Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer of W & M - County of San Benito

DEFINITION:
Under policy direction of the Board of Supervisors and general administrative direction of the County Administrative Officer, to plan, organize, administer, coordinate, review and evaluate all of the functions and staff of the Agriculture Department; to serve as the agricultural official and weights and measures official and pesticide official for the County in charge of regulatory and inspection programs that protect the environment, consumers, and the agricultural industry; to collect, maintain, and publish Annual Crop Report; to serve as spokesperson regarding complex agricultural matters; and to perform related duties as assigned

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
Each California County is mandated by the State to appoint an Agricultural Commissioner and a Sealer of Weights and Measures to carry out certain functions as required by law. The County of San Benito has consolidated the offices of County Agricultural Commissioner and County Sealer of Weights and Measures into a single office. This department head position is appointed by the Board of Supervisors to a four (4) year term and is responsible for providing administrative leadership, technical oversight, and policy direction to the following State-mandated County services.

As County Agricultural Commissioner, the incumbent is charged with the protection of San Benito County agriculture, the protection of the environment as well as protection of the public's health and safety. These goals are accomplished through the management of agricultural programs designed to achieve our mission through a combination of public outreach, industry education and enforcement actions
As County Sealer of Weights and Measures, the incumbent inspects and tests packaged commodities and all commercially used devices. Transactions derived from the use of such devices are also inspected for accuracy. In addition to inspection activities, provides education and training to the public as well as the regulated industries
The Agricultural Commissioner-Sealer is expected to accomplish these functions with a maximum degree of independence within established policies and procedures set forth by the Board of Supervisors, County Administrative Officer, and federal, state, and County laws, ordinances, and regulations. Responsibilities include coordination with management staff of other County departments and governmental agencies, including the California Departments of Food and Agriculture, Pesticide Regulation and Public Health, to manage and accomplish the diverse mandated activities of the office. The incumbent is accountable for accomplishing departmental long- and short-range planning and operational goals and objectives and for furthering County goals and objectives within general policy guidelines and budgetary limitations.

REPORTS TO: Board of Supervisors on policy matters and the County Administrative Officer on administrative and budgetary matters. The Board of Supervisors evaluates the employee's performance.

CLASSIFICATIONS SUPERVISED: Directly supervises employees in the following classifications: Deputy Agricultural Commissioner; Agricultural Biologist Inspector I, II, III and Senior; Secretary I or II; Office Assistant I or II; and extra-help/seasonal employees in various classifications.