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Aquatics Program Manager
- 536018
- YUMA
- GAME AND FISH DEPARTMENT
- Full-time
- Closing at: Oct 5 2025 - 23:55 MST
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 we’re all about! Consider joining our workforce today. AZGFD celebrates the diversity of Arizona's people, landscapes and of course, wildlife. However you choose to enjoy Arizona’s 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.
The Arizona Game and Fish Department is an Equal Employment Opportunity agency.
Aquatics Program Manager
Address: FIELD OPERATIONS DIVISION / REGION 4
9140 E. 28th St. Yuma, AZ 85365
Salary: $51,625 - $75,000
Grade: 23
Closing Date: 10/05/2025
WILDLIFE SPECIALIST SUPERVISOR REGIONAL
“Aquatics Program Manager”
FIELD OPERATIONS DIVISION / REGION 4 / YUMA BASED
FLSA- Exempt / SALARY GRADE 23 / HIRING SALARY RANGE $51,625 - $75,000
CLOSING DATE: 10/05/2025
The Aquatics Program Manager will supervise and coordinate staff in complex aquatic wildlife research, sportfish and native fish management and/or environmental studies in the field and laboratory. This position will also develop and administer aquatic wildlife programs and is responsible for strategic planning and establishing programmatic priorities.
Major responsibilities include:
-Supervises, coaches, mentors and trains subordinate personnel in aquatic wildlife science, management principles, and functions.
- Ensures all program-related administrative matters are appropriately maintained.
- Manages workflow, provides program oversight and ensures staff competency and development.
- Maintains programmatic activities which include sportfish and native fish surveys, habitat evaluation/improvement, creel data collection, and stocking. Also includes review/issuance of special licenses, sportfish education, and evaluation of boating/angler access needs.
- Develops and/or reviews aquatic wildlife management plans and guidelines.
- Prepares and/or reviews material for publication.
- Oversees environmental compliance related to program implementation.
- Negotiates contracts, memorandums of understanding, intergovernmental agreements, etc.
- Communicates, cooperates, and collaborates with various groups in developing and implementing activities and policies that benefit wildlife populations/aquatic wildlife related recreation activities.
- Participates on recovery teams and other T&E/SGCN work groups.
- Operates a variety of specialized equipment common to wildlife work.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
The candidate must have knowledge of/in: The candidate will have knowledge of/in: supervisory principles and practices; wildlife management techniques; negotiation and customer service techniques; and procurement and budget management.
The candidate will have the skills to administer the program and supervise staff; effectively work with people and understand the public's views regarding wildlife; planning and executing wildlife related programs; time management.
The candidate will have the ability to use various modes of transportation, such as horses, mules, boats, four-wheel drive, ATVs and specialized equipment; provide appropriate public relations and customer service within and outside the agency; communicate verbally and in writing; and work irregular hours, sometimes in extreme weather and/or isolated.
The candidate must have a bachelor’s degree in a fisheries/wildlife science or a closely related field from an accredited college or university.
Employment is contingent upon completion of a post-offer medical/physical examination and the agency’s ability to reasonably accommodate any restrictions.
Position requires possession of and the 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 any required driver training (see Arizona Administrative Code R2-10-207.12.).
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 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
If you have any questions please feel free to contact Nicole Baker at nbaker@azgfd.gov for assistance. The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer.
ARIZONA MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (AMS)
All Arizona state employees operate within the Arizona Management System (AMS), an intentional, results-driven approach for doing the work of state government whereby every employee reflects on performance, reduces waste, and commits to continuous improvement with sustainable progress. Through AMS, every state employee seeks to understand customer needs, identify problems, improve processes, and measure results.
State employees are highly engaged, collaborative and embrace a culture of public service.
The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer.
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
