GAME AND FISH DEPARTMENT

WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT DIVISION / TERRESTRIAL BRANCH / PHOENIX BASED
5000 W. Carefree Hwy. Phoenix, AZ 85086

Salary: $50,000 - $80,000 

Grade: 22

Closing Date: 3/8/2026

WILDLIFE SPECIALIST SENIOR
“RANID FROGS PROJECT COORDINATOR”
WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT DIVISION / TERRESTRIAL BRANCH / PHOENIX BASED
FLSA-Exempt / SALARY GRADE 22 / HIRING RANGE $50,000 - $80,000

Are you ready to turn scientific passion into a lasting conservation legacy? The Arizona Game and Fish Department is seeking a Ranid Frogs Project Coordinator to spearhead the protection of our state’s most vital wetland indicators. In this role, you aren’t just managing a project; you are safeguarding the pulse of Arizona’s biodiversity. Ranid frogs are the sentinels of our aquatic ecosystems, and as their statewide champion, you will bridge the gap between rigorous field science and high-level recovery strategy. From navigating the complexities of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) to leading expert teams through rugged terrain, your work will ensure that sensitive and listed species don't just survive—they thrive.

We are looking for a leader who is as comfortable analyzing complex datasets as they are handling wildlife in the field. This is your opportunity to coordinate across state, federal, and