Program Project Specialist 1

The Arizona Department of Agriculture (AZDA) is seeking an experienced and highly motivated individual to join our team as Program Project Specialist 1. Under the direction of the Program Project Specialist 2, this position is responsible for analyzing and interpreting the central licensing program regulations and needs. Develop standard operating procedures, technical guidance, and program forms. Develop and monitor standards to evaluate program effectiveness and implement program improvements. Provide technical guidance and training to staff and customers as needed.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Review and interpret applicable laws and regulations and monitor program compliance to regulatory and auditing standards. Develop and update standard operating procedures for central licensing functions. Identify, manage, and assist with improvement projects for the program

• Conduct and compile research, statistics, and reports for the licensing program. Develop and maintain metrics, standards, and visual management tools to monitor program effectiveness. Make recommendations for program goals. Facilitate team problem solving efforts

• Communicate with customers and stakeholders to gain input and feedback on the program. Develop technical guidance for the website and other publication materials. Develop and update program forms.

• Assist with orientation, onboarding, and training of new licensing staff. Provide technical training, guidance, and assistance to customers and stakeholders as needed. Coordinate fulfillment of licensing public records requests.

Knowledge of:
• Licensing practices and procedures
• Problem solving methodologies
• Process mapping or other procedural analysis practices

Skills In:
• Strong written and verbal communication
• Proficiency in computer systems and software, such as Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, Adobe Acrobat, web-based applications, etc.
• Technical and business writing
• Analyzing and interpreting data to develop informed courses of action
• Prioritize and manage time efficiently
• Facilitating team projects and problem solving
• Developing metrics, flow boards, and other visual management tools

Ability to:
• Analyze and interpret laws, rules, and policies
• Develop procedures, analyze problems, and design effective solutions
• Work independently and prioritize workload with minimal supervision
• Maintain professional working relationships with internal and external customers

This ideal candidate for this position will have:

• Previous experience in interpreting statutes and rules
• Previous experience with developing and monitoring standards
• Previous administrative experience
• Previous training experience
• Bachelor’s degree in policy administration, political science, or public relations desired

• In-state travel is required. Driver’s License Requirements. 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).
• Successfully pass background and reference checks; employment is contingent upon completion of the above-mentioned process and the agency’s ability to reasonably accommodate any restrictions.
• All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

The State of Arizona 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 program here.

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

State employees are required to participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS), the State sponsored retirement contribution plan and the Long-Term Disability (LTD) program after a 27-week waiting period. The ASRS defined benefit plan provides for life-long income upon retirement. You will also have the option to participate in a voluntary deferred compensation program to take advantage of tax-deferred retirement investments.

On, or shortly after, your first day of work you will be provided with additional information about the available insurance plans, enrollment instructions, submission deadlines and effective dates.

For questions about this career opportunity, please contact us at (602) 542-6532 or azdahumanresources@azda.gov .
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 contacting (602) 542-6532 or azdahumanresources@azda.gov. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow sufficient time to arrange the accommodation.