DEPT OF AGRICULTURE

Address:  1110 W. Washington Street, #450, Phoenix AZ 85007

Salary: 55,000.00 - 62,400.00 

Grade: 21

Closing Date: September 14, 2025

The Arizona Department of Agriculture is seeking a highly organized and detail-oriented Project Coordinator to oversee the implementation and daily operations of Arizona Grown®. Arizona Grown is the "buy local" campaign program for the State of Arizona that is being redeveloped and established to support our local farmers and ranchers. This role is central to the program's success focusing on robust project management, meticulous data analysis, and developing and maintaining stakeholder engagement. The ideal candidate will excel at providing exceptional customer service and outreach to Arizona Grown® stakeholders, managing multiple priority projects, ensuring program compliance, problem-solving programmatic challenges, and using data to track and enhance program impact. This position is a unique opportunity to support local, Arizona farmers and ranchers, strengthen Arizona's agricultural community, and contribute to local and regional food systems, basic nutrition, food safety, and food procurement and transportation of communities throughout the state of Arizona.

Major job duties to include but not limited to:

• Program Administration: Communicate program guidelines, membership offerings, and resources offered through Arizona Grown® in addition to managing program applications and trademark licensing processes, including renewals and contract maintenance.
• Event & Demo Coordination: Plan and execute engaging product demonstrations and educational events at farmers markets, grocery stores, and local farm events to drive public interest and consumer education.
• Data Collection & Analysis: Track and measure program impact by systematically collecting and analyzing data from marketing campaigns, food demonstrations, and in-person events. Present findings to demonstrate program effectiveness.
• Program Collaboration: Work with the Arizona Grown® team in overseeing day-to-day operations, developing timelines, establishing goals, content development, and ensuring all program objectives are met efficiently.
• Producer Procurement Support: Act as a key liaison for Arizona's specialty crop producers by actively connecting them with buyers, schools, restaurants, and other institutions to create new market opportunities.
• Process Development: Develop, implement, and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure consistent and compliant program execution across all activities.
• Grant & Contract Oversight: Manage all Specialty Crop Block Grant Program reporting requirements, including the collection and documentation of data, preparation of reports, and submission of reimbursements. Maintain oversight of contractual partnerships, ensuring the timely execution and delivery of project milestones
Perform other duties as needed.

Knowledge:
• Project Management Principles: Understanding of project lifecycle, planning, execution, monitoring, and closure.
• Data Collection & Analysis: Knowledge of methodologies for gathering, organizing, and interpreting data, particularly quantitative data.
• Grant Reporting: Understanding of the requirements and processes for federal or state grant reporting (e.g., SCBGP).
• Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) Development: Knowledge of how to create and implement clear and consistent operational procedures.
• Local and Regional Food Systems: Basic understanding of the components and dynamics of local food supply chains.
• Basic Nutrition: Foundational knowledge of nutritional concepts and food access.
• Food Safety: Awareness of key principles and practices related to food safety.
• Food Procurement and Transportation: General understanding of the processes and challenges involved in sourcing and moving local food products.

Skills:
• Project Management: Ability to plan, execute, monitor, and close projects; oversee daily operations; track timelines; and ensure objective achievement.
• Data Analysis: Proficiency in collecting, analyzing, and reporting data to track program impact.
• Organizational Skills: Exceptional ability to manage multiple priorities, tasks, and projects effectively.
• Time Management: Strong capability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines efficiently.
• Written Communication: Excellent ability to compose clear, concise, and professional documents and reports.
• Verbal Communication: Excellent ability to articulate information clearly and effectively to various stakeholders.
• Contract Management: Ability to manage and oversee contracts, ensuring compliance and timely execution.
• Problem-Solving: Ability to identify issues and develop practical solutions in program implementation.
• Attention to Detail: Meticulous approach to data collection, reporting, and administrative tasks.
• Relationship Building: Ability to act as a liaison and connect diverse stakeholders (growers, buyers, institutions).

Ability:


• Ability to Oversee: Capable of overseeing the implementation and daily operations of a program.
• Ability to Manage Multiple Priorities: Proficient in handling and balancing numerous complex tasks and projects simultaneously.
• Ability to Ensure Compliance: Capable of guaranteeing adherence to program requirements, regulations, and contractual obligations.
• Ability to Track and Enhance Impact: Skilled at using data to monitor progress, evaluate effectiveness, and identify areas for improvement.
• Ability to Develop and Implement Processes: Capable of creating, putting into action, and maintaining Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Ability to Collect and Document Data: Proficient in gathering, organizing, and recording information accurately.
• Ability to Prepare and Submit Reports: Capable of compiling and delivering comprehensive reports, including grant reports and reimbursement requests.
• Ability to Maintain Oversight: Skilled at monitoring and managing contractual partnerships and project milestones.
• Ability to Present Findings: Capable of effectively communicating data analysis results to demonstrate program effectiveness.
• Ability to Administer Programs: Proficient in managing application processes, licensing, and contract maintenance.
• Ability to Act as Liaison: Capable of serving as a primary point of contact and facilitating connections between different groups.
• Ability to Create Market Opportunities: Skilled at identifying and establishing new avenues for local produce sales.
• Ability to Troubleshoot/Problem Solve: Capable of identifying issues and developing effective solutions within program operations.
• Ability to Work Independently: Capable of performing duties with minimal supervision while meeting objectives.

• Familiarity with project management software (e.g., Asana, Trello, MS Project).
• Bachelor’s degree in Project Management, Nutrition, Sustainability, Public Administration, Public Health, Data Analytics, Agriculture, Business or a related field.
• Master’s degree in Agribusiness, Public Health, Project Management, Nutrition, Public Administration, Data Analytics, Sustainability, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Experience with federal or state grant reporting.

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 12.00%. 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.