GAME AND FISH DEPARTMENT

SUPPORT SERVICES DIVISION / DEVELOPMENT BRANCH / PHOENIX, ARIZONA BASED
5000 W. Carefree Hwy. Phoenix, AZ 85086

Salary: $80,000 - $95,000 

Grade: 25

Closing Date: 5/17/2026

CONSTRUCTION PROJECT MANAGER 2
“Habitat Construction Project Manager 2”
SUPPORT SERVICES DIVISION / DEVELOPMENT BRANCH / PHOENIX, ARIZONA BASED
FLSA – NON-EXEMPT / SALARY GRADE 25 / HIRING SALARY RANGE: $80,000 - $95,000

Are you a construction pro with a passion for the great outdoors? The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) is looking for a Construction Project Manager 2 to turn architectural blueprints into life-saving infrastructure for Arizona’s diverse wildlife. This isn’t your typical office job—you’ll be trading the boardroom for the backcountry, managing high-priority habitat projects from the Sonoran Desert to the high-country pines.

Your expertise in construction and facility maintenance will directly fuel our conservation efforts. You will lead the lifecycle of complex infrastructure projects that ensure our state’s wildlife thrives and the public has world-class access to nature.

What You’ll Do
• Lead from the Front: Independently manage the design and construction of statewide wildlife habitat infrastructure.
• Bridge the Gap: Act as the vital link between engineers, private contractors, and federal/state partners to get the job done in Arizona’s most remote and beautiful locations.
• Master the Details: Oversee project scopes, procurement, and budgets, ensuring every diversion ditch and fencing project is built safely, efficiently, and to the highest standard.
• Technical Authority: Use your command of AutoCAD, GPS survey instruments, and heavy fleet equipment to ensure project precision.
• Operational Excellence: Oversee safety compliance (OSHA/ADOSH) and CDL requirements, ensuring our crews operate at peak performance.

What You Bring
• Construction Grit: Extensive experience in construction management, cost estimating, and facility maintenance.
• Leadership: The ability to direct internal crews and outside vendors while making sound, independent decisions in the field.
• Wilderness Readiness: You’re comfortable managing projects in remote areas and can sustain yourself during extended camping trips on-site.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in industry software (AutoCAD) and the ability to operate specialized fleet equipment (CDL required).

Why AZGFD?
At Arizona Game and Fish, conservation is personal. Our employees are deeply connected to the landscapes and wildlife they protect. We value stewardship, teamwork, partnerships, and professional growth, and we support our staff with training and career development opportunities. This is your chance to apply your technical construction background to a cause that matters. You won’t just be building infrastructure; you’ll be building a future for Arizona’s wildlife and landscapes. If you’re ready to make a measurable impact on conservation, we encourage you to apply and become part of Arizona’s conservation mission!

The Construction Project Manager 2 independently plans, coordinates, and manages the design and construction of complex wildlife habitat infrastructure and wildlife water development projects statewide. This position is responsible for the successful delivery of high-priority horizontal infrastructure projects that improve wildlife habitat conditions, increase water availability for wildlife, and support public access to Department lands.

The position manages the lifecycle of construction projects from project identification and scope development through procurement, construction oversight, and project completion. Projects typically include wildlife water redevelopments, pipeline systems, wells, diversion ditches, fencing, boat ramps, access improvements, and other habitat infrastructure projects located across Arizona’s diverse landscapes.

The Construction Project Manager 2 works directly with private contractors, engineering consultants, Department construction crews, and partner agencies to implement construction projects in remote locations throughout the state. The position exercises independent judgment to develop project scopes of work, coordinate procurement processes, monitor contractor performance, manage project schedules, resolve field construction challenges, and ensure projects are delivered safely, efficiently, and within established budgets.

This position serves as a key construction project management resource within the Development Branch, providing oversight and coordination of multiple concurrent infrastructure projects statewide. Responsibilities include developing project specifications, coordinating contractor activities, overseeing field construction operations, tracking project costs and schedules, delivering materials, safety inspections, CDL requirements for Department staff, conducting site evaluations, and ensuring completed infrastructure meets Department operational and habitat development objectives.

The Construction Project Manager 2 also coordinates project implementation with federal, state, tribal, and local land management agencies and collaborates with Department programs, field staff, and partners to identify and prioritize habitat infrastructure needs. Additional responsibilities include preparing project documentation, developing construction budgets, managing project records, and supporting long-term planning for wildlife habitat and water infrastructure projects statewide.

Major duties may include:

• Oversees all phases of construction to ensure projects are completed in accordance with contract documents, schedules, and budgets. Reviews plans, specifications, and site progress; identifies design conflicts during construction; and coordinates with contractors, engineers, and project stakeholders to resolve issues and achieve project goals.

• Tracks and manages project budgets throughout all phases of construction, ensuring alignment with approved scopes and funding sources. Confirms contractor and vendor expenditures are within budget constraints, facilitates timely review and documentation of change orders, and works with internal finance staff to process adjustments. Evaluates project costs against scope and performance benchmarks and ensures accurate coding to appropriate budget categories and funding designations.

• Supports project proponents in planning, organizing, and managing resources to bring about the successful completion of specific infrastructure project goals and objectives within the constraints of time, cost, and performance requirements; technical support in maintenance or troubleshooting issues in established lands infrastructure

• Prepares contract documents for construction, repair, and maintenance projects in coordination with procurement. Supports all phases of the procurement process, including reviewing plans and specifications, coordinating site visits, responding to contractor inquiries, and drafting addendums.

• Assists with contract negotiations and serves as the primary project contact for consultants, contractors, and public agencies throughout project delivery.

• Oversee the Commercial Driver's license for assigned staff and safety compliance, including Occupational Safety and Health Administration and Arizona Division of Occupational Safety and Health.

• Oversee construction standards for the Department including Quality Control and Quality Assurance on all habitat construction projects for the Department

• As needed, serve as acting Branch Chief and other duties as assigned.

The candidate will have knowledge in/of: principles and practices of construction management as applied to design, construction, maintenance and estimating project costs for capital and infrastructure projects; tracking cost control for construction and maintenance of capital and infrastructure projects; federal regulations, state statutes, local codes and Department policies and procedures as they relate to the planning, design and construction of AZGFD facilities and infrastructure; grant administration; general biology and environmental compliance; Commercial Drivers License compliance; Occupational Safety and Health Administration compliance. and knowledge of Arizona Division of Occupational Safety and Health compliance.

The candidate must be skilled in: orchestrating all phases of construction and facility maintenance projects from inception to completion; interfacing effectively with engineers, contractors, and representatives from local, state, federal, and private agencies; evaluating and approving complex reports, architectural designs, engineering plans, surveys, and construction specifications; interpreting both technical and non-technical documentation to make sound, strategic project decisions; providing direction to internal staff and outside vendors to ensure project goals are met; operating tools and equipment standard to the construction and maintenance trades; managing and sustaining oneself during extended periods of camping in remote project locations.

The candidate must have the ability to: formulate rational decisions independently and generate successful outcomes within their designated span of authority; understand and respond constructively to the concerns and needs of various constituents; develop and implement innovative methods designed to reduce costs and improve operational efficiency; operate standard office equipment, including high-performance personal computers and specialized plotters; utilize industry-standard software such as AutoCAD and dedicated project management platforms; operate precision survey instruments, including total stations, survey levels, GPS equipment, and construction levels; operate specialized fleet equipment requiring a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).

• Candidates who possess Class A CDL with tanker endorsements.
• Hands-on experience with "horizontal" projects, specifically wildlife water developments, solar well systems, pipeline installations, or heavy-duty fencing.
• A background in managing public funds or grants, with a sharp eye for cost-control and strict adherence to environmental compliance.
• Proven experience with leading and motivating crews.
• Experience in overseeing safety programs (OSHA/ADOSH) and managing fleet operations for teams requiring Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDL).
• Our work environment offers training opportunities and encourages career development.

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 ability to retain a current, valid State of Arizona Driver’s License appropriate to the assignment.

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
* 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 Nicole Baker at nbaker@azgfd.gov for assistance.