DEPT OF AGRICULTURE

The Mission of our Agency is to protect the health and safety of Arizona consumers advance and support Arizona agriculture and safeguard commerce.

Supporting farming ranching and agribusiness in Arizona by protecting plants and animals issuing agriculture and environmental licenses inspecting farming practices and overseeing commerce standards and measurement devices.

Address: Agriculture and Food Systems Support Division
1110 W. Washington Street #450 Phoenix AZ 85007

Salary: 25.00 25.00

Grade: 19

Closing Date: May 2 2025

The Arizona Department of Agriculture is seeking a highly motivated detailoriented and selfdriven individual to join the Agriculture and Food Systems Support Division as a Grants Project Specialist. This position will assist with administering federal and state grant programs that support desertadapted agricultural practices research and innovation. By managing grant funding effectively the Grants Project Specialist will help strengthen Arizonas food systems and ensure farmers ranchers and agricultural professionals have the resources they need to thrive. This role will directly contribute to the continued success and sustainability of agricultural operations research and the broader food system.

This position may offer the ability to work remotely within Arizona based upon the departments business needs and continual meeting of expected performance measures.

Major duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Development of grant criteria and application manual.
Facilitating statutorily required sixtyday public comment periods when applicable.
Conducting regional workshops and providing technical assistance.
Distributing and managing awarded grant funds ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations.
Driving a state vehicle and performing other duties as assigned.
Building and maintaining positive relationships with stakeholders including farmers ranchers nonprofit organizations and local/tribal communities.
Gaining an understanding of general food systems and agriculture topics with an emphasis on how these systems impact farming and ranching practices.

Knowledge:
State and federal grants management
Range and land management
Large medium and small agriculture businesses as well as the food system as a whole
Land management agency policies and procedures
Major issues affecting private landowners
Designing and carrying out public involvement processes
Fiscal management and budgetary control processes
State procurement procedures and regulations
State legislative and rulemaking processes
Applicable federal and state laws

Skills:

managing a statewide grant program
managing a Federal passthrough program
addressing controversial public issues
utilizing independent judgment and discretion
development of program materials
testing and troubleshooting requirements of grant applications
interpersonal communications applicable to the coordination of diverse stakeholder groups including state and federal agencies agricultural lobbyists and special interest groups
computer applications including word processing programs databases spreadsheets and presentations Microsoft Office and Google Workspace
tracking and reporting expenditures
budget and office management
department operating procedures
concise writing
safely operating motor vehicles
research techniques
public speaking

Ability to:
analyze situations and take effective action
work independently or as a team member
compose complex reports and communications
set priorities and manage multiple tasks with a dynamic work environment
foresee and resolve problems that could delay task completion
understand financial accounting and budget preparation
provide customer service to grantees and the public

One to two years experience in personal computer use and software programs; including Microsoft Office and Google Workspace programs. Proficient in Microsoft Excel; including calculations and formulas.
Grant Management

Valid Drivers License

If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business then the following requirements apply:Drivers License Requirements.

All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (EVerify).

The Arizona Department of Agriculture offers a comprehensive benefits package to include:
Sick leave
Vacation with 10 paid holidays per year
Paid Parental LeaveUp to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newlyplaced foster/adopted child (pilot program).
Health and dental insurance
Retirement plan
Life insurance and longterm disability insurance
Optional employee benefits include shortterm disability insurance deferred compensation plans and supplemental life insurance

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave pilot programhere. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona please visit our benefits page

Positions in this classification participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS). Mandatory condition of Employment for all employees who meet the eligibility and membership criteria defined in statue. Current contribution rate is 12.27. Enrollment eligibility will become effective after 27 weeks of employment.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact Melissa Meek at for assistance. The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer.