Agriculture and Foreign Labor Specialist

AZ Dept. of Economic Security; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ASRS retirement

Paid holidays

Paid vacation and sick leave

Parental leave

Tuition reimbursement

Stipend opportunities

Job summary

Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) seeks an Agriculture and Foreign Labor Specialist within the Workforce Development Administration to manage Foreign Labor Certification (FLC) statewide. The role supports H-2A and H-2B programs, conducts outreach, housing inspections, and employer meetings, while applying lean management practices.

The position requires ability to travel, engage diverse populations, and ensure compliance with DOL and DES regulations.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of interviewing techniques and assessment tools.
• Understanding of social, cultural, and economic conditions affecting the populations served.
• Knowledge of special needs of minority groups and disadvantaged persons.
• Proficiency with Google Suite.

Responsibilities

• Travel and conduct outreach events, housing inspections, field checks, orientations, and employer meetings across Arizona.
• Perform Agricultural Prevailing Wage and Practice Surveys statewide.
• Maintain accurate records and reports for the Department of Labor or enforcement agencies.
• Handle complaints and educate stakeholders; promote Agricultural Recruitment System.
• Support State Monitor Advocate and Foreign Labor Certification Coordinator.
• Perform additional duties related to Foreign Labor Certification and H-2A/H-2B programs.

Skills

Interviewing techniques

Cultural awareness

Google Suite

Customer service

Public speaking

Data collection

Regulatory knowledge

Time management

Teamwork

Diversity sensitivity

Tools

Google Suite

Job description

Job Summary:

Would you like to be part of an amazing team that helps Arizonans thrive? At the Department of Economic Security (DES), we strengthen individuals, families, and communities for a better quality of life. DES is looking for individuals that are committed to service, community, and teamwork. To learn more about DES, please visit des.az.gov; or click on the link here to view ‘Our DES’ video. Come join the DES Team! The Department of Economic Security, Division of Employment and Rehabilitation Services (DERS) strengthens Arizona communities by bridging and minimizing gaps to employment and independence. DES is seeking an experienced and highly motivated individual to join our team as an Agriculture and Foreign Labor Specialist with the Workforce Development Administration (WDA). This position is responsible for providing a wide range of Foreign Labor Certification (FLC) statewide activities, adhering to U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) Foreign Labor Certification rules and regulations. Services are provided through 1:1 or group interactions, will include field visits, and may include virtual/digital or telephonic means. Services include but are not limited to: planning, coordinating, and participating in outreach events, housing inspections, orientations, processing of applications, facilitating recruitment for applications, and conducting employer meetings. The Agriculture and Foreign Labor Specialist assists in the successful implementation of the Foreign Labor Certification and H-2A Temporary Agricultural Program (H-2A Program) and H-2B Temporary Non-Agricultural Workers (H-2B Program) administered by (DOL). The work is supported through lean management principles. Will be required to meet or exceed individual or program performance requirements/expectations. This position's work location may be adjusted to meet business demand.

Specialized Population:

Must be willing and able to work in housing or farm locations; rural remote areas of the state; extreme temperatures (range from 20 degrees F to over 100 degrees); work outside of traditional 8-5 & M-F work hours; and have potential exposure to plant pollens, insects and noxious plants, and to fields and plant materials which have been treated with insect and/or disease control sprays.

Job Duties:

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Travel and conduct outreach events, housing inspections, field check, orientations, and employer meetings in areas throughout the state.
• Travel and conduct Agricultural Prevailing Wage and Practice Surveys throughout Arizona to determine common employment practices and average wages.
• Complete and maintain accurate records and reports, including case notes, to report to Department of Labor or enforcement agencies.
• Handle complaints through the Employment Service and Employment-Related Law Complaint System (Complaint System); perform stakeholder education and outreach; and promote Agricultural Recruitment System (ARS) - recruiting, referring, & follow up to domestic Migrant and Seasonal Farmworkers.
• Support State Monitor Advocate and Foreign Labor Certification Coordinator.
• Other duties as assigned as related to this position.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):

• Knowledge of Interviewing techniques, assessment tools and strategies and transferable skills.
• Knowledge of social, cultural, and economic conditions that impact the populations and area(s) served.
• Knowledge of special needs of minority groups and disadvantaged persons.
• Knowledge of Google Suite.
• Skills in customer service, teamwork, collaboration, and interpersonal communication, including de-escalation and conflict resolution.
• Skills in written and verbal communication, including public speaking, presentation, and interviewing.
• Skills in collecting and using data, problem-solving and decision-making.
• Ability to learn & apply applicable Federal and State laws, regulations, and procedures, to include Department of Labor, Department of Economic Security, and Department of Administration rules, policies, and procedures.
• Ability to plan and organize work in accordance with Division priorities and time management methodology.
• Ability to work effectively independently and as a member of diverse teams.
• Ability to work with clients of diverse backgrounds.

Selective Preference(s):

The ideal candidate for this position will have:

• Two (2) years of experience working with Agricultural Foreign Labor.
• Required to have Spanish/English proficiency; and complete training as specified in 20 CFR 653.107(7).

Pre-Employment Requirements:

• 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).
• Travel will be required for State business. 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).

Benefits:

The Arizona Department of Economic Security offers a comprehensive benefits package to include:

• Affordable medical, dental, life, and short-term disability insurance plans.
• Participation in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) and long-term disability plans.
• 10 paid holidays per year.
• Paid vacation and sick time.
• Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child.
• Deferred compensation plan.
• Wellness plans.
• Tuition Reimbursement.
• Stipend Opportunities.
• Infant at Work Program.
• Rideshare and Public Transit Subsidy.
• Career Advancement & Employee Development Opportunities.

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.

Retirement:

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.

Contact Us:

For questions about this career opportunity, please contact Xavier Martinez at [phone] or email [e-mail]. 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 [phone] or email [e-mail]. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation.