Biologist / Standards Specialist… at County of San… · California

Biologist/Standards Specialists work in the office of the Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer, a regulatory agency that provides a variety of environmental and consumer protection services throughout the County. Duties include field inspections and investigations related to the enforcement of laws and regulations governing pesticide use, plant quarantine, fruit and vegetable quality standards and the testing and certification of weighing and measuring devices for accuracy. The work schedule for this position may include early morning hours and weekend assignments.

The ideal candidate will have a bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college in agriculture, biological sciences, or a related field, and a working knowledge in the enforcement of agricultural laws and regulations. Additionally, the ideal candidate will have strong writing skills, the ability to draft and maintain reports, and communicate effectively with the public, co-workers, consumers and industry representatives to provide information or obtain compliance with enforcement actions.

Appointment to this position may be made at a level commensurate to the qualifications of the successful candidate. Additional qualifications beyond the minimum required for the Biologist / Standards Specialist I position are as follows:

• Biologist/Standards Specialist II - Six months of experience in addition to the required licenses issued by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA).
• Biologist/Standards Specialist III - Two years of experience in addition to the required licenses issued by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA).
• Biologist/Standards Specialist IV - Three years of experience in addition to the required licenses issued by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA).

Note: The list created from this recruitment, may be used to fill unclassified/classified vacancies, as well as Extra-help assignments.Biologist/Standards Specialist I - IV (all levels) License: Possession of a class C driver license or equivalent. Education: Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college with major work in agricultural, biological or physical sciences, or other appropriate disciplines as determined by the Secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA).

Biologist/Standards Specialist II - IV Experience and Licenses: Experience in the enforcement of agricultural and/or weights and measures laws and regulations and licensure by the CDFA in agriculture or weights and measures inspection. (See supplemental application for specific information.)Open. Anyone may apply. A supplemental application form must be submitted in addition to our regular employment application form. The examination process will consist of an application screening (weight: pass/fail) based on the candidates' application and responses to the supplemental questions. Candidates who pass the application screening will be invited to a panel interview (weight: 100%) which may include a writing and/or performance exercise(s) given before, during or after the interview. Depending on the number of applicants an application appraisal of education and experience may be used in place of other examinations or a screening committee may select those applicants whose education and/or experience appear to best meet the needs of the position. Possession of minimum qualifications does not guarantee advancement in the examination process. All examinations will be given in San Mateo County, California and applicants must participate at their own expense.

IMPORTANT: Applications for this position will only be accepted online. If you are currently on the County's website, you may click on the "Apply" button. If you are not on the County's website, please go to https://jobs.smcgov.org/ to apply. Online applications must be received by the Human Resources Department before midnight on the final filing date**.**

TENTATIVE RECRUITMENT SCHEDULE: Final Filing Date: Monday, November 16, 2026 Application Screening: Tuesday, November 17, 2026 Combined Panel Interviews: December 16 and/or 17, 2026

About the County San Mateo County is centrally located between San Francisco, San Jose, and the East Bay. With over 750,000 residents, San Mateo is one of the largest and most diverse counties in California and serves a multitude of culturally, ethnically, and linguistically diverse communities.

The County of San Mateo, as an employer, is committed to advancing equity to ensure that all employees are welcomed in a safe and inclusive environment. The County seeks to hire, support, and retain employees who reflect our diverse community. We encourage applicants with diverse backgrounds and lived experiences to apply. Eighty percent of employees surveyed stated that they would recommend the County as a great place to work.

The County of San Mateo is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion at all levels.

Analyst: Arlene Cahill (11022026) (Biologist/Standards Specialist I/II/III/IV - J062/J063/J064/J065)