GAME AND FISH DEPARTMENT

Address:  1970 North Page Springs Road, Cornville, Arizona 86325

Hiring salary range: $53,000 - $65,000 

Grade: 22

Closing Date:  07/19/2026

WILDLIFE SPECIALIST SENIOR
“Aquatic Research and Conservation Center Research Biologist”
WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT DIVISION / RESEARCH BRANCH / CORNVILLE, AZ BASED
FLSA-EXEMPT / SALARY GRADE 22 / HIRING SALARY RANGE $53,000 - $65,000
CLOSING DATE: 07/19/2026

This Research Biologist position at the Arizona Game & Fish Department (AZGFD) Aquatic Research and Conservation Center (ARCC) will lead research focused on native fish or other aquatic species, with an emphasis on research to improve techniques for propagating captive lineages of rare and sensitive species, increase production, and other research support for conservation and management of native aquatic species. The ARCC, located in Cornville, Arizona, is close driving distance to the communities of Cottonwood, Sedona, and Flagstaff. This unique facility houses rare lineages of native fish species and supports research to propagate and re-establish native aquatic species.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)
Biology & Aquaculture: Deep understanding of fish and wildlife management, fish biology, endangered desert fishes, water chemistry, and intensive fish culture (pond-culture, raceways, and circular tanks).
Data & Research: Advanced math, statistics, experimental design, and computerized/manual data analysis for hatchery and complex research data.
Field & Trades: Basic trade skills (carpentry, plumbing) and the ability to operate/maintain specialty equipment.
Soft Skills: Exceptional written and verbal communication, public relations, problem-solving, and the ability to work self-supervised or within a research team.
Physical Requirements: Ability to work varied hours indoors and outdoors in harsh conditions, travel for overnight trips, and lift/carry at least 50 pounds.

Minimum Qualifications & Prerequisites
Education: A Bachelor's degree in wildlife science or a closely related field. (An advanced degree is preferred and may substitute for one year of experience).
Experience: Three (3) years of experience in fisheries, conservation, aquaculture, or an equivalent field.
Pre-Employment Requirements: Must pass a post-offer medical/physical exam.
Driver’s License: Must possess a valid class-appropriate driver's license and pass driver record checks. Employees operating a personal vehicle must maintain statutory liability insurance.

This position serves as the research biologist at the Research Branch's Aquatic Research and Conservation Center (ARCC). The Research Branch's mission is to conduct robust research and provide scientific information to inform and support the sound management and professional stewardship of Arizona's fish and wildlife resources, and to ensure the credibility of the Department's science. Under the direction of the Aquatic Research Program Manager, this position conducts research on native aquatic species, with an emphasis on research to improve techniques for propagating captive lineages of rare and sensitive fish species, to support their conservation or re-establishment in the wild. This position may also conduct research on non-fish species. Works as part of the larger Research Branch team to accomplish the branch’s goals and operational objectives including, but not limited to, conducting research, analyzing data, preparing scientific publications, outreach, training, and providing expertise and support to other Department work units. May need to work varied hours indoors and outdoors in harsh conditions. Occasional overnight travel may be required.

This position may offer the ability to work remotely, within Arizona, based upon the department's business needs and continual meeting of expected performance measures.

The State of Arizona strives for a work culture that affords employees flexibility, autonomy, and trust. Across our many agencies, boards, and commissions, many State employees participate in the State’s Remote Work Program and are able to work remotely in their homes, in offices, and in hoteling spaces. All work, including remote work, should be performed within Arizona unless an exception is properly authorized in advance.

Major duties will include:

RESEARCH: Design, plan and implement complex and significantly specialized studies in the office, field or laboratory utilizing standard protocols and scientific approaches, including direct participation in field and lab work. Use specialized methods, techniques and data processing to collect, compile and analyze collected data and other information to formulate and present fish and wildlife management findings and recommendations.
DISSEMINATION: Review and/or prepare material for publication in technical journals and magazines or for presentation to scientific conferences, Department personnel, partner agencies, general public and/or media. Prepare strategic and other study plans and reports. Review popular and technical publications to maintain proficiency in specialty fields.
HATCHERY SUPPORT: Support ARCC hatchery operations, which may include facility maintenance, equipment operation, care and propagation of native aquatic species, including threatened and endangered fish. Gather, compile, and analyze fish culture data, size/weight of fish, and water quality data. Use models to forecast refuge population sizes and collection needs.
COORDINATION, OUTREACH AND EDUCATION: Provide effective work unit leadership and appropriate customer service within and outside the agency to a variety of individuals and private and public groups. Provide guidance/expertise to internal and external partners through training or response to requests for technical assistance or support. Participate in public outreach and education.

Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

The candidate must have knowledge of/in: fish and wildlife management, biology and life history of fishes, particularly endangered and desert fishes. General knowledge of aquaculture, water chemistry, and techniques used in an intensive fish culture setting, including pond-culture, raceway, and circular tank. Federal, state and agency laws, rules and regulations related to personnel, environmental compliance, regulatory laws, and OSHA laws, and other procedures appropriate to assignment. Advanced mathematics, statistics, data management, and experimental design. Specialty equipment and vehicle operation and maintenance, and basic trades such as carpentry, plumbing, and the tools and equipment used in basic trades.

Candidates must have skills/abilities of/in: computerized and manual data/information management in a hatchery setting. Use of advanced data analysis tools or programs for analysis of complex research data. Handling, tagging, and measuring of various aquatic wildlife species. Applying principles and techniques of fish biology, behavior, propagation, and care in an intensive culture setting and providing training and oversight to others completing the same tasks. Time management and leadership techniques. Applying public relations and problem-solving techniques and applications to everyday work. Performing as a lead worker, working alone and with others, and ability to work self-supervised.

The candidate must have the ability to: to communicate effectively through verbal and writing. Promote positive interpersonal relationships with the public and staff. Ability to write quality scientific publications and develop, review, and follow standardized operational protocols. Ability to apply advanced problem solving and learn quickly. Ability to apply critical thinking and to make critical decisions using various information and with sound judgment and work independently and as part of a research team to achieve project goals. Ability to work varied hours; lift and carry 50 pounds or more, sometimes for extended periods. Work indoors and outdoors in often harsh conditions. Ability to occasionally travel on overnight work trips

The candidate must have a bachelor’s degree in a wildlife science or closely related field from an accredited college or university and three years of experience in fisheries, conservation, aquaculture, or equivalent; an advanced degree in Fisheries and/or wildlife sciences or closely related field from an accredited college or university is preferred and may substitute for one year of required experience.

Position requires possession of and the ability to retain a current, valid state-issued driver’s license appropriate to the assignment.

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

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 State of Arizona offers an outstanding comprehensive benefits package including:
● 13 days’ of vacation
● 12 sick days
● 10 paid holidays
● Tuition Reimbursement Program
● 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 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). Please note, enrollment eligibility will become effective after 27 weeks of employment.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact Milani Barron at mbarron@azgfd.gov for assistance. The Arizona Game and Fish Department is an Equal Employment Opportunity agency.