DEPT OF AGRICULTURE

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, detail-oriented, and self-driven 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 desert-adapted agricultural practices, research, and innovation. By managing grant funding effectively, the Grants Project Specialist will help strengthen Arizona's 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 department's 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 sixty-day 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 pass-through 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 Driver's 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: Driver’s License Requirements.

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

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

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). 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 mmeek@azda.gov for assistance. The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer.