Bring your agricultural passion to the County of Sonoma and apply to be an Extra-Help Agricultural Program Assistant! Several positions are available with the Department of Agriculture/Weights and Measures Pest Detection Trapping Program, placing and servicing insect traps to detect invasive pests through the trapping season, which could last through October 2026.
About the Role – Sonoma County Pest Detection Program
Department Mission: Promote and protect agriculture, the environment, and public welfare
Core Focus: Preventing the establishment of non-native pests harmful to agriculture and the environment
Program: Pest Detection Trapping Program – placing and servicing insect traps
Season Duration: Trapping season may last through October 2026
Work Environment: Outdoors in all weather conditions, including uneven terrain and vehicle operation
Career Growth & Public Service Impact
Strategic Location: Santa Rosa, CA – within Sonoma County’s renowned agricultural region
Environmental Protection: Directly support pest and pesticide enforcement protecting local agriculture
Hands-On Fieldwork: Combine outdoor fieldwork with data collection and insect identification
Career Growth: Gain valuable government agricultural experience with potential extra-help renewal opportunities
Position Overview
This Agricultural Program Assistant role is an integral part of the Department of Agriculture/Weights and Measures Pest Detection Trapping Program. You will place and service insect traps used to collect data, identify insects, and detect invasive pests during the trapping season. Work is performed outside in all weather conditions, including walking on uneven terrain and operating a vehicle safely on and off road in rural and urban areas.
💡 Why This Role Matters: As Agricultural Program Assistant, you play a direct role in protecting Sonoma County’s agriculture and environment from invasive, non-native pests, gain hands-on fieldwork experience placing and servicing insect traps across diverse terrain, support a mission-driven government program combining science, safety, and public service, build valuable experience that can open doors to future government or agricultural science careers, and earn a starting wage of $28.55 per hour in a meaningful outdoor role.
Key Responsibilities
Pest Detection & Trapping
- Place and service insect traps used to collect data and identify insects
- Detect the presence of invasive pests during the trapping season
Fieldwork & Vehicle Operation
- Perform work outside in all weather conditions, including walking on uneven terrain
- Operate a vehicle safely in all weather conditions, on and off road, in rural and urban areas
Data Collection & Reporting
- Collect and record data related to trapping activities
- Maintain accuracy and attention to detail in fieldwork documentation
Safety & Public Interaction
- Maintain keen safety awareness while working independently and as part of a team
- Deliver strong customer service and communicate effectively with the public and community members
Qualifications & Requirements
Experience Requirements
- Any combination of paid or volunteer work experience relevant to the role (college internships, agricultural projects, etc.)
Educational Requirements
- Any combination of coursework or training, normally in natural sciences, statistics, or related subjects
Licensing Requirements
- Possession of a valid California Driver’s License
Ideal Candidate Skills
- Agricultural or entomology experience and/or relevant coursework
- A keen sense of safety awareness
- The ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Excellent attention to detail, strong customer service skills, and a passion for serving the community
- Basic Microsoft Office, data entry, and computer skills
About Sonoma County Agriculture/Weights & Measures
The Department of Agriculture/Weights and Measures is mandated to promote and protect agriculture, the environment, and public welfare by enforcing local, state, and federal laws and regulations. The department’s primary responsibilities include preventing invasive pest establishment, environmental protection, and worker health and safety through pesticide law enforcement and agricultural hazardous materials programs.
Career Excellence: Protect Sonoma County’s agriculture and environment through hands-on pest detection fieldwork with a mission-driven county department.
Who Should Apply?
- Agriculture/Entomology Students: Seeking hands-on fieldwork experience in pest detection
- Outdoor Fieldwork Enthusiasts: Comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions
- Government/Public Service Candidates: Interested in county-level agricultural and environmental work
- Seasonal Workers: Looking for temporary, well-paid extra-help employment through 2026
- California Licensed Drivers: Comfortable operating vehicles in rural and urban settings
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