LAND DEPARTMENT

1110 W. Washington St.
Phoenix, AZ 85007

Salary: $80,000 - $90,000 

Grade: 25

Closing Date: Open until business needs are met

The Arizona State Land Department (ASLD) is responsible for managing the assets of a multi-generational trust that includes over 9 million acres of land that is leased, sold, and otherwise put to use to generate revenue for the trust beneficiaries such as K-12 education.

Under the guidance of the Real Estate Division's Assistant Director, the Energy Project Manager Sr. position will coordinate the processing of solar, wind, transmission, and battery storage build projects on state trust land. This role will help ASLD facilitate the responsible development of hundreds of megawatts of energy projects that will benefit the trust and meet the demanding power needs of Arizona. These projects are highly visible and represent a high revenue generation potential for the Trust. This position is funded by a two year grant.

Upon successful completion of the required training and probationary period, this position may offer the ability to work a hybrid remote work schedule, based upon the department's business needs and continual meeting of expected performance measures. All work, including remote work, should be performed within Arizona. Remote work is a management option and not an employee entitlement or right. An agency may terminate a remote work agreement at its discretion.

• Assist in developing a renewable energy program that evaluates projects, identifies project needs, timing of external and internal milestones, and criteria to efficiently process energy project applications including solar, wind, battery, transmission and other energy projects proposed on state trust land.
• Work with energy project applicants to deploy hundreds of megawatts of energy projects on state trust land while protecting the natural environment and cultural resources.
• Serve as the Arizona State Land Department (ASLD) point of contact for energy project developers seeking projects on state trust land, to guide them efficiently through the ASLD review criteria and application process.
• Evaluate energy project documents such as consultant reports, land surveys, interconnection agreements, energy request proposals (RFPs), project site plans, and more to protect the value of state trust land. Coordinate with ASLD staff specialized in these areas.
• Collaborate and coordinate with other land management agencies such as the Bureau of Land Management, tribal governments, county governments, as well as electric utilities, and others as-needed to advance projects.
• Applies the principles, theories, and concepts of the Arizona Management System; actively participating in scheduled section huddles and huddle board updates; continually identifying areas for energy project development process and quality improvement; adhering to established standard work and procedures.
• Other duties as assigned as related to the position.

Knowledge of:
• Arizona’s energy system, the electric grid, permitting process, and renewable energy policy.
• Planning, development, or construction of renewable energy projects, particularly solar, wind, transmission, and/or battery storage.
• Utility industry and renewable energy market trends and technologies.
• Arizona State Land Department's mission and its constitutional and statutory obligations.

Skilled In:
• Professional oral and written communication.
• Time management and organizational skills to coordinate the activities and efforts of land disposition agents, while supporting a demanding and emerging renewable energy industry.
• Identifying and selecting the most appropriate guidelines for numerous and variable circumstances.
• Negotiating to obtain support, cooperation, and timely action or change from involved parties.
• Establishing and assessing renewable energy program objectives and performance goals.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with various levels of local and federal government and business officials as well as the public.

Ability To:
• Establish program objectives and performance goals and assess progress toward their achievement.
• Organize and coordinate the activities and efforts of a renewable energy program.
• Write reports, maintain records, and manage multiple tasks at one time.
• Physically perform moderate work tasks such as walking in natural land areas and posting / removing signs.
• Safely drive standard and 4-wheel drive vehicles to travel throughout the state, often on roads in poor condition.
• Determine the effects of multi-disciplined uses and damage to State Trust land real property values.
• Read and interpret legal descriptions and map orientation both in the field and on documents.
• Exercise appropriate personal judgment within the guidelines of recognized laws, rules, procedures, and policies affecting the overall management of State Trust lands.

• A Bachelor's degree in an engineering or science field, such as mechanical engineering, environmental science, sustainability management, project management, or related field.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in renewable energy or transmission project development, permitting, engineering, or related fields.

 • 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. (refer to Arizona Administrative Code R2-10-207.12.) Driver’s License Requirements.
• All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

• 10 paid holidays per year
• Paid Vacation and Sick time off (13 and 12 days per year respectively) - start earning it your 1st day (prorated for part-time employees)
• Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child
• Other Leaves - Bereavement, civic duty, and military
• A top-ranked retirement program with lifetime pension benefits
• A robust and affordable health insurance plan, including medical, dental, life, and disability insurance
• Participation eligibility in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (must meet qualifications)
• RideShare and Public Transit Subsidy
• A variety of learning and career development opportunities

For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

Lifetime Pension Benefit Program
• Administered through the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS).
• Defined benefit plan that provides for life-long income upon retirement.
• Required participation for Long-Term Disability (LTD) and ASRS Retirement plan.
• Pre-taxed payroll contributions begin after a 27-week waiting period (prior contributions may waive the waiting period).
Deferred Retirement Compensation Program
• Voluntary participation.
• Program administered through Nationwide.
• Tax-deferred retirement investments through payroll deductions.

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.