Program Project Specialist 1

State of Arizona; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 32,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sick leave

Vacation with 10 paid holidays per yr

Paid Parental Leave

Health and dental insurance

Retirement plan

Life insurance and LTD

Optional benefits

Job summary

The Arizona Department of Agriculture (AZDA) is seeking a skilled Program Project Specialist 1 to join the Central Licensing Unit in Phoenix. You will analyze licensing regulations, develop standard operating procedures, and create forms to improve program effectiveness.

You will also monitor compliance, prepare reports, and provide technical guidance and training to staff and customers, supporting agricultural operations across the state.

Qualifications

• Experience interpreting laws, rules, and policies.
• Ability to develop procedures and solutions.
• Experience training staff and customers.
• Strong technical writing skills.

Responsibilities

• Review laws and regulations and monitor compliance.
• Develop standard operating procedures and program forms.
• Create and track program metrics and visual tools.
• Provide training and guidance to staff and stakeholders.

Skills

Communication skills

Data interpretation

Problem solving

Process analysis

Time management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in policy administration, political science, or public relations

Tools

Microsoft Office

Google Workspace

Adobe Acrobat

Job description

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

The Arizona Department of Agriculture (AZDA) works to protect the health and safety of consumers while advancing the state's agricultural industry and safeguarding commerce. Its core functions include protecting plants and animals, issuing environmental licenses, and overseeing commerce standards and measurement devices. AZDA is looking for individuals who are committed to serving and supporting farming, ranching, and agribusiness in Arizona.

Program Project Specialist 1

Job Location:

Central Licensing Unit

1010 West Washington Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85007

Posting Details:

Salary: $23.00 - $25.00 hourly

Grade: 18

Closing Date: November 15, 2026

Job Summary:

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.

Job Duties:

• 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, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):

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

Selective Preference(s):

• 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

Pre-Employment Requirements:

• 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).

Benefits:

• 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.

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 us at [phone] or [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 [e-mail]. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow sufficient time to arrange the accommodation.