COTTON RESEARCH AND PROTECTION COUNCIL

Address:  Satellite Office in Safford or Wilcox

Salary: $50,000 - $52,000 ANNUALLY 

Grade: 21

Closing Date: 07/09/2025

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.

• Oversees field activities in assigned area. 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.
• Meet with growers to obtain cotton planting intentions and field locations.
• Deploy and monitor Pink Bollworm and Boll Weevil traps.
• Collect seed, soil, crop and insect samples for research purposes.
• Conduct special pest detection surveys as assigned. Conduct field surveys to determine filed locations and crop types.
• Map cotton and crop fields utilizing ArcGIS field technology.
• Inspect fields for statutory plow down requirements.
• Work closely with growers during plow down activities to assure deadlines are met.
• Hire seasonal staff as needed.
• Reviews and evaluates work and formulates plans for improvements.
• Resolves problems and questions regarding work policies, processes and methods.
• Resolves problems and questions presented by growers regarding policies, processes and methods.
• Confers with Federal, State University and agency personnel in order to carry out joint activities and research control or projects.

• Knowledge of Federal, State, and agency laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures of the assignment.
• Knowledge of 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.

• 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.

• 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. 

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 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

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.

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