LEGAL ASSISTANT -PROJECT SPECIALIST

The Arizona State Land Department manages more than 10,000 leases, permits, rights of ways, sales and other contracts relating to the management use and disposition of 9.2 million acres of State Trust lands. State Trust lands are lands granted to the State of Arizona pursuant to the federal Enabling Act. The Trust lands are held in Trust for the common public schools and 13 other public institutions. Any use or disposition of Trust lands must benefit the Trust's beneficiaries.

Under the guidance of the Real Estate Division's Sales and Commercial Leasing Section Manager, the Legal Assistant - Project Specialist prepares a variety of legal documents, including lease instruments, certificate of purchase contracts, patent deeds, and section reports. The incumbent will also assist with processing low to mid-level complex files related to land sales and commercial leases, including recommendations relative to land disposition alternatives, and the specific elements of each disposition. The land disposition projects will have the highest priority, visibility and revenue potential for the Land Trust.

Duties

• Accurate and timely preparation of a variety of documentation, including commercial lease instruments, certificate of purchase contracts, patent deeds, and other related documents.
• Accurate and timely maintenance of Division records and files. Assists in the screening/handling of Division calls and visitors.
• Processes low to mid-level complex files related to land sales and commercial leases; makes recommendations relative to land disposition alternatives and specific elements of each disposition; and coordinates and attends meetings with lessees/applicants, State Land Department staff, and other agencies and organizations.
• Responds to all phone, e-mail, and written inquiries regarding policies and procedures for land sale and commercial lease applications.
• Applies the principles, theories, and concepts of the Arizona Management System by actively participating in group huddles and electronic huddle board updates; continually identifying areas for process and quality improvement; and adhering to established standard work and procedures.
• All other relevant duties as assigned.

Salary

• $26 - $30

Qualifications

Knowledge of:
• Principles and practices of commercial real estate analysis and disposition; land use planning and management; and associated laws, rules and regulations.
• Practices and procedures used in property management.
• Methodology and documentation associated with the acquisition of property, including a thorough knowledge of negotiation proceedings.
• Principles of project management and coordination.
• Purchase contracts; evaluation and execution of commercial leases; and commercial and residential construction.
• Financial analysis and discounted cash flow.
• Basic knowledge of American Land Title Association (ALTA) surveys, Environmental Site Assessment reports, property appraisals, rights of way easements, and the interpretation of engineering and/or delineation drawings.

Skills In:
• Advanced verbal and written communication.
• Location and selection of the most appropriate guidelines for frequent and variable circumstances.
• Advanced organizational proficiency in coordinating the activities and efforts of land disposition agents.
• Negotiation techniques to obtain support, cooperation, and timely action or change from involved parties.
• Establishing and assessing program objectives and performance goals.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with various levels of government, business officials, and the general public.
• Advanced Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint

Ability To:
• Establish performance goals and assess progress toward their achievement.
• Write detailed reports, maintain records, and manage multiple tasks concurrently.
• Determine the effects of multi-disciplined uses and damage to State Trust land real property values.
• Read and interpret legal descriptions and map orientation, on hard copy and electronic documentation, as well as in the field.
• Exercise appropriate personal judgment within the guidelines of recognized laws, rules, procedures, and policies affecting the overall management of State Trust lands.

• A minimum of two years of progressively responsible exp. w/commercial lease contracts, agency rules/regulations, legal descriptions, and natural resources disciplines.
• A Bachelor's degree in Finance, Real Estate, Business Admin, Urban Planning, Public Admin, or related field.
• Experience in commercial RE transactions, real estate management, and/or comparable.
• AZ RE license and Paralegal Certification preferred.

• Prior to, or after interviewing, candidates may be subject to a pre-employment skills assessment.
• The position 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.)
  
• All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

Other Information

Contact Us:
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.

Benefits

• Sick leave
• Vacation with 10 paid holidays per year
• 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
  

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).
• Participation is a mandatory condition of employment for all employees who meet the eligibility and membership criteria as defined in statute.
• Enrollment eligibility will become effective after 27 weeks of employment
• The current contribution rate is 12.27%