AZ STATE LAND DEPARTMENT

Address:  1110 West Washington Street, Suite 510
Phoenix, AZ, 85007

Salary:  $60,000 - $70,000

Grade: 20

Closing Date: Open Until Business Needs Are Met

Under the guidance of the Land Resources Section Manager the Land Resource Lease Administrator is responsible for administering, and processing grazing and agricultural leases. The incumbent reviews and finalizes processes on all applications related to grazing and agricultural leases and permits of State Trust land. This position reviews, evaluates and processes new and renewal leases and Special Land Use Permit applications, assignment applications, applications to place improvements, land treatment applications, sublease and pasture agreement applications, and amendment applications.

Further, the Land Resource Lease Administrator receives monthly renewal worksheets for leases and permits that must be reviewed for accuracy and authorized by the Land Resource Section Manager and Natural Resources Division Director.

In this position there is a need to work closely with, and provide assistance to, personnel from the State Land Department, Arizona Department of Agriculture, Arizona Department of Water Resources, USDA Farm Service Agency, and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service in regard to state grazing and agriculture leases/permits.

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

The State of Arizona strives for a work culture that affords employees flexibility, autonomy, and trust. Across our many agencies, boards, and commissions, many State employees participate in the State’s Remote Work Program and are able to work remotely in their homes, in offices, and in hoteling spaces. All work, including remote work, should be performed within Arizona unless an exception is properly authorized in advance.

Administers the grazing and agricultural lease programs. Reviews and processes new and renewal leases and special land use permit applications, subleases, pasture agreements, range improvements, land treatments, amendments and assignments. Obtains additional information for application processing pertaining to private land ownership, livestock brands, federal grazing permits, and private land lease agreements. (80%)

Coordinates communication with lessees and lease applicants, ASLD staff and other agencies and organizations as appropriate. Conducts occasional field inspections related to public inquiries, natural resources related lease or permit renewals, and application processing as assigned. (10%)

Applies the principles, theories, and concepts of the Arizona Management System; actively participating in daily group huddles and huddle board updates; continually identifying areas for process and quality improvement; adhering to established standard work and procedures. (5%)

Other duties as assigned as related to the position. (5%)

Knowledge of:
• Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
• Interpretation of topographic, land status, and hydrologic maps
• State and federal natural resources laws and policies
• Legal descriptions of land parcels
• Property ownership documents (deeds, tax records, etc.)
• Basic understanding of state grazing leases, improvements, and the ranching industry
• Basic understanding of state agricultural leases, improvements, and the farming industry
• Basic understanding of state apiary permits

Skill In:
• Organization of computer files and written documents
• Effective oral and written communication
• Using GIS programs to evaluate land information and maps
• Developing spreadsheets to keep track of data
• Maintaining business relationships

Ability To:
• Plan, implement, direct, and evaluate grazing and agricultural application processing and standard work
• Organize and accomplish the activities in a work plan
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with various levels of government, agency staff, and NGO stakeholders
• Provide effective and responsive customer service to existing customers, potential customers, and the general public.
• Travel and work in the field under adverse weather conditions, this requires complete control of physical faculties and may include considerable walking, standing and lifting 25-50 lbs.

A Bachelor of Science degree in a natural resource field of study. Completion of coursework or training in the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). A minimum of two years of land management experience including program planning and development.

This position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job, and the following requirements apply. Any employee operating a motor vehicle on State business must possess and retain a current, valid class-appropriate driver’s license, complete all required training, and successfully pass all necessary driver’s license record checks. The license must be current, unexpired, and neither revoked nor suspended. Employees who drive on state business are subject to driver’s license record checks, must maintain acceptable driving records, and must complete all required driver training. An employee who operates a personally owned vehicle on state business shall maintain the statutorily required liability insurance (see Arizona Administrative Code (A.A.C.) R2-10-207.11).

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

• Affordable medical, dental, life, and short-term disability insurance plans
• Top-ranked retirement and long-term disability plans
• 10 paid holidays per year
• Vacation time accrued at 4.00 hours bi-weekly for the first 3 years
• Sick time accrued at 3.70 hours bi-weekly
• Deferred compensation plan
• Wellness plans

Employees enjoy improved work/life balance, report higher job satisfaction, and are more productive. Remote work is a management option and not an employee entitlement or right. An agency may terminate a remote work agreement at its discretion.

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave pilot program here. 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).
• Participation is a mandatory condition of employment for all employees who meet the eligibility and membership criteria as defined in statute.
• Enrollment eligibility will become effective after 27 weeks of employment
• The current contribution rate is 12.27%

If you have trouble applying for this position, please email HRIShelpdesk@azdoa.gov for assistance.

Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by contacting ASLD Human Resources at 602-542-2629. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation.

Arizona State Government is an AA/EOE/ADA Reasonable Accommodation Employer.