AGRICULTURAL SPECIALIZED PROGRAM MANAGER

COTTON RESEARCH AND PROTECTION COUNCIL

The Arizona Cotton Research and Protection Council (ACRPC) is an organization formally established by statute in 1984 to serve as a vehicle through which Arizona cotton growers could provide adequate funding for research and applied technology to address industry needs relating to pest control and crop production. ACRPC provides, maintains, and monitors innovative technology and programs for the Arizona cotton industry. Through this agency, the Arizona cotton industry will be provided with sustainable programs and technologies to eradicate, control, and manage cotton pests.

Field Program Manager

Job Location:

Address: 3721 E. Wier Avenue ( actual duty post in Wilcox or Safford)

Phoenix, Arizona 85040

Posting Details

Salary: $50,000

Grade: 21

Closing Date: 04/20/2025

Job Summary

The Arizona Cotton Research and Protection Council (ACRPC) invites applicants to apply for the Field Program Manager position. The Program Manager is responsible for field work related to cotton research and protection. Manages work unit operations. Supervises one or two seasonal workers in planning and coordinating field activities within assigned geographical area. The position will be accountable for gathering field information, deploying, and monitoring pest traps, interacting with growers, evaluating crop stages, supervising trappers and vehicle maintenance scheduling.

Job Duties

• Resolves problems and questions presented by seasonal staff regarding work policies, processes, and methods.
• Devises a periodic work schedule for seasonal staff within a designated work unit.
• Reviews work products of seasonal employees; evaluates work and formulates plans for improvement.
• Plans for better use of material and personnel resources in a designated work unit.
• Confers with Federal, State, university, and agency personnel in order to carry out joint activities in research, control and eradication programs or projects.
• Drives vehicles to various locations throughout an assigned geographical area of the state, carrying out business of the work system.
• Completes work activities in a timely, efficient, and professional manner; leading, training and scheduling work activities; evaluating seasonal performance; applying laws and regulations related to administration and field programs.
• Supervise seasonal personnel to assure quality control of work process.
• Deploy and monitor boll weevil traps. Select seed samples from gins for aflatoxin research evaluation.
• Conduct field surveys to determine field locations and crop types.
• Map cotton fields utilizing GPS technology. Deploy and monitor pink bollworm traps. Select soil samples from cotton fields for aflatoxin research evaluation.
• Inspect fields for statutory plow down requirements.
• Assist supervisor as directed.
  
  

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs)

• Knowledge of Federal, State, and agency laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures of the assignment.
• Principles and practices of work leadership, training, and supervision.
• Knowledge of established field program methods, standards, and procedures.
• Knowledge of safety practices of the assignment. Practices and procedures of administrative activities of the assignment.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of inspection. Techniques of identifying and controlling harmful insects and diseases of plants.
• Knowledge of practices and procedures of the work system.
• Skill in applying the rules, regulations, and procedures of the assignment. Applying the practices and procedures of the work system.
• Skill in conducting and interpreting cotton crop monitoring standards.
• Skill in applying the established safety precautions.
• Ability to utilized methods and techniques of administrative practices of the operation.
• Ability to communicate orally and in writing.
• Ability to create and maintain interpersonal relationships.
• Ability to utilized Mapping and office software applications.
  
  

Selective Preference(s)

• Two years' experience in agriculture.
• College courses from an accredited college or university in agriculture, plant, or related field may substitute for one year of the required experience.
  
  

Pre-Employment Requirements

• Successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify), applicable to all newly hired State employees.
• 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.
• State travel is required for State business. Employees who drive on state business must complete any required driver training (see Arizona Administrative Code R2-I0-207.12.) AND having an acceptable driving record for the last 39 months is required including no DUI, suspensions, or revocations and less than 8 points on your license. A copy of your MVR (Motor Vehicle Record) is required at the time of your interview if an Out of State Driver's License was held within the last 39 months.
  
  

Benefits

The Arizona Cotton Research and Protection Council offer a comprehensive benefits package to include:

• Affordable Health, Dental, Vision, and Life and Disability Insurance
• 10 holidays per year
• Paid Vacation and Sick time off - start earning it on your 1st day
• Eligible to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (must meet qualifications)
• Contribute to, and participate in the Arizona State Retirement System
• Ride Share and Public Transit Subsidy
• Career Advancement Opportunities
  
  

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

Contact Us

For questions about this career opportunity, please call Bernetta Johnson at 602-771-2571 or email bjohnson@cotton.az.gov.

Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by contacting 602-771-2571. Request should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation