Aquatic Wildlife Specialist 2

GAME AND FISH DEPARTMENT

Join the only state agency in Arizona responsible for conserving and protecting more than 800 wildlife species. Be part of a passionate group of people who want to make a positive impact on outdoor recreation in Arizona by managing resources for safe compatible opportunities for current and future generations. From fishing boating and off-highway vehicle use to shooting sports hunting and wildlife watching Arizona Game and Fish supports it all. Our biologists use the best available science in their management actions and our wildlife managers are on the ground in your communities making a difference every day. Opportunities abound beyond the field at AZGFD so check us out and see what were all about! Consider joining our workforce today. AZGFD celebrates the diversity of Arizonas people landscapes and of course wildlife. However you choose to enjoy Arizonas wildlife and wild places the outdoors is open for all.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department manages fish and wildlife in Arizona and under the authority of the Arizona Game and Fish Commission creates and implements scientific methods and regulations to effectively manage fish and wildlife habitat via conservation enforcement hunting fishing watercraft and off-highway vehicle recreation and shooting sports. The Arizona Game and Fish Department dedicates itself to excellence values its employees and supports a culture of stewardship teamwork and partnerships.

Aquatic Wildlife Specialist 2

Job Location:

FIELD OPERATIONS DIVISION / REGION 3 / KINGMAN ARIZONA BASED
5325 Stockton Hill Rd. Kingman AZ 86409

Posting Details:

Salary: $48000-$55000

Grade: 21

Closing Date: 12/16/2025

Job Summary:

WILDLIFE SPECIALIST
Aquatic Wildlife Specialist 2
FIELD OPERATIONS DIVISION / REGION 3 / KINGMAN ARIZONA BASED
FLSA-Exempt / SALARY GRADE 21 / HIRING RANGE $48000-$55000

Are you passionate about aquatic ecosystems fisheries management and hands-on conservation work The Arizona Game and Fish Department is seeking a dedicated Aquatic Wildlife Specialist 2 to help steward and enhance the rich aquatic resources of northwestern Arizona.

In this dynamic and rewarding role you will make an impact through a wide range of professional wildlife management duties focused on sustaining and improving fisheries across the region. You will coordinate regional sport-fish priorities and provide essential support for native fish conservation efforts. From conducting surveys on Lake Mead Lake Mohave and other regional waters including collaborative work in other regions to implementing on-the-ground habitat projects your work will directly influence the health and quality of Arizonas fisheries.

What Youll Do:

Conduct fisheries surveys and assessments on major regional lakes to evaluate population health habitat conditions and management needs.
Lead and support habitat enhancement projects and fish stocking efforts to strengthen and expand sport-fishing opportunities.
Promote angling and aquatic stewardship through public talks educational outreach and hands-on fishing clinics.
Assist in native fish surveys and conservation projects vital to protecting Arizonas unique aquatic heritage.
Study aquatic wildlife traits behaviors and habitat needsand evaluate how human activities impact these ecosystems.
Review and assess water and development projects for potential impacts to aquatic species including endangered fish and recommend actions or mitigation strategies to protect these resources.
Participate in interdisciplinary planning teams and help develop habitat management plans that support long-term aquatic wildlife sustainability.

The ideal candidate must be able to work and travel (including overnight travel) irregular hours including weekends holidays and must be comfortable working outdoors in extreme isolated conditions and possess the ability to identify wildlife in less than optimal conditions.

In this position you will directly contribute to ensuring resilient diverse and thriving aquatic wildlife populations for future generations. Your work will matterboth to the environment and to the many communities that depend on healthy fisheries for recreation culture and quality of life.

If youre ready to apply your skills passion and expertise to meaningful conservation challenges we invite you to join us!

Job Duties:

Major duties will include:

Responsible for planning scheduling coordinating and implementing sport fish surveys and enhancement projects involving regional waters and their aquatic species per annual work plans

Development of techniques procedures and policies and use of best practices to complete surveys and restoration and enhancement projects in a safe manner

Collection summary analysis and reporting of survey and project data and yearly implementation planning and performance reporting

Presentation of results at professional meetings

Maintenance of regional aquatic species databases assists in overseeing and training personnel and supervising a seasonal intern when needed

Assist in coordination and planning with other work units and state/federal resource management agencies that can influence the implementation of projects and reviews popular and technical publications to maintain proficiency in specialty field and in other areas of general competence and responsibility

Reviews documents of proposed actions and funding requests that potentially impact aquatic resources within regional boundaries

Maintains and repairs all equipment assigned or used to complete fisheries surveys and enhancements

Responds to requests for program related activities information education and outreach activities as assigned by the supervisor

Purchase of equipment and supplies used by program personnel

Performs other duties as assigned

Knowledge Skills & Abilities (KSAs):

The position requires knowledge of: fish and wildlife management rules and regulations policies and procedures aquatic survey techniques fish herp aquatic flora and fauna identification and habitat requirements water chemistry measuring devices and techniques operation and maintenance of vehicles watercraft and fisheries survey equipment maps charts and GPS equipment analyze and interpret field data collected principles of electrofishing application of piscicides and proper fish transportation procedures.

Candidates must be skilled in application of fisheries and aquatic species management techniques computer data processing camping and surviving outdoors traversing challenging terrain equipment maintenance and repair operating vehicles watercraft UTVs and aquatic species survey equipment applied data gathering and standardized sampling techniques oral and written communication and public relations techniques.

The ideal candidate will be able to develop effective and positive working relationships with the public tribes various local state and federal governmental agencies special interest groups and the media in a positive manner provide positive and effective customer service to a variety of internal and external customers negotiate with agencies individuals and other entities in support of program areas and the Departments mission effectively communicate orally and in writing for wide variety and level of audiences including agency leadership train and evaluate seasonal interns.

Selective Preference(s):

Two years professional experience in fisheries and/or wildlife research/management. An advanced degree from an accredited college or university may substitute for one year of required experience.

Our work environment offers training opportunities and encourages career development.

Pre-Employment Requirements:

The candidate must have a Bachelor of Science degree in fisheries management fisheries biology wildlife management or a closely related field and two years of professional experience in fisheries and/or wildlife research/management. An advanced degree in fisheries and/or wildlife sciences or closely related field from an accredited college or university may substitute for one year or required experience.

Employment is contingent upon completion of a post-offer medical/physical examination and the agencys ability to reasonably accommodate any restrictions.

This position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job and the following requirements apply. Any employee operating a motor vehicle on State business must possess and retain a current valid class-appropriate drivers license complete all required training and successfully pass all necessary drivers license record checks. The license must be current unexpired and neither revoked nor suspended. Employees who drive on state business are subject to drivers license record checks must maintain acceptable driving records and must complete all required driver training. An employee who operates a personally owned vehicle on state business shall maintain the statutorily required liability insurance (see Arizona Administrative Code (A.A.C.) R.11).

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: Drivers License Requirements.

All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

Benefits:

The State of Arizona offers an outstanding comprehensive benefits package including:

* 13 days of vacation
* 12 sick days with accumulation benefits
* 10 paid holidays
* Participation in the nationally recognized Arizona State Retirement System
* Superior health care options
* Vision care dental care pharmacy benefits and flexible spending account (options available)
* Life long-term disability and short-term disability insurance options are available
* Many more benefit programs are available

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

Contact Us:

If you have any questions please feel free to contact Nicole Baker at for assistance.

Required Experience:

IC