This position will assist the department in the implementation of the statewide invasive plant program. Under general supervision, is responsible for overseeing grant compliance and reporting, maintaining GIS data, and monitoring the implementation of invasive plant removal and restoration projects in priority areas. Other duties include coordinating site visits, preparing field reports, and providing technical assistance related to invasive plant species to the general public, internal staff, and partner organizations.
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.
*** This position is only open to current DFFM Employees***
Essential Duties and Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
• Oversee reporting for active invasive plant projects and assure compliance with Federal and State grant requirements. Review and update grant records, prepare grant related project documents, and close out expired invasive plant projects. Maintain up to date GIS data with ArcGIS products.
• Provide technical assistance to internal staff, grantees, partner agencies/organizations and the public related to invasive plant species. Assist with updating educational materials and information on the agency’s website.
• Assist internal staff with planning invasive plant removal and restoration projects in priority areas; conduct invasive plant assessments; collect and manage vegetation data. Coordinate with district foresters to host an annual invasive plant webinar and field training for staff.
• Monitor statewide invasive plant grant projects through site visits and coordination with sub-grantees. Prepare detailed field reports with photos. Provide guidance on grant project implementation and report progression and project status to agency management and other partner agencies.
Knowledge of:
• Basic knowledge of invasive plant ecology and management, preferably obtained through professional education or experience in vegetation management
• Current accepted methods, procedures, and techniques used in natural resource management
• Knowledge of MS Word, MS Excel, Google Suite and other programs
• Basic knowledge of environmental and cultural laws and regulations
• Basic knowledge of GIS Application
• Basic knowledge of grant administration
Skills in:
• Communication skills, both oral and written
• Listening skills, as a key to effective communication
• Native and nonnative plant identification skills
• Communication of technical information and instruction in simple terms
• Field data collection and analysis skills
• ArcGIS product skills
Ability to:
• To speak, including public speaking
• To travel statewide and hike in rugged and uneven terrain
• To think creatively and critically
• To read and write effectively
• To work in a fast-paced environment and meet tight deadlines
• To work independently and be self-motivated
Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited school of Forestry or related natural resource program, or equivalent work experience. Familiarity with relevant laws, regulations and regulatory processes.
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: Driver’s License Requirements.
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
Tuition reimbursement eligible after one year of employment
By providing the option of a full-time or part-time remote work schedule, 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).
Please note, enrollment eligibility will become effective after 27 weeks of employment.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact David Barney at dbarney@dffm.az.gov for assistance.
The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by calling (602) 771-1419. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow sufficient time to arrange the accommodation.