Deputy Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer

Deputy Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer

Salary

$117,665.60 - $157,684.80 Annually

Location

All Locations - San Luis Obispo County, CA

Job Type

Permanent - Salary

Job Number

0926PM-000800-01

Department

Agriculture / Weights and Measures

Division

Agricultural Commissioner Administration

Opening Date

09/28/2026

Closing Date

10/18/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

About the Position

The Department of Agriculture/Weights and Measures is actively recruiting for a Deputy Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer to join our team.

The San Luis Obispo County Department of Agriculture/Weights and Measures is seeking a knowledgeable, motivated, and forward-thinking Deputy Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer to help lead essential regulatory, enforcement, and public-service programs that protect our agriculture, public, and the environment. This role provides key leadership for staff who conduct inspections, enforce state and federal standards, and carry out programs involving pesticide use, plant health, weights and measures, direct marketing, and other agricultural services. We're looking for someone who can manage complex requirements while focusing on people-building strong teams, developing staff, navigating change, managing state partnerships, and turning regulations into effective public service.

Primary Responsibilities Include:

• Oversee and coordinate major departmental programs and regulatory activities in agriculture and weights and measures.
• Lead, coach, develop, and support employees while setting clear expectations, building accountability, recognizing strengths, and helping staff grow professionally. Personnel supervision and performance management are core responsibilities of the classification.
• Interpret and apply state and federal laws, regulations, and policies to ensure compliance and protect public health, the environment, and fair commerce.
• Assist in planning and implementing department goals, procedures, and operational strategies.
• Help develop budgets, allocate staff and resources, monitor program performance, maintain contractual obligations, and ensure assigned programs are delivered safely and effectively.
• Coordinate with growers, businesses, partner agencies, and the public to resolve issues, provide education, and ensure program integrity.
• Support the Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer in managing daily operations, including program budgeting, staff development, and community engagement.

Interested Candidates Should Be:

• Organized, with strong skills in planning, prioritization, and follow-through.
• Detail-oriented and capable of interpreting regulations and technical information.
• Effective communicators able to work with staff, industry representatives, and the public.
• Knowledgeable in agriculture, environmental protection, and/or weights and measures programs.
• Experienced in regulatory work with the ability to lead, coach, and motivate staff.
• Proficient with standard office software and capable of preparing clear, accurate reports.
• Strong personnel leadership and coaching skills.
• Ability to work irregular hours as necessary.

Click here to view the full job description for Deputy Agricultural Comm/Sealer.

Click here to view the Department of Agriculture/Weights & Measures.

This recruitment may be used to fill future permanent, substitute, limited term, and temporary positions, both full-time and part-time throughout the County.

The Ideal Candidate

Minimum Qualifications: A valid California license or license of eligibility as either a Deputy Agricultural Commissioner or Deputy Sealer of Weights and Measures is required at time of application. Within 24 months of appointment, the incumbent must possess both licenses referenced above and both must be maintained throughout employment.

Knowledge of:

• Agricultural and Weights and Measures programs under the purview of the Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer
• Policies and procedures of the California Departments of Agriculture and Pesticide Regulation
• Applicable local, State and Federal laws, regulations and ordinances
• Accepted methods of employee training, supervision and work planning
• All agricultural programs as well as technical knowledge of assigned programs
• Fiscal management practices and organizational concepts

Ability to:

• Supervise, train and evaluate the performance of assigned personnel
• Manage and implement changes within assigned programs
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public and others contacted in the course of work
• Enforce applicable laws and regulations in a professional manner
• Analyze situations correctly and adopt effective course of action
• Work independently
• Make presentations on behalf of the County and/or department
• Manage, coordinate and deliver training programs
• Prepare accurate written reports
• Operate standard office equipment including a computer and assigned software
• Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing

How to Apply

Applications, including answers to supplemental questions, must be submitted online by the final filing date. To apply for this position, click "apply" at the top of this page. Most County recruitments require you to respond to supplemental questions as part of the application process. We recommend that you review these questions prior to beginning your application.

An initial application review will be conducted. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications and are best qualified will be invited to participate in selection activities which may include online assessments, performance exams, written exams, and interviews.

Final candidates will be required to have an in-depth background review performed before proceeding in the process. Please note that references will not be contacted until the end of the process. The job includes duties and responsibilities that require frequent, regular attendance at our San Luis Obispo County office.

If you have questions or would like to discuss the opportunity further, please contact Human Resources at hr@co.slo.ca.us. Confidential inquiries are welcomed.

Reasonable Accommodation Notice

Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job or to perform your job. Examples of reasonable accommodation include making a change to the application process or work procedures, providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment. Please call 805-781-5959 for assistance or e-mail hr@co.slo.ca.us for more information.

