GAME AND FISH DEPARTMENT

FIELD OPERATIONS DIVISION / REGION 1 / PINETOP, ARIZONA BASED
2878 E. White Mountain Blvd. Pinetop, AZ 85935

Salary: $48,400 - $55,000 

Grade: 21

Closing Date: 8/16/2026

WILDLIFE SPECIALIST 2
“Mexican Wolf Specialist”
FIELD OPERATIONS DIVISION / REGION 1 / PINETOP, ARIZONA BASED
FLSA-EXEMPT / SALARY GRADE 21 / HIRING RANGE $48,400 - $55,000


Lead the Recovery: Join the Frontlines of Mexican Wolf Conservation!

Are you ready to turn your expertise in species recovery into a historic, on-the-ground impact? We are looking for a dedicated Mexican Wolf Specialist to join our elite Interagency Field Team. If you thrive in the rugged backcountry, excel in high-stakes field operations, and want to spearhead one of the most critical recovery missions in the Southwest, your next adventure starts here!

The future of the Mexican wolf depends on precise science and relentless dedication. In this pivotal role, you will be the boots on the ground and the technical lead behind specialized recovery efforts. From coordinating helicopter-based capture operations to the delicate field-fostering of wolf pups, your work directly determines the survival and expansion of this iconic species. You won't just monitor a population; you will actively shape the legacy of Mexican wolf conservation for generations to come.

What You’ll Do
• Lead Mexican Wolf Field Ops: Conduct critical population surveys and capture operations, including aerial telemetry and helicopter-based efforts to monitor the Mexican wolf population.
• Hands-on Recovery Efforts: Directly contribute to species recovery through wolf capture, handling, and specialized fostering of pups in the field.
Mitigate Conflicts: Investigate wolf reports and work proactively to mitigate livestock depredation, ensuring sustainable coexistence with stakeholders.
• Data-Driven Management: Collect biological field data and utilize advanced GIS tools (ArcGIS Online/Pro) to manage project databases, conduct analysis, and drive reporting.
• Collaborate and Lead: Support the Interagency Field Team Lead by developing operational strategies and providing direct leadership to field technicians and interns.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Act as a key project representative, engaging with stakeholders and facilitating public education to support the long-term conservation of the Mexican wolf.

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. If you’re ready to make a measurable impact on wildlife conservation, we encourage you to apply and become part of Arizona’s conservation mission!

The Mexican Wolf Specialist position will be assigned to perform a wide variety of tasks, including wolf captures and handling, cross-fostering wolf pups, collects biological data in the field, contacting affected stakeholders, investigating wolf reports, mitigating wolf depredation on livestock and monitors wolf populations in Arizona. The position will be responsible for writing reports, using ArcGIS Online/ArcGIS Pro, and entering data into the project database. This includes database management, QAQC, data analysis, and reporting. The position will conduct aerial telemetry in fixed-winged aircraft as needed for population surveys and will fly in a helicopter to perform survey and capture operations. Aerial operation also consists of, functioning as an operational lead and assistant operational lead in Helicopter captures. This position will assist the Interagency Field Team Lead (IFTL) in developing operational recommendations, management action, completing required reports, meeting project deadlines, and training wolf team personnel in approved project protocols and techniques. Supervises wildlife technicians and interns assigned to the project to complete field activities and implement management activities. Leads field implementation including collection of biological data and performs or oversees accompanying data entry/analysis and data management. Participates in assigned public information/education activities.

Major duties will include:

• Works on the Mexican Wolf Interagency Field Team under the supervision of the AZGFD Field Team Lead to coordinate and implement the daily execution of field activities and associated collection of biological data and management of Mexican wolves on non-Tribal lands of Arizona per protocol and policy.

• Oversees and performs capture and release monitoring. Provides direct supervision of wildlife technicians and interns assigned to the project.

• Writes a variety of complex correspondence, reports, and project summaries under the direction of the Field Team Lead, using technical knowledge and expertise.

• Enters data into a computer database, manages ArcGIS database and checks for accuracy and completeness. Utilizes GIS software to display and analyze spatial data.

• Provides input on project priorities, work strategies, budget requests, data analysis, reports, and staffing.

• Oversees maintenance of project field and office equipment in safe working order.

• Assists Project administrators and the Field Team Lead with development and implementation of public outreach materials and activities, such as newsletters, meetings, presentations, and direct Interactions with Individuals while exercising discretion in the dissemination of information about the project in accordance with established protocols. Serves as acting Field Team Lead when needed.

• Other duties as assigned, as relates to the position.

Candidate must have knowledge of/in: wolf behavior and management techniques; how to work cooperatively with other employees under stressful situations and to perform in a supervisory position; how to interact with people in the field who are very opposed to the wolf project and actively listen to concerns; computer databases and GIS software applications; trapping and safely handling wolves, including the use and management of immobilizing drugs is required; background of the project to be able to give accurate information in presentations and reports; Endangered Species Act, the non-essential experimental population rule, and the Final Environmental Impact Statement; project standard operating procedures, Department operating manual and Department policy.

Candidate must have skills in: interpersonal communication to relay information to project personnel and stakeholders; leading and/or supervising employees in a field based project under strenuous and stressful situations; being sensitive to the idiosyncrasies of situations and personnel; being reliable and timely in communications with supervisor and subordinates; time management; resource scheduling; electronic communications; computer databases; GIS software applications; problem solving; back country navigation with map and compass; GPS equipment; trapping, safely handling and processing wolves for research and management purposes using standard wolf handling techniques; obtaining radio-telemetry locations using standard ground and aerial techniques; plotting triangulations, and entering them into a computer database.

Candidate must have the ability to: provide effective supervision of project personnel; speak to large groups effectively; develop factual and effective educational materials; driving 4X4, ATV and snowmobile vehicles; adhere to all Department policies and procedures; work effectively alone, after dark, and/or in difficult weather conditions including heat, cold, wind, rain and snow.

• Experience in wildlife management and handling, specifically wolf behavior and management techniques.
• Hands-on experience with advanced telemetry techniques, including aerial radio-telemetry, triangulation plotting, and helicopter-based capture operations.
• Prior experience leading or supervising field teams (including technicians and interns) in remote, backcountry, or adverse environmental conditions.
• Experience operating specialized field equipment, such as snowmobiles, ATVs, and packing stock in remote terrain.
• Our work environment offers training opportunities and encourages career development.

The candidate must have a Bachelors or advanced degree in wildlife and/or fisheries sciences or closely related field from an accredited college or university and two years professional experience in fisheries and/or wildlife research/management.

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 Nicole Baker at nbaker@azgfd.gov for assistance. The Arizona Game and Fish Department is an Equal Employment Opportunity agency.