Natural Resources Project Coordinator

~ Arizona has approximately 9.28 million surface acres and 9 million subsurface acres of Trust lands. ~

The mission of the Land Department is to manage State Trust lands and resources to enhance value and optimize economic return for the Trust beneficiaries, consistent with sound stewardship, conservation, and business management principles supporting socio-economic goals for citizens here today and generations yet to come.

Scattered throughout the State, the Trust lands are extremely diverse in character, ranging from Sonoran desert lands, desert grasslands, and riparian areas in the southern half of the state, to the mountains, forests and Colorado Plateau regions of northern Arizona.

The majority of the Trust lands are located in rural areas of the State with more than one million acres located within or adjacent to urbanized areas. The Trust lands constitute approximately 13% of land ownership in Arizona. 

Position Overview

This position is crucial to the Division in order to conduct in-depth research, develop sound and sustainable solutions, and negotiate/resolve complex and challenging issues related to a broad range of areas including water, mining, range, environmental and agriculture uses that impact State Trust land.

Many of these issues have historically been complicated and time-consuming and thus have remained unresolved. To successfully perform this job this position must have a proven ability in policy level problem solving and extensive experience in natural resource issues (water, mining, range, environmental and agriculture).

Responsibilities

• This position resolves highly complex water, mining, range, environmental and agricultural issues impacting State Trust land through researching, collaborating, developing solutions, conducting negotiations, creating implementation strategies and conducting oversight to ensure successful implementation.
• These issues and related projects are often highly visible and have potential to generate significant benefits for the Trust or to create considerable liability if not successfully resolved.
• Successful resolution of these issues and related projects will frequently involve coordination with other Sections and Divisions.
• While not directly supervising any subordinate staff, the position will oversee and coordinate the project specific work of individuals and teams within the Natural Resources Division to achieve successful resolution of complex issues.
• It will be necessary for this position to fully understand the New Mexico - Arizona Enabling Act of 1910, the Arizona Constitution, all applicable state statutes including Title 37 of the Arizona Revised Statutes, applicable Arizona Administrative Code as well as applicable federal and local regulations.
• This position will also assist in the development and implementation of rules, policies and procedures.
• This position will consult with the Natural Resources Division Director on a regular basis and at times with the State Land Commissioner.
• This position may also perform public relations activities some of which may be contentious.

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Comprehensive knowledge/ or the ability to rapidly learn federal, state and local laws, rules, policies, procedures and principles affecting the State Land Department/Natural Resources Division.
• Considerable knowledge/ or the ability to rapidly learn of the processes of State government, including legislative and executive processes.
• Considerable knowledge of management techniques and organizational processes.
• Knowledge of laws, rules, policies, procedures and principles affecting administrative/public hearings.
• Knowledge of program management.
• Knowledge of policy development theory.
• Knowledge of the Attorney General's Office organization and operations.

Selective Preferences:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in hydrology, geology, agriculture, forestry, geography, planning, natural resource, watershed or range management, engineering, economics, biology, chemistry or other closely related field.
• Minimum 5 years of professional level natural resource management experience involving data analysis/evaluation, problem identification/resolution, and recommendation of courses of action.
• Juris Doctorate or Master's degree preferred.

Pre-Employment Requirements:

• Prior or after interviewing, candidates may be subject to a pre-employment skills assessment.
• Requires possession of and ability to retain a current, valid state-issued driver's license appropriate to the assignment.
• Employees who drive on state business are subject to driver's license record checks, must maintain acceptable driving records and must complete required driver training.(See Arizona Administrative Code R2-10-207.12.)
• All newly hired employees will be subject to the E-Verify Employment Eligibility Verification Program.

Benefits:

• The State of Arizona provides an excellent comprehensive benefits package, including:
• Excellent retirement and long-term disability plans (subject to a 180 day wait period.)
• Affordable medical, dental, life, and short-term disability insurance plans.
• Accrued vacation pay and sick days.
• 10 paid holidays per year.
• Deferred compensation plan.
• Credit union membership.
• Wellness plans.

Additional Information

On February 24, 1863, by an Act of Congress, the Territory of Arizona was established. The Congressional Act reserved Sections 16 and 36 of each township for the benefit of the common schools. The State Enabling Act, passed June 20, 1910, allowed the Territory of Arizona to prepare for statehood. In addition to the previously designated Sections 16 and 36, the Enabling Act assigned Section 2 and 32 of each township to be held in Trust for the common schools.

The need of other public institutions were also considered by Congress, and through the Enabling Act, more than 2 million additional acres were allocated to be held in Trust for the benefit of the identified public restrictions. 

To Apply

• Please click below: "Apply Here!" and follow the application instructions provided on our website.
• Position is open until filled.   

~ Arizona State Government is an EOE/ADA Reasonable Accommodation Employer. ~