Job Description

Job Description and Duties

Per CCR 249.3, this job control may be used to fill subsequent vacancies.

The Compliance Unit consists of five very sensitive enforcement programs: the Standardization Program, California Citrus Program, California Organic Program, Certified Farmers’ Market Program, and Avocado Program. These statewide Programs ensure that consumers receive fresh fruit and vegetables that are not adulterated, misbranded, or falsely advertised, and that can be traced back to a production source. The highly complex work of the Unit ensures fairness and equity in the marketplace and protects the public and the industry by enforcing state and federal laws and regulations through field investigations and inspections to ensure that minimum standards for maturity, quality, size, standard pack, and container marking are met. By enforcing the laws that govern direct marketing of produce from growers to consumers, and the laws that govern the sale of foods labeled as organic, the public can be confident in California-grown products.

Under the direction of the C.E.A. (Branch Chief), the incumbent is responsible for oversight and enforcement of the Standardization, California Citrus, California Organic, Certified Farmers’ Market, and Avocado Programs, as well as the resource management of these complex and sensitive enforcement Programs and the Unit. The incumbent assists the Branch Chief in the administration of the Branch and acts for the Branch Chief during short-term absences. The incumbent directs and participates in the more difficult or confidential investigations. The incumbent exercises a high degree of independent judgment and has extensive knowledge of Departmental policies and procedures and the Programs. The incumbent supervises permanent and seasonal staff and oversees local government and Federal employees. Duties may include, but are not limited to:

• Oversee, plan, develop, and organize the activities of the Standardization, California Citrus, California Organic, Certified Farmers’ Market, and Avocado Programs to ensure effectiveness, fiscal viability, and compliance with Departmental responsibilities and industry needs. Supervise Special Investigators and Agriculture Program Supervisor IIs to ensure that investigations and administrative procedures are conducted according to departmental policies, legal standards, and best practices in public health protection.

• Collaborate with the Branch Chief in the development of Branch and Unit goals, objectives, priorities, and policies.

• Recruit, select, and hire staff, which may include permanent and seasonal staff, and local government and Federal employees.

• Keep staff current in Programs and areas of responsibility, investigations and review changes in policies and procedures with appropriate staff.

• Oversee the Unit’s fiscal management, including budget review, forecasting, and resource allocation. Guide Special Investigators and Agriculture Program Supervisor IIs in managing their program budgets to ensure financial sustainability and compliance with departmental fiscal policies.

• Study and assess the Unit and Program business plans and budgets for viability and effectiveness.

• Represent the Compliance Unit and Branch in interactions with federal, state, and local agencies, ensuring consistent enforcement and investigative practices. Supervise Special Investigators and Agriculture Program Supervisor IIs in maintaining cooperative relationships with external stakeholders, and ensure the uniform application of policies, laws, and regulations across the state.

• Collaborate closely with Federal, State, and local law enforcement agencies to ensure effective investigation and enforcement of laws, rules, and regulations.

Candidates may perform these essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

The duties of this job are performed 80 percent indoors in a climate-controlled office under artificial lighting and 20 percent outdoors where employee may be exposed to extremes in weather conditions, dirt, noise, uneven surfaces, and equipment such as tractors or forklifts. The employee’s workstation is located indoors and contains necessary equipment to perform duties, including a telephone, computer, copier, and fax machine.

The duties of this position require the ability to operate a computer terminal, calculator, photocopy machine, fax, and telephone; participate in, give presentations during, and interact with others at meetings; grasp papers, small objects, and manuals; and maneuver above shoulder level and below waist level to access upper and lower files and cabinets.

This position requires travel by air, car, or other transportation systems to various locations throughout the state to attend in state and out-of-state meetings and trainings and to follow up with field staff, industry, local, state, and Federal agencies, and advisory board committee members. A willingness to work in various locations throughout the State; tact; keenness of observation; good memory for names, faces, and incidents. Incumbent may be required to travel in severe weather.

Incumbent must establish and maintain courteous, professional, and effective working relationships with those contacted during the course of work; seek clarifying questions and obtain a better understanding of the issue(s); maintain neutrality; identify effective ways to communicate and/or provide support. Incumbent must be open-minded, flexible, and willing to learn and understand other cultures; social and cultural perceptiveness; make appropriate decisions, defuse, negotiate, and resolve conflicts and make well-thought-out recommendations; work well under pressure; and work independently to complete assigned work and meet required deadlines.

Regular or recurring telework may occur as part of the incumbent’s ongoing regular schedule in accordance with CDFA’s Telework Policy. Frequent travel to field offices and other locations is required.

Special Requirements

• The position(s) require(s) a valid California Drivers License (CDL). You must answer the questions addressing your CDL on your application. Ensure you provide your CDL number, class, expiration date, and any endorsements and/or restrictions.

A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required for this position. Failure to submit the required SOQ with your STD. 678 (State application) may result in disqualification from consideration. The SOQ should address the five (5) numbered items below, should be typed in 12-pt. Arial font, 1.5 spacing, and should not exceed two pages in length, front and back. Cover letters and resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the SOQ.

1. Describe a time in your career where you were tasked to independently oversee, plan, develop, and organize multiple, high-level projects concurrently with tight deadlines.

2. Give an example of a time you had to act on a contentious issue and make recommendations to Management and/or Stakeholders. What, if any, was the outcome?

3. How have you mentored an employee to achieve their goals in the workplace?

4. Describe a time in your career when you engaged with Federal, State, or local law enforcement agencies in an enforcement investigation. How did your involvement assist law enforcement in determining the outcome of the case?

5. Describe your experience in managing subordinates, establishing business plans and budgets for their respective areas of responsibility, and evaluating budgets for sustainability and efficiency.

This position is designated under the Conflict of Interest Code. The position is responsible for making or participating in the making of governmental decisions that may potentially have a material effect on personal financial interests. The appointee is required to complete Form 700 within thirty (30) days of appointment, on an annual basis, and upon vacating the position. The incumbent must complete an Ethics orientation training course within six months of assuming a Form 700 covered position, and every two (2) years thereafter, by December 31 of each numbered year. Failure to comply with the Conflict of Interest Code requirements may void the appointment.

Desirable Qualifications

In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

As a leader in State government, the incumbent is responsible to develop and inspire their workforce and deliver great results for Californians and CDFA. The incumbent must set a clear vision to achieve productive results by developing plans to meet goals, leverage staff skills, and solve problems; build collaborative relationships and foster an inclusive environment for consensus-building and decision-making; coach, guide, train, instruct, and develop team members; empower staff through a sense of shared ownership and decision-making; create an open and transparent environment for the exchange of information; foster a team environment through the support and recognition of team members; promote customer service and accountability; motivate loyalty to the Department’s mission and commitment to drive continuous improvement for better results. The incumbent must inspire personal credibility through authenticity, confidence, consistency, courage, decisiveness, generosity, honesty, integrity, and judgment.

Benefits

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

Hard Copy Applications

If you are dropping off or mailing in your application, please use the Examination/Employment Application, STD 678 Revised 06/2024 version.

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

• Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
• Resume is optional. It may be included, but is not required.
• Statement of Qualifications -

  A completed Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) must be submitted with your State Application to be considered. The SOQ must follow the specifics as stated in the “Special Requirements” section.

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