Job Details

Position Information

The Agriculture/Weights and Measures Department is seeking experienced Measures and Weights Inspector IIIs to join their team! Starting salary up to $52.01 /hour ( $ 108,551 / year) and a competitive total compensation package!

The Agriculture/Weights and Measures Department is currently recruiting to fill multiple Weights and Measures Inspector positions at either the I, II, or III levels. If you are interested in being considered at the different levels of this opportunity, you must apply to the separate concurrent recruitments being conducted for each level.

Weights and Measures Inspectors The Weights and Measures Inspector IIIs, serve as an advanced technical resource responsible for protecting consumers and promoting fair competition by ensuring commercial weighing and measuring devices, packaged goods, and retail pricing practices comply with California laws and regulations. In these roles, they will independently perform complex inspections and testing of specialized weighing and measuring devices, determine compliance, and issue certificates of compliance or notices of violation. They will investigate complex consumer complaints and compliance issues, prepare detailed inspection reports and enforcement documentation, and exercise independent judgment to resolve disputed findings while consulting the Chief Deputy Sealer on significant legal, enforcement, or policy matters. In addition, Weights and Measures Inspector IIIs will lead field assignments, mentor lower-level inspectors, contribute to program and procedure improvements, collaborate on complex inspections and investigations, and represent the Department as a technical expert in meetings, outreach events, and interagency partnerships. The ideal candidates are confident and collaborative professional who thrives in a role that combines technical expertise, public service, and regulatory responsibility. They communicate effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds, build productive relationships with businesses, partner agencies, and legal counsel, and remain calm and professional when resolving complex or sensitive compliance issues. Successful candidates are self-motivated, adaptable, and equally effective working independently in the field or contributing to coordinated inspection and enforcement efforts. They are driven by protecting consumers, promoting fair commerce, and making a meaningful impact through equitable and consistent regulatory practices. The ideal candidates will also possess many of the following:

• Extensive knowledge of weights and measures inspection procedures, investigative methods, and regulatory enforcement practices
• Experience independently interpreting and applying complex laws and regulations while exercising sound judgment in regulatory decisions
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to accurately collect, evaluate, and document technical inspection data
• Experience handling sensitive or challenging regulatory situations with professionalism, impartiality, and excellent customer service
• Knowledge of mathematics, statistics, engineering, or a related technical field applicable to weights and measures inspections
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to clearly explain technical and regulatory requirements to businesses, agencies, and the public
• A commitment to continuous learning, attention to detail, safe work practices, and maintaining a high standard of technical expertise
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) skills are desired, but not required

Please note: Weights and Measures Inspector II positions perform fieldwork in a wide variety of commercial, agricultural, and industrial environments. Assignments require driving County vehicles to multiple inspection sites throughout the County and working outdoors in varying weather conditions. Inspectors may work early mornings, evenings, weekends, and/or holidays to accommodate business operations, conduct undercover inspections, or support time-sensitive enforcement activities. Overtime may be required during peak inspection periods or special projects. Work may involve interactions with business owners, the general public, and individuals who may be upset or non-compliant. Weights and Measures Inspectors must adhere to safety protocols and handle sensitive regulatory situations with professionalism and impartiality.

The Agriculture/Weights and Measures Department is responsible for protecting consumers, supporting local businesses, and preserving the integrity of the marketplace. Through education, inspections, and enforcement of California's food, agriculture, and weights and measures laws, the Department helps ensure that commercial transactions are accurate, fair, and transparent. From verifying the accuracy of fuel pumps and grocery scales to enforcing product labeling and quality standards, this work impacts residents and businesses every day. Joining means becoming part of a team that helps protect Sonoma County's economy while making a meaningful difference in the community.

What We Offer

Working at the County of Sonoma offers expansive opportunities for growth and development, the ability to be a part of a challenging and rewarding work environment, and the satisfaction of knowing you're working to better our communities. You can also look forward to flexible work arrangements and excellent benefits* including:

• Salary Advancement - A salary increase after 1,040 hours (6 months when working full-time) for good work performance; eligibility for a salary increase for good performance every year thereafter, until reaching the top of the salary range
• Paid Time Off - Competitive vacation and sick leave accruals, 12 paid holidays, and an additional 8 floating holiday hours per year
• County Paid Health Premium Contributions - 100% premium contribution for the majority of employee-only and employee + family health plan options
• Post-Retirement Health Reimbursement Arrangement - County contributions to help fund post-retirement health insurance/benefits
• Retirement - A pension fully integrated with Social Security
• Paid Parental Leave - May be eligible for up to 8 weeks (320 hours) after 12 months of County employment
• Additional Benefits - Excellent dental, vision, disability, life insurance, employee assistance program, professional development, and more
• Student Loan Debt Relief - County employees may be eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness through the U.S. Department of Education

*Salary is negotiable within the established range. Benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice. Additional information can be found in the Service Employees International Union Local 1021 Memorandum Of Understanding (SEIU MOU) and our Employee Benefits Directory.

This Weights and Measures Inspector III employment list may also be used to fill future full-time, part-time, or extra-help (temporary) positions as they occur during the active status of the list. Qualified County employees who wish to be considered for future positions should consider applying to this recruitment. The Civil Service title for this position is Agriculture/Weights & Measures Inspector III.

Application submissions require the Supplemental Questionnaire to be completed.

Minimum Qualifications

Experience and Education: Any combination of education and work experience which would provide an opportunity to acquire the knowledge and abilities listed herein. Normally, this would include two years of experience in the enforcement of agricultural and/or weights and measures laws and regulations. License: Possession of a valid driver's license at the appropriate level, including special endorsements, as required by the State of California, may be required depending upon assignment to perform the essential job functions of the position. If assigned to weights and measures inspection, possession of a valid Class B California driver's license and Tank Vehicle Endorsement are required within one year of appointment to this class. Other Licenses: Possession of five licenses issued by the California Department of Food and Agriculture in: 1) Pest Prevention & Plant Regulation; 2) Pesticide Regulation; 3) Environmental Monitoring and Investigation; 4) Commodity Regulation; 5) Integrated Pest Management. OR Possession of three licenses issued by the California Department of Food and Agriculture in: 1) Weight Verification; 2) Measurement Verification; and 3) Transaction and Product Verification.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of: complex mathematics; principles of physical science and/or principles of botany, entomology, plant pathology, physical science, chemistry, and related laboratory techniques; investigative and interview techniques; principles of identification, preservation, and presentation of evidence; techniques of case management, record keeping, and report preparation; Federal, State, and local regulations, laws and procedures in the functional area of agricultural or weights and measures, and hazardous material and fire safety inspection and enforcement; the agricultural industry of Sonoma County; principles of sanitation when handling and testing food products; universal pricing code look up systems; data processing equipment and systems; county quarantine protocols; integrated pest management and prevention; safely principles and equipment used for handling chemicals and responding to hazardous materials incidents; general law enforcement powers and obligations of the Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer of Weights and Measures; and rules of evidence, investigative techniques, and enforcement and court procedures. Ability to: perform mathematical computations; read, understand, interpret, explain, and enforce laws, codes, and regulations; read, understand, and interpret technical material and lab analyses; collect and organize field information, write clear and concise reports and maintain records; draw accurate maps of field location; conduct a wide range of agricultural, hazardous material, fire safety, and/or weights and measures inspection and enforcement functions; gather information and data through interviewing individuals and conducting investigations; offer technical assistance and direction to subordinates; use and maintain department equipment including sensitive weighing and measuring devices; establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships; work with uncooperative and potentially hostile individuals; follow oral and written instructions; analyze situations accurately and recommend appropriate action; communicate tactfully and effectively with the public, co-workers, consumers, and industry representatives to provide information or obtain compliance with enforcement