DEPT OF AGRICULTURE

Address:  Citrus Fruit & Vegetable Department / Administration
1110 W. Washington Street, #450., Phoenix AZ 85007

Salary: $21.50 - $21.50  

Grade: 17

Closing Date: October  20, 2025

The Arizona Department of Agriculture’s Produce and Plant Services Division (PPSD) is currently recruiting for an Administrative Assistant 3 for our Phoenix Operations located at 1110 W. Washington Street, #450, Phoenix AZ 85007.

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 Administrative Assistant III position provides assistance to the Administrative Services Officer I, Administrative Services Manager and the Assistant Director of the Produce and Plant Services Division (PPSD). This position plays a key role in the centralized administrative services for the division, including budgeting, accounting, procurement purchasing, payroll, and personnel functions. This position works closely with the Administrative Services Manager to track and provide statistical data, track financial information, prepare various reports, and assists in delivering program strategic initiatives.

Duties to include but not limited to:
• Responsible for data entry of expenditures and revenue of the Plants and Produce Services division which includes 12 separate accounts comprised of state general funds, grant funds, and fees for service, both appropriated and non-appropriated into the agencies Budget Tracking System (BTS).
• Supports agency accounting department with reconciliation of purchase orders through procurement receipts and resolving vendor and/or billing issues with a strong focus on internal and external customer service.
• Oversees key operational functions, including supply inventory and management.
• Assists operational units, ensuring timely completion and seamless coordination of supply inventory initiatives.
• Provides operational support to satellite operations in various locations, including Nogales, Tucson, and Yuma.
• Assist ASO and team members with staffing at Arizona LGMA and CFV tours, public outreach and multiple program's training classes. This includes providing customers with direction and informational literature about the program. Additional responsibilities include registration for training classes and follow up with class participants for training certificates.
• Assists in preparing statistical data on licensing for council meetings.
• Provides standard front line customer service and administrative duties such as answering and directing incoming calls, sending faxes and interacting with the public in person to address needs.
• Additional administrative duties include the opening, sorting and logging of mail as well as providing assistance to the grant funded Produce Safety Rule team in the coordination of training materials.

Knowledge of:
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of administration and management.
• Agency or program rules, regulations and operative procedures.
• Accounting and budgeting procedures.

Skills in:
• Skill in oral and written communication.

Ability to:
• Communicate effectively with internal and external customers.
• Perform complex analytical and managerial tasks.
• Work independently, set priorities, manage multiple tasks and projects, manage time, and adapt to changes within a dynamic work environment.
• Anticipate, identify, and solve problems.
• Manage and track complex tasks with critical timelines and deadlines.

2 plus years of administrative experience in one or more of the functions related to duties.

Valid 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).

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 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). 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.

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.