Veterans Preference Points

If you are applying for employment with the County of San Luis Obispo and you served in the United States Armed Forces, you may be eligible for veterans preference points as part of the recruitment process. Some dependents and survivors of eligible veterans may also be eligible for preference points. Click here for more information and to learn how to apply for this benefit. Please note that Veteran's credits must be on file with the County of San Luis Obispo Veterans Services Office prior to the recruitment closing date indicated on the job announcement.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The County is an equal opportunity employer. Objectives are directed toward assuring equal opportunity in selection / promotion, pay, and job assignments. Recruitment and selection procedures have been established to ensure non-discrimination on the basis of political or religious opinions or affiliations, age, sex, race, color, national origin, marital status, disability, sexual orientation or other non-merit factors. In addition, the County complies with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act in hiring and retaining employees. For more information contact the Human Resources Department at (805)781-5959.

Make a Difference

Employees of the County of San Luis Obispo are public servants who impact the lives of our community every day. From supporting efforts to reduce homelessness, keeping our drinking water clean, or serving the families in need in the community, County employees make a difference.

Compensation and Benefits

Your annual salary is supplemented by a generous benefit package.

In general, temporary employees are not eligible for County-sponsored benefits and may have limited benefit options available to them. For more information on benefit eligibility, please e-mail hr@co.slo.ca.us.

For additional information regarding the benefits listed that may be available to you, visit the associated Benefits-At-A-Glance webpage (click here for link).

Some benefits include:

• Medical (PPO, EPO, HDHP), Dental (HMO, PPO) and Vision Insurance
• Health enhancing programs such as Hinge Health, GIThrive and Carrum Health for medical enrollees.
• Cafeteria (County contribution to pay for insurance premiums)
• Free visits to the employee health clinic
• Mental Health resources/benefits including Headspace
• Voluntary insurance plans (life insurance, disability, critical illness and many more)
• A lifelong retirement benefit through the San Luis Obispo County Pension Trust
• Optional deferred compensation plan with up to $500 per year match (depending on bargaining unit)
• Tax savings accounts (medical and dependent care)
• Paid personal, sick and vacation days
• 12 paid holidays
• Employee Assistance Program
• Education and Wellness Allowance
• Post Employment Health Plan
• Family Friendly workplace policies
• Flexible work schedule options
• Rideshare commuter benefits
• Pet Insurance

The County of San Luis Obispo has been recognized as a Diamond Level Family Friendly Workplace by San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce. We support our employees through: childcare assistance, flexible scheduling practices, paid and unpaid leave, comprehensive health benefits, flexible spending accounts, and employee assistance programs.

Pension Benefit and Employee Contribution Rates:

The Countys pension is a defined benefit plan that provides a guaranteed monthly pension payment for life based on your time in service, wages, and other factors. The County is the primary contributor to the pension fund, but the health of the pension fund also depends on mandatory employee contributions. Employees are required to pay a percentage of their base pay towards the pension fund, ranging from 5% to 19%. This amount is deducted from your paycheck pre-tax every pay period. To find out how much will be deducted from your paycheck should you be hired for this position, please contact Pension Trust at (805) 781-5465.

Healthcare Benefits and Cafeteria Contributions:

The County offers comprehensive medical coverage to you and your family, along with two dental plan options and vision coverage. All permanent employees receive a monthly employer contribution (or 'cafeteria' contribution) to help them pay for their portion of the medical, dental, and vision insurance premiums. The amount of the cafeteria contribution varies by Bargaining Unit (BU) and the extent to which employees enroll their dependents. If the cafeteria amount is greater than your selected premiums, the remainder of the cafeteria is paid out to you in your paycheck as taxable income. If the cafeteria amount is less than your monthly premiums, you pay the remainder of the premiums with pre-tax wages.

To estimate your out-of-pocket costs (or cashback from extra cafeteria), visit the Cafeteria Rates webpage (click here for link).

Learning and Development

The County prioritizes your learning, personal and professional development, and career growth. Employees have access to over 1500 on-demand courses, instructor led courses, and job-specific trainings.

Employees can take courses to upskill to make themselves more competitive for promotional opportunities and further their career growth. Examples of courses include:

• Emotional Intelligence
• Supervisor/Manager academies
• Microsoft Suite courses
• Defensive Driving
• Financial management
• Retirement preparedness
• Teambuilding
• Written Communication
• Conflict Management
• Clifton StrengthsFinder and DISC
• Job specific conferences/trainings

Student Loan Forgiveness

Did you know that if you are employed by a government agency you may be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program

County employees also have access to GotZoom, a program that offers tools and support to navigate your federal student loans.

Homebuyer assistance program

Employees have access to the "Assist-to-Own" program sponsored by Golden State Finance Authority (click here for link to more information) to get a loan for the down payment.

01

Please describe any experience you may have where you were the lead of, assisted in the management of, or in some capacity made decisions that impacted the direction of an agricultural AND/OR weights and measures program in a County Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer's office.

02

Please describe any experience you may have where you were the lead of, assisted in the management of, or in some capacity made decisions that impacted the direction of program budgets, contracts, and assisting in the preparation of the overall departmental budget for a County Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer's office.

03

Please describe your experience managing/supervising employees. Please indicate the number and positional level you have supervised, i.e. management, technical, or administrative positions.

Required Question

Employer County of San Luis Obispo

Address 1055 Monterey Street

Suite D-250

San Luis Obispo, California, 93408

Phone 805-781-5959

Website http://www.slocounty.ca.gov/