LAND DEPARTMENT

1110 W. Washington St.
Phoenix, AZ 85007

Salary: $66,000 - $69,000 

Grade: 20

Closing Date: Open until business needs are met

Under the direction of the Mineral Section Manager and team leader, this position performs paraprofessional geologic and complex administrative work related to the processing of thirteen (13) state wide mineral and energy permitting and leasing applications that are of extremely high priority and visibility, that directly impact revenue potential for the State Land Trust. Additionally, this position regularly communicates with customers regarding permits and leases, associated applications and fees, and general inquiries.

Upon successful completion of the required training and probationary period, this position may offer the ability to work a hybrid remote work schedule, based upon the department's business needs and continual meeting of expected performance measures. All work, including remote work, should be performed within Arizona. Remote work is a management option and not an employee entitlement or right. An agency may terminate a remote work agreement at its discretion.

• Review, prepare, process, and issue mineral and energy permits, lease applications, and documents. Assess and request permit and lease mandatory rental and royalty fees and work expenditures, including yearly consumer and producer price index adjustments. Review, analyze, evaluate, and approve technical geologic and geophysical reports, methods, and location of geological exploration. Reviews survey imagery and topographic maps, and assists in resolving land use conflicts. Obtain, compile, enter, and maintain mineral data into a database and uses software that includes Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Arc View and Arc Map.
• Assists in the section's daily work activities including; responds to upper management inquiries and requests, attends formal and informal internal and external meetings, and assists in the training of paraprofessional employees. Assists in evaluating, developing, drafting, and implementation of policies, procedures, statues, and rules.
• Performs data analysis, conducts and writes geologic assessments or internal evaluation reports for non-mineral applications (e.g. land sales, commercial leases/permits, land exchanges, rights-of-way, other leasing and permit programs, and special projects), makes technical decisions and recommendations, and advises the Department on policy-related maters.
• Inspects geological exploration sites for regulatory compliance; monitoring and collection of geologic information, observes drilling and extraction operations to ensure entities are in accordance with their submitted operational plan and with statutes, rules, and policies. Uses geologic field equipment, tools, and instruments.
• Responds to inquiries related to mineral leasing and mineral development of State Trust land, communicates and interfaces with other Department divisions and sections, federal, state and local agencies, public entities, and consultant service providers-appraisers regarding the Mineral Section program.
• Assists and conducts mineral auctions, prepare all related auction documents including but not limited to: auction notices and orders, taking and tracking auction bids, and processing post-auction payment transactions.
• Other duties as assigned as related to the position.

Knowledge of:
-Historical and current geologic and engineering principles and practices.
-Mineral economics and mineral appraisal methodologies, valuations, and bonds.
-Mineral, and land reclamation techniques, including exploration and drilling practices.
-Federal and state statues, rules, policies, and procedures governing all types of mineral development.
-Mineral deposits, sampling methods, and availability of mineral resources within the State.
-Legal land descriptions including townships, ranges, sections, metes and bounds, historical records, and topographic and aerial imagery.

Skilled In:
-Planning, organizing, prioritizing work.
-Effective written and verbal communication.
-Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with inter-departmental sections, government regulated agencies, private entities, and the general public regarding mineral management programs.
-Utilizing geologic survey maps and imagery.
-Computer programs: Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Google Suite products. Mapping software: Arc View and Arc Map, and Google Earth.

Ability To:
-Conduct field operations, collect samples and data to ensure compliance with federal and state rules, statutes, policies, and procedures.
-Interpret topographic and aerial imagery and use field tools like a GPS and camera.
-Research, analyze, evaluate, and identify problems and propose solutions regarding mineral resource management and reclamation issues.
-Read, analyze, and prepare reports regarding detailed technical and administrative items that involve complex mineral subject matters.
-Prioritize and organize multiple tasks and projects and comply with directed time-frames.
-Exercise careful judgment and discretion.

A Bachelor's degree in Geology, Mining, or related discipline, or any combination of training and experience that meet the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs); may include, but are not limited to, a relevant degree from an accredited college or university, coursework, and work experience relevant to assignment.

• Requires possession of and ability to retain a current, valid state-issued driver’s license appropriate to the assignment. Employees who drive on state business are subject to driver’s license record checks, must maintain acceptable driving records and must complete required driver training. (refer to Arizona Administrative Code R2-10-207.12.)
• All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

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.

• 10 paid holidays per year
• Paid Vacation and Sick time off (13 and 12 days per year respectively) - start earning it your 1st day (prorated for part-time employees)
• Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child
• Other Leaves - Bereavement, civic duty, and military
• A top-ranked retirement program with lifetime pension benefits
• A robust and affordable health insurance plan, including medical, dental, life, and disability insurance
• Participation eligibility in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (must meet qualifications)
• RideShare and Public Transit Subsidy
• A variety of learning and career development opportunities

For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

Lifetime Pension Benefit Program
• Administered through the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS).
• Defined benefit plan that provides for life-long income upon retirement.
• Required participation for Long-Term Disability (LTD) and ASRS Retirement plan.
• Pre-taxed payroll contributions begin after a 27-week waiting period (prior contributions may waive the waiting period).
Deferred Retirement Compensation Program
• Voluntary participation.
• Program administered through Nationwide.
• Tax-deferred retirement investments through payroll deductions.

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.