Planner 3

The Arizona Department of Agriculture’s Produce and Plant Services Division (PPSD) is currently recruiting for a Planner 3 (State Survey Coordinator) for our Phoenix Operations.

This position will plan, organize, and advise management on the activities of personnel involved in survey and trapping activity for federally funded programs. Has the authority to define objectives and make decisions for assigned projects.

Duties to include but not limited to:

• Primary contact for the federally funded pest survey programs for the Department. Responsible for the establishment and coordinates a pest survey program committee. Prepares draft work and financial plans and accomplishment reports in accordance with federal guidelines. Communicates with other State Survey Coordinators and federal counterparts for information sharing and coordination of surveys. Attends and participates in regional Plant Board meetings and training opportunities. Develops and participates in outreach regarding survey and trapping with in-state and out of state entities.
• Maintains communication with diagnostic labs and taxonomists supporting trapping and survey programs. Maintain Plant Services databases used for tracking survey and trapping activities. Audits data entered into the federal database in accordance with national guidelines. Manage Plant Services databases for completeness and accuracy and prepare reports on an as needed basis for external stakeholders.
• Supervisor and provide guidance for direct reports.
• Maintain and develop any new user manuals and SOPs for all trapping and survey programs. Data validation and quality control support.
• Other duties assigned

Knowledge of:
• Federal, State and agency laws, rules, regulations, and policies governing inspection activities, safety practices.
• Principles and practices utilized in planning and survey implementation; supervisory practices; government organization and procedures; computer applications in planning; data collection, analysis and interpretation.
• Federal grant program requirements, including work and financial plan development, and reporting cycles.
• Survey and trapping methodologies used in pest detection programs.
• Data management principles, including database structure, data validation, quality control, and reporting.
• Supervisory roles and responsibilities.
• Supply chain and inventory management, including tracking expiration dates and ensuring timely distribution of materials.
• Program coordination practices, including stakeholder engagement, and inter-agency collaboration.
• Diagnostic laboratory processes, taxonomic support systems, and communication protocols with scientific partners.
• Mapping tools and GIS concepts for producing survey and trapping maps. Standard operating procedures (SOPs) and user manual development.

Skills in:
• Planning principles and techniques utilized in planning survey and trapping activities
• Supervisory and work leadership techniques.
• Interacting with other agency staff, local and federal governments, and the public; establishing and maintaining productive working relationships; expressing ideas clearly and concisely in oral, written and graphic formats.
• Program coordination and project management, including scheduling, resource allocation, and progress tracking. Drafting and revising work and financial plans in alignment with established guidelines. Data entry, validation, and management, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
• Technical writing, including SOPs, user manuals, reports, and outreach materials.
• Communication, both written and verbal, for interacting with cooperators, the public, and internal leadership.
• Problem-solving when addressing survey implementation issues or data discrepancies. Meeting facilitation, coordination, and collaborative planning.
• The use of mapping software, spreadsheets, and database systems to support survey and trapping activities.
• Organizing and maintaining inventory, including tracking expiration dates and ensuring proper distribution.

Ability to:
• Interpret and apply guidelines, standards, and program requirements.
• Coordinate multiple stakeholders, including federal counterparts, cooperators, diagnostic labs, and internal divisions.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines for monthly, quarterly, and annual reporting. Analyze data, identify errors or gaps, and ensure data integrity before submission.
• Develop and maintain SOPs and user manuals that support consistent program implementation.
• Communicate effectively, fostering information sharing and maintaining strong working relationships.
• Adapt to new program requirements, emerging pests, or changes in federal expectations.
• Provide guidance, support, and leadership for direct reports.
• Provide operational support, including training, field support, and QC support.
• Represent the department professionally at regional meetings, trainings, and outreach events.
• Work independently, exercise sound judgment, and escalate issues appropriately to the Administrator.

Bachelors degree in an agricultural or environmental related field; or a degree in public or business administration; or four years of experience in a related field.
Knowledge of GIS Mapping and accounting/ budgeting principles.

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.

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

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.