The Agricultural Commissioners/Sealers system provides many opportunities for rewarding careers in technical positions as well as challenging management positions.

• Agricultural Commissioners/Sealers
  Generally, the top administrative position within the department providing the guidance, policy and decision making for the organization. Extensive knowledge of department operations, budgeting, highly developed communication skills and outstanding leadership skills are a few of the necessary attributes.

• Deputy Agricultural Commissioners and Deputy Sealers
  Providing management, budgeting and policy guidance for individual program areas. Providing technical expertise and supervision for line posititions and assisting the Commissioner/Sealer in organizational management.

• Agricultural Inspectors
  Providing valuable services such as: pest exclusion, pest detection, pesticide use enforcement, fruit and vegetable quality standards, apiary inspection, vertebrate pest control, seed inspection, plant identification, nursery inspection and many other functions related to biology, plant pathology, entomology, botany and nematology. List of Degrees that may qualify a candidate for a Biologist/Inspector Exam dependent on units taken.

• Weights and Measures Inspectors
  Providing protection to the consumer through device inspections, quantity control of packaging, electric meter and measuring device inspections and petroleum device regulation. List of Degrees that may qualify a candidate for a Weights and Measures Exam dependent on units taken.

• Insect Detection Specialists and Trappers
  Providing early detection of injurious plant pests by servicing and maintaining various traps for monitoring possible infestations.

The California Department of Food and Agriculture has the responsibility to examine and license County Agricultural Commissioners, County Sealers of Weights & Measures and Deputies, County Agricultural Inspector/Biologists, and County Weights & Measures Inspectors.

Prospective candidates wishing to apply for the examination may begin the process by clicking on: http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/employment_county-licensing.html .

To learn more about the structural organization and regulations of the California Department of Food and Agriculture and the Department of Pesticide Regulations, click on: CDFA/DPR Organizational and Regulation Info Feb. 2011 .

CASAP recently announced two dates for mock oral workshops for individuals wanting to take examinations for Commissioner/Sealer or Deputy.  Click on the links below to view the announcements as well as a CASAP membership form. 

Mock Oral Workshop LA County

Mock Oral Workshop San Joaquin County

CASAP Membership Form

Link to 2011 Spring Oral Exam Review 1 https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/324126322

Link to 2011 Spring Oral Exam Review 2 https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/381605930 

 

Link to recorded webinar training seminar "County State Contracts" : https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/548352274

Link to recorded webinar training seminar "DMS Sealer / Deputy Sealer Oral Exam" : https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/987443587