PROGRAM ADMINISTRATOR

PROGRAM ADMINISTRATOR

• 540831
• PHOENIX
• DEPT OF AGRICULTURE
• Full-time
• Closing at: May 25 2026 - 23:55 MST

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DEPT OF AGRICULTURE

The Mission of our Agency is to protect the health and safety of Arizona consumers, advance and support Arizona agriculture, and safeguard commerce.

Supporting farming, ranching and agribusiness in Arizona by protecting plants and animals, issuing agriculture and environmental licenses, inspecting farming practices and overseeing commerce standards and measurement devices.

CITRUS, FRUIT AND VEGETABLE PROGRAM ADMINISTRATOR

Job Location:

Address: Produce and Plant Services Division / Office of Citrus, Fruit and Vegetable

1110 W. Washington Street, #450, Phoenix AZ 85007

Posting Details:

Salary: $79,040.00 - $85,479.05

Grade: 25

Closing Date: May 25, 2026

Job Summary:

The Arizona Department of Agriculture's Produce and Plant Services Division (PPSD) is currently recruiting for a Program Administrator for our Office of Citrus, Fruit, & Vegetable.

The Citrus, Fruit, and Vegetable Standardization program monitors and enforces the quality standards for all fresh fruit and vegetables produced and marketed in Arizona.

The Program Administrator manages the Office of Citrus, Fruit & Vegetable (OCFV) within the Produce and Plant Services Division (PPSD) of the Department of Agriculture. As the Administrator of the OCFV, this position is responsible for managing the citrus, fruit, & vegetables inspections and compliance program, ensuring adherence to state and federal laws, rules, and policies for the program. This position also works with the on-site USDA Federal Program Manager ensuring the continuity of operations. OCFV has offices in Phoenix, Yuma and Nogales and this position is responsible for the overseeing all 3 offices.

The State of Arizona strives for a work culture that affords employees flexibility, autonomy, and trust. Across our many agencies, boards, and commissions, many State employees participate in the State's Remote Work Program and are able to work remotely in their homes, in offices, and in hoteling spaces. All work, including remote work, should be performed within Arizona unless an exception is properly authorized in advance.

Job Duties:

Duties to include but not limited to:

• Provides direct and indirect supervision to inspections and compliance staff within the OCFV. Responsible for the hiring, termination, and managing of staff, including appraisals, discipline, and ETE. Keeps staff informed of activities going on within the department.
• Develops and maintains plans and performance measures for the OCFV program, supports implementation of PPSD and Department strategies, and measures adherence. Attends divisional leadership meetings and assists in the implementation of the Division''s and Department''s strategic plan and operational priorities.
• Plans, researches, and develops new and revised methods and procedures to improve effectiveness of the OCFV. Develops new/and or revises existing policies and procedures within the program. Works with the PPSD Director to recommend and draft amendments, new legislation, rules, policies, procedures, or inter-agency agreements.
• Works and communicates effectively with the citrus, fruit, & vegetables industry, as well as other relevant state and federal regulatory agencies. Plans, attends, and presents at meetings/conferences/workshops related to citrus, fruit, & vegetables. Participates in and helps coordinate meetings with relevant advisory committees and industry groups. Confers with the Division Director and Office of the Director on serious issues or problems. Responds to requests from the public.
• Travel in state and out of state for State business
• Other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of:

• Federal and State laws and regulations governing citrus, fruit, and vegetable standardization and shipping point inspections Basic understanding of agriculture and plant service laws
• Management and leadership best practices
• Inspection and investigation techniques
• Computer technology
• General accounting and inventory control

Skills in:

• Effective oral and written communicator
• Coaching and performance management
• Writing and reviewing reports and citations
• Conduct effective meetings
• Active listening
• Decision making
• Time management

Ability to:

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff and industry
• Read and analyze inspection, compliance, and laboratory reports
• Identify and solve problems
• Perform basic mathematical calculations
• Interpret and understand laws, rules, regulations, standards and operating procedures

Selective Preference(s):

Previous experience in a supervisory or leadership role that includes employee coaching and development responsibilities

Previous experience with the regulation of produce standardization and shipping point inspections

Bachelor of Science in a related field

Pre-Employment Requirements:

Arizona Driver's License

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).

Benefits:

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

Retirement:

Positions in this classification participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS). ASRS is a mandatory condition of employment for all employees who meet the eligibility and membership criteria defined in statue. Current contribution rate is 12.00%. Enrollment eligibility will become effective after 27 weeks of employment.

Contact Us:

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.