food and Agriculture Code and/or the Business and Professions Code and/or the California Code of Regulations.
• Take appropriate enforcement action such as quarantine, embargo, and condemnation of pesticide contaminated food products or pest infested/infected plant materials.
• Participate as part of the County Hazardous Materials 24-hour Emergency Team; assist during pesticide clean-up operations as a pesticide expert and active coordinator between Hazmat, law enforcement agencies, environmental specialists, and Risk Management departments.
• Inspect, test, and seal various commercial weighing and measuring devices; investigate complaints of improper weights, measures, or counts and take appropriate enforcement action.
• Collect pesticide samples of plant or animal products for laboratory analysis and interpret laboratory findings, and prepare required reports.
• Inspect plant material coming into the County for compliance with federal and state quarantines for detrimental insects, diseases, noxious weeds, and weed seeds.
• Maintain accurate records of work performed; gather evidence of violations and non-compliance with agricultural and/or weights and measures laws and regulations, and County ordinances.
• Enforce agricultural and structural pesticide laws and regulations.
• Enforce state laws concerning packaging of commodities and other phases of weights, measures, or counts; issue warnings and citations, and condemn defective apparatus or improperly represented commodities or packages.
• Assist in preparing court cases by completing inspection reports, attending office hearings, and conferring with city or county district attorneys and County Counsel.
• Testify in court or office hearings, as the investigating authority.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Statewide specific category licenses as a County Agricultural Inspector/Biologist or as a Weights and Measures Inspector

Agriculture: Pesticide Regulation; Investigation & Environmental Monitoring; Integrated Pest Management Monitoring; Commodity Regulation; Pest Prevention & Plant Regulation.

Weights & Measures: Weight Verification; Measurement Verification; Transaction & Product Verification.

Candidates must possess the education to test for all eight licenses.
List of Appropriate Disciplines
OPTION I

Licenses: Possession of one or more of the following valid Statewide specific category licenses as a County Agricultural Inspector/Biologist or as a Weights and Measures Inspector:
OPTION II

Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree and specialization in one or more appropriate disciplines in agricultural, biological, chemical, or physical sciences, or other appropriate disciplines as determined by the Secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture.
Licenses: Possession of two of the valid Statewide specific category licenses as a County Agricultural Inspector/Biologist or as a Weights and Measures Inspector.
Licenses: Possession of five of the valid Statewide specific category licenses as a County Agricultural Inspector/Biologist or as a Weights and Measures Inspector.
Licenses: Possession of the eight valid Statewide specific category licenses listed below as a County Agricultural Inspector/Biologist and as a Weights and Measures Inspector.
ALL LEVELS

Knowledge Of: The principles of biological and physical sciences used in the fields of agriculture and/or weights and measures.
Ability To: Learn agricultural and weights and measures laws and regulations, investigation, and enforcement principles and procedures; establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public, various governmental agencies, and other staff members; analyze situations accurately and take effective action; communicate clearly both orally and in writing; prepare clear and concise reports; use a personal computer.
License: Possession of a valid California Driver License.

Physical Requirements: Ability to stand, climb stairs and ladders, and walk on uneven, wet, or slippery ground and/or floors; upper body strength to reach and move items from high or low shelves; manual dexterity to hand-write and use personal computers; corrected vision to read standard text, labels, color change indication test papers, monitoring equipment display screens, and computer screens; walk or stand for extended periods of time with no rest; walk over rough terrain; work at heights higher than ten feet; bend or stoop repeatedly or continually over time; use stomach and lower back to support the body when lifting.

Environmental Requirements: Will be required to work in an office and all types of field environments; be exposed to inclement weather conditions; may come in contact with materials/wastes, including odors and fumes from various industrial and agricultural processes, cleaning solvents, chlorine, and insecticides; ability to tolerate very hot and cold temperatures.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

Application Status:
How to confirm your application was received or check on the status of your application, log-in to , click on your name in the upper right corner, and click on "Applications & Status."
Sign Up for Job Alerts:
Go to , click on "Careers," click on "County Job Openings," and click on "Subscribe to Job Alerts" icon.

For questions regarding this recruitment:
Contact Richard Griego at 951-955-5162 or . Please allow 1-2 business days for a response to general inquiries.
APPLICATION INFORMATION

Veteran's Preference
The County has a Veterans Preference Policy applicable to new hires. To qualify, attach the required documents to your job application. Documents include a copy of your (or your spouse's) Member-4 Form DD-214 indicating dates of service. For spousal preference, and as applicable, the following documents: a copy of your marriage certificate, spouse's death certificate, a letter of spouse's disability and/or letter of service-related death (if available) from the U.S. Veteran's Administration. For privacy reasons, it is recommended that you remove your social security information from the document(s). A Human Resources Representative will review the materials and determine if you qualify for veterans' preference. For complete details and documentation requirements, please review the Veterans Preference Policy, C-3 here:
Reasonable Accommodations
The County of Riverside is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should contact the recruiter for the position noted above. For additional information and/or to obtain the appropriate form for requesting a reasonable accommodation, please visit the Disability Access Office web page located at:
Work Location and Telework
In-person attendance is the standard work expectation for County of Riverside assignments. Certain assignments may be eligible for a hybrid telework schedule; however, telework arrangements are subject to management approval, operational needs, and/or may be modified or discontinued at any time. Employees who telework are expected to be able to report to their assigned worksite on short notice or as operational needs require. Unless otherwise specified for a particular position, employees are expected to reside in California following appointment. Limited exceptions may apply. Applicants should contact the assigned recruiter for additional information regarding work location expectations, telework eligibility, and residency requirements.
Proof of Education
If using education to qualify or when requested by the recruiter, upload a copy of any license(s), official/unofficial transcript(s), degrees, and/or related employment documents to your NeoGov account at the time of application and before the closing date. Official or unofficial transcripts will be accepted.

If your education was completed outside of the United States, you will need to provide a copy of your Foreign Education Equivalency evaluation from a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services () or Association of International Credential Evaluators, Inc. ().
Work Authorization Requirement
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application. The County of Riverside does not participate in visa sponsorship programs, including H1-B visas, and will not provide sponsorship for any employment-based visas.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The County of Riverside is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of the County of Riverside to provide equal employment opportunities for all qualified persons. All applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, medical condition (cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, or denial of medical and family care leave, or any other non-job-related factors.
Pre-Employment
All employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of pre-employment requirements including a criminal background investigation, which involves fingerprinting. (A felony or misdemeanor conviction may disqualify the applicant from County employment). A pre-employment physical examination and background check may be required.
Probationary Period
As an Approved Local Merit System, all County of Riverside employees, except those serving "At Will," are subject to the probationary period provisions as specified in the applicable Memorandum of Understanding, County Resolution, or Salary Ordinance. Temporary and Per Diem employees serve at the pleasure of the agency/department head.
General Information
Current County of Riverside and/or current employees of the hiring department may receive priority consideration. Qualified candidates may be considered for future County vacancies.
Job postings may close without notice based on application volume. Submit your complete application by the recruitment close date; no late applications are accepted. Ensure all relevant experience/education is reflected on your application/resume, as a failure to demonstrate position requirements may disqualify applicants. A description of job duties directly copied from the job classification or job posting will not be considered.
Please read and follow any special application instructions on this posting. Click the 'Apply' link located on this page to submit your application. For additional instructions on the application process, examinations, Veteran's preference, pre-employment accommodation or other employment questions, please refer to our web site,
If you are experiencing technical problems, you may contact the governmentjobs.com applicant support desk Monday through Friday, 6 am to 5 pm Pacific Time at support@governmentjobs.com or toll-free 1-855-524-5627.
BENEFIT PROGRAM: SEI
MEDICAL/DENTAL/VISION INSURANCE: A choice of different medical, dental and visions plan are available to elect. The County provides a Flexible Benefit Credit contribution as governed by the applicable SEIU Memorandum of Understanding to contribute towards the cost of these plans.

Note: Employees on assignment through the Temporary Assignment Program (TAP) receive different benefits. See the list
MISCELLANEOUS RETIREMENT: County of Riverside has three retirement Tiers through the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS).
  • Tier I (Classic Member - Formula 3% @ 60): Applicable to current and former County of Riverside local miscellaneous employees hired prior to 08/24/2012 and did not withdraw CalPERS contributions. The employee contribution is eight (8%) percent.
  • Tier II (Classic Member - Formula 2% @ 60): Applicable to local miscellaneous employees 1) hired after 08/23/2012 through 12/31/2012; 2) Previously employed with another CalPERS contracting public agency or a reciprocal retirement system, with a break in service of less than six months between the separation date with the previous employer and the appointment date with the County of Riverside. The employee contribution is seven (7%) percent.
  • Tier III (PEPRA New Member - Formula 2% @ 62): Applicable to CalPERS local miscellaneous new members hired on or after the implementation of the Public Employees' Pension Reform Act of 2013 (PEPRA) which took effect January 1, 2013. Effective July 1, 2023 employee contributions are 7.25% and will increase to 7.75% effective July 1, 2024.

A new member is defined as any of the following:
  1. A new hire who enters CalPERS membership for the first time on or after January 1, 2013, and who has no prior membership in any California Public Retirement System.
  2. A new hire who enters CalPERS membership for the first time on or after January 1, 2013, and who was a member with another California Public Retirement System prior to that date, but who is not subject to reciprocity upon joining CalPERS.
  3. A member who first established CalPERS membership prior to January 1, 2013, and who is rehired by a different CalPERS agency after a break in service of greater than six (6) months.

CalPERS refers to all members that do not fit within the definition of a new member as "classic members".

Contribution rates are subject to change based on the County of Riverside annual actuarial valuation.
Note:

This summary is for general information purposes only. Additional questions regarding retirement formulas can be sent to or by calling the Benefits Information Line at (951) 955-4981,
Option 2.

If you have prior service credit with another CalPERS agency or within agencies, please contact CalPERS at (888) 225-7377 to determine which retirement tier would be applicable to you. CalPERS is governed by the Public Employees' Retirement Law. The Retirement Law is complex and subject to change. If there's any conflict between this summary and the law, the law will prevail over this summary.
DEFERRED COMPENSATION: Voluntary employee contribution with a choice between two 457 deferred compensation plan options.

VACATION ACCRUAL (Bi-Weekly Accrual):

0 < 3 year = 80 Hours (10 Days)

4 < 9 years = 120 Hours (15 Days)

10 or more years = 160 Hours (20 Days)

Maximum Vacation leave accumulation is 480 hours.

SICK LEAVE: Four (4) hours Sick Leave accrual per pay period with unlimited accrual.

HOLIDAYS: Normally 12 paid holidays per year.

BEREAVEMENT LEAVE: Allowed 5 days (3 days are County paid; 2 additional days can be taken from accrued Sick Leave balance).

BASIC LIFE INSURANCE: Equal to one times annual base salary not to exceed $50,000 of term life coverage. Premiums are paid by the County. Additional Supplemental Life plan is available for employee purchase.

DISABILITY:
Employees contribute to State Disability Insurance (SDI), which provides wage replacement benefits for individuals who are unable to work due to non-work-related illness, injury, or pregnancy. SDI also includes Paid Family Leave Benefits. The wage replacement rate is determined by current law, offering 60-70% of the wages earned during the SDI eligibility period.
Additionally, employees receive employer-paid Long-Term Disability Benefits, which cover 66.67% of pre-disability earnings, up to a maximum of $10,000 per month. There is a 365-day waiting period before these benefits become active. Employees may coordinate these benefits with other available leave balances to receive up to 100% of their regular pay.

POST RETIREMENT MEDICAL CONTRIBUTION: A monthly contribution is made by the County towards retiree health insurance offered through the County as governed by the applicable SEIU Memorandum of Understanding.

OTHER: There may be other benefit provisions as specified in the applicable Memorandum of Understanding. Please contact the recruiter listed on the job posting directly for more information.
01

I have read and understand the requirements of this position as stated in the job posting and I am willing and able to perform these duties with or without a reasonable accommodation.
  • Yes
  • No

02

I understand that I must upload a copy of my credentials (licenses, certificates) and/or proof of education (degree, transcripts, certificate of completion) as an attachment to my application as it pertains to the position for which I am applying.
  • Yes
  • No

03

Select the answer that best describes your current driver's license status:
  • I have a valid California Class C (or higher) driver's license.
  • I am able to obtain a valid California Class C driver's license.
  • I currently have a valid out-of-state driver's license, and I am able to obtain a valid California Class C driver's license.
  • I do not have and/or I am not able to obtain a California driver's license.

04

Agricultural & Standards Investigator requires a bachelor's degree with a specialization in an appropriate discipline (link included in the posting) or a license(s) issued by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA). Select all relevant advanced education, formal training, licensing, or certification you have completed. (Education must be earned at an accredited college or university and licenses or certifications must be current.)
  • I do not have advanced education, formal training, licenses, or certifications relevant to the position.
  • Less than 30 semester or 45 quarter units relevant to the position
  • At least 30 semester or 45 quarter units relevant to the position
  • At least 60 semester or 90 quarter units relevant to the position
  • At least 90 semester or 135 quarter units relevant to the position
  • At least 120 semester or 180 units relevant to the position
  • Associate's degree relevant to the position
  • Bachelor's degree relevant to the position
  • Master's degree relevant to the position
  • Doctorate degree relevant to the position
  • Formal training relevant to the position
  • License relevant to the position
  • Certificate relevant to position

05

Select the California County Agricultural Inspector/Biologist and/or Weights and Measures Inspector licenses you possess:
  • I do not have any of the listed licenses.
  • Commodity Regulation
  • Investigation & Environmental Monitoring
  • Integrated Pest Management
  • Measurement Verification
  • Pesticide Regulation
  • Pest Prevention & Plant Regulation
  • Transaction & Product Verification
  • Weight Verification

06

Indicate if you have any experience working in an organization which manages and regulates agricultural practices:
  • I do not have experience with managing and regulating agricultural practices.
  • I have work experience with the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR).
  • I have work experience with the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA).
  • I have work experience with an Agricultural Commissioner's Office.
  • I have work experience with an organization closely related to the aforementioned organizations.

07

In 1 - 3 sentences, please, describe your agricultural experience and/or qualifications that are most relevant to this position. Include the name of the organization where you performed the duties or earned your qualifications. If you do not have experience or qualifications related to this position, type "N/A."
Required Question