GAME AND FISH DEPARTMENT

Delivering results that matter by providing best in class support services.

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.

Page Springs Hatchery - Wildlife Specialist 1

Job Location:

Address: 1600 North Page Springs Road, Cornville, AZ 86325

Posting Details:

Hiring hourly range: $21.14 - $23.00

Grade: 21

Closing Date: 05/17/2026

Job Summary:

STATE HOUSING AND UTILITIES ARE PROVIDED TO EMPLOYEES AT PAGE SPRINGS HATCHERY

The mission of the Arizona Game & Fish Department is to conserve and protect Arizona’s diverse wildlife resources and manage safe, compatible outdoor recreation opportunities for current and future generations. It is our vision to be the national conservation leader supporting the continuation of the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation and Arizona’s most trusted, respected and credible source for wildlife conservation products, services and information.

Do you have a passion for the outdoors? If so, we invite you to join our dedicated team as a Wildlife Specialist at Page Springs Hatchery, nestled within the natural beauty of Sedona, Arizona. As a Wildlife Specialist, you will play a pivotal role in the conservation and enhancement of both native and sportfish species in Arizona. In addition to the rewarding work, the Department provides comfortable on-site housing that enhances a work-life balance enabling you to fully enjoy the benefits of a unique and picturesque living situation.

Description of Duties: This position will be responsible for performing entry level fish hatchery work which includes feeding and caring for live fish. Responsibilities include interpreting feed charts, learning how to treat with therapeutic chemicals, performing general hatchery work such as cleaning rearing units, adjusting water flows, cleaning ponds, identifying fish pathogens and diseases and removing and examining dead fish.

Job Duties:

Major duties include:

- Gather, compile and analyze fish culture data, size/weight of fish, fish condition and water quality data

- Enter data on computer and communicates with the public, community groups, supervisors and vendors about hatchery business and issues

- Assist with maintenance of hatchery buildings, grounds and support systems

- Perform minor maintenance on vehicles and equipment and operates vehicles for hatchery operations (ATV’s, stocking trucks, fork lift, etc)

- Maintain hatchery security and check for visitors after hours

- Learn about fish diseases and parasites, diagnose diseases and apply appropriate treatment methods

- Learn how to design and fabricate specialty tools/equipment and additions or modifications to hatchery equipment

- Promote a safe and productive work environment as well as promote a quality experience for visitors to the hatchery

- Capture, harvest, sort, load, process, tag, transport and stock live fish into approved waters across the State of Arizona

- Perform other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):

The candidate will have knowledge of/in: cultured trout behavior; biology; propagation and transportation techniques; trout diseases and treatment methods. The candidate will be skilled in techniques of daily care including feeding, cleaning, inventory tracking and record keeping. The candidate will have the abilities for maintaining and repairing hatchery facilities and equipment.

Selective Preference(s):

The preferred candidate will have a strong ability to problem solve, possess excellent verbal communication skills, possess aquaculture knowledge, maintenance knowledge, knowledge of basic or specialized tools and equipment.

Pre-Employment Requirements:

The candidate must have a bachelor’s degree in a wildlife science or a closely related field from an accredited college or university.

Position requires possession of and the ability to retain a current, valid, state-issued commercial driver’s license (Class A) appropriate to the assignment with air brakes and tanker endorsement (must be obtained within 6 months of appointment). 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 in accordance with Arizona Administrative Code R2-10-207.12.

Employment is 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).

Benefits:

The Arizona Department of Administration offers a comprehensive benefits package to include:
Sick leave
Vacation with 10 paid holidays per year
Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program).
Health and dental insurance
Retirement plan
Life insurance and long-term disability insurance
Optional employee benefits include short-term disability insurance, deferred compensation plans, and supplemental life insurance

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

If you have any questions please feel free to contact Milani Barron at mbarron@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