AZ STATE LAND DEPARTMENT

Address:  1110 West Washington Street, Suite 510
Phoenix, AZ, 85007

Salary: $149,000 - $159,000 

Grade: E5

Closing Date: Open Until Business Needs Are Met

The Arizona State Land Department manages more than 10,000 leases, permits, rights of ways, sales and other contracts relating to the management use and disposition of 9.2 million acres of State Trust lands. State Trust lands are lands granted to the State of Arizona pursuant to the federal Enabling Act. The Trust lands are held in Trust for the common public schools and 13 other public institutions. Any use or disposition of Trust lands must benefit the Trust's beneficiaries.

Under the guidance of the Arizona State Land Commissioner, the Deputy Commissioner over Natural Resources requires minimal supervision in their role of assisting in the management and administration of the use and disposal of approximately 9.2 million acres of State Trust lands for the long-term benefit of the common schools and other beneficiaries specified in the Congressional grants to the State of Arizona. The position will be responsible for the overall management of the natural resource lines of business for the Department, including agriculture, grazing, mining, minerals, water, trespass, etc. The incumbent will maintain frequent contact with the Governor’s office, other agency heads, federal agencies, state and local government official, various stakeholders and legislators as appropriate. The Deputy Commissioner exercises responsibilities of the Commissioner, in their absence, regarding duties and responsibilities related to the day-to-day operations of the Department, applying and formulating policies, rules and regulations, in accordance with the Enabling Act, State of Arizona Constitution and related statutes. The Deputy Commissioner will also supervise, coach and mentor assigned agency Division Directors and staff.

This position may offer the ability to work remotely, within Arizona, based upon the department's business needs and continual meeting of expected performance measures.

• Supervises, coaches and mentors assigned agency Division Directors and staff.
• Responsible for ensuring that transactions related to agency processes are executed efficiently and in appropriate in alignment with state and federal policy, rule and statute.
• Assists in guiding and directing strategic state and federal legislative and public policy initiatives pertaining to State Trust land.
• Assists the Land Commissioner in executing statutory responsibilities and duties as the State Natural Resources Conservation Commissioner.
• Serves as an alternate for the Land Commissioner on various Boards, Commissions, Councils and Committees as appropriate and designated.
• Assists the Commissioner in responding to all routine and emergency situations occurring on State and adjacent private land, and is responsible for coordinating with the Governor's office, Office of Emergency Services, the National Guard and other agencies to ensure services are appropriately enacted to protect life and property.
• Coordinates directly with the Attorney General's office on legal matters involving the Trust lands.
• Assists in the coordination the development of ASLD plans as related to public/legislative policy, official communication, and reviews any associated reports to the Governor’s office and/or legislature.
• Ensures the proper and effective administration, allocation, control, disbursement and accountability of appropriated funds received by the Department.
• Serves as an advisor to the Commissioner and the Governor with respect to the inputs of Federal programs on State Trust lands and other economic environmental interests and matters involving national water policy, reclamation projects and groundwater management, etc.

Knowledge
• Knowledge of land management principles and specific State statutes and rules, , state and federal environmental and natural resource laws, Arizona water law and policies, trespass investigation, management of access and impacts to Trust lands by recreationalists, conflict resolution, and personnel management.
• Knowledge in advancing multi-faceted public policy work including government relations, legislative advocacy, and strategic planning and positioning.
• Knowledge of the principles of written communications, mass communications, and marketing.

Skills
• Skills in managing and promoting effective relationships with stakeholders.
• Effective customer service skills are required for managing internal and external customers.
• Writing, research, and analysis skills.
• Strategic evaluation and prioritization skills for multiple public policy disciplines, and strong ability to quickly and accurately communicate and disseminate information and recommendations.
• Skill in writing/creating and distributing a variety of written communications products, including content for external communication.

Abilities
• The ability to effectively direct and supervise subordinate managers and staff and collaborate with other Divisions of the Department to accomplish the mission and goals of the Department.
• The ability to set and achieve goals, track and measure success, and solve problems.
• The ability to effectively communicate in writing and verbally.
• The ability to analyze broad potential public policy impacts and strategize optimal decisions/outcomes in a stressful atmosphere, and with very short notice.
• The ability to negotiate complex legislative issues, research, analyze and evaluate issues and oversee/ prepare reports on legislation.
• The ability to translate complex issues and systems into persuasive, concise, and engaging presentations and materials for a variety of audiences.

A minimum of 10 years demonstrated experience in a senior leadership role focusing on operational transactions, processes, strategic objectives and public policy initiatives related to natural resources management. A Bachelor of Science degree business administration, public administration, natural resource management, or related field.

This position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job, then the following requirements apply. 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).

All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

• Affordable medical, dental, life, and short-term disability insurance plans
• Top-ranked retirement and long-term disability plans
• 10 paid holidays per year
• Vacation time accrued at 4.00 hours bi-weekly for the first 3 years
• Sick time accrued at 3.70 hours bi-weekly
• Deferred compensation plan
• Wellness plans
  

Employees enjoy improved work/life balance, report higher job satisfaction, and are more productive. Remote work is a management option and not an employee entitlement or right. An agency may terminate a remote work agreement at its discretion.

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave pilot program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

Positions in this classification participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS).
• Participation is a mandatory condition of employment for all employees who meet the eligibility and membership criteria as defined in statute.
• Enrollment eligibility will become effective after 27 weeks of employment
• The current contribution rate is 12.27%

If you have trouble applying for this position, please email HRIShelpdesk@azdoa.gov for assistance.
Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by contacting ASLD Human Resources at 602-542-2629. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation.

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