GAME AND FISH DEPARTMENT

Address: 5000 West Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086

Hiring salary range: $55,000 - $70,000 

Grade: 22

Closing Date: 09/30/2026

WILDLIFE SPECIALIST SENIOR
“Habitat Partnership Committee Coordinator”
WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT DIVISION / TERRESTRIAL WILDLIFE BRANCH
PHOENIX, ARIZONA BASED
FLSA- Exempt / SALARY GRADE 22 / HIRING SALARY RANGE $55,000 - $70,000
CLOSING DATE: 09/30/2026

This Habitat Partnership Committee Coordinator position serves as the coordinator for the Arizona Habitat Partnership Committee (HPC) that is responsible for the development, oversight, coordination, and management of big game habitat enhancement through the Arizona HPC program. Represents the Department at public and professional meetings, at local HPC meetings throughout the state, and serves as staff advisor to Commissioner Chairman of the HPC. Coordinates the HPC project proposal process. Responsible for documenting completion of all required environmental compliance, and development of the appropriate stewardship agreements to ensure project implementation meets Department rules, policies, guidelines and standards. Serves as the coordinator for the Arizona Special Big Game Tag (SBGT) program. Responsible for soliciting applications for SBGT, presenting them to the Commission and Director, and coordinating the allocation of tags to wildlife conservation organizations. Additionally, this role tracks the sale of the tags, the issuance of tags to hunters, and the processing of revenue.

Duties will include but not limited to:

- Administers and manages the statewide Arizona Habitat Partnership Committee (HPC) and associated funding process. Plans, organizes, and facilitates statewide HPC meetings. Serves as Terrestrial Wildlife Program staff on behalf of HPC Chairman. Coordinates/maintains regular communication with local HPCs and conservation groups.
- Manages key HPC processes, including: a) review and updates to the HPC charter, b) development of funding priorities, c) annual solicitation and review of proposals, and d) notifications to successful applicants. Identifies and recommends process improvements to improve outcomes and efficiency.
- Develops and identifies opportunities to integrate HPC projects with other programs and funding sources, including Habitat Enhancement Initiatives and the Landowner Relations Program.
- Monitors HPC project status and accomplishments using databases, spreadsheets, and GIS software. Monitors budgets and annual expenditures. Maintains electronic and paper records. Prepares reports and briefings as needed
- Provides oversight of compliance/coordination elements for HPC projects. Coordinates with project proponents and cooperators to ensure that: a) EA Checklists, Cultural Resource Surveys, and other compliance requirements are completed prior to project initiation; and b) proposals are linked to Management Focus Area, species-specific, and other relevant management plans.
- Manages the statewide Special Big Game Tag (SBGT) program, including soliciting applications, presenting them for commission and director approval, facilitating agreements with recipient organizations.
- Tracks the sales of SBGT, ensuring tags are sold within the designated timeframes and terms specified in the agreements. Issues tags to hunters and ensures all necessary information is received and properly documented.
- This position will require frequent travel
- Perform other duties and tasks as assigned.

The candidate must have knowledge of Wildlife habitat protection and enhancement techniques; Applied wildlife biology; Wildlife habitat identification; Major issues affecting private landowners; National Environmental Policy Act and other pertinent compliance laws, policies, and procedures; Land management agency policies and procedures; Citizenry groups associated with wildlife management in Arizona. State procurement procedures and regulations; Outdoor recreational development; Project administration; Applications of Global Positioning Systems and associated software as they relate to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and mapping capabilities.

The candidate must be skilled in developing various written agreements with private enterprises and government agencies; Budgeting and financial reporting; Technical writing; Computer applications including GIS, word processing, databases, spreadsheets and public presentations; Interpersonal communications.

Candidates must be able to resolve conflict through effective communication; Negotiate and achieve consensus through partnerships and collaborative agreements; Work independently, set priorities and manage multiple tasks within a dynamic work environment.

The preferred candidate will have at least 1 year of GIS experience or 1 year of college level GIS coursework.

The candidate must have a Bachelor's degree in a wildlife science or a closely related field as defined by the Department.

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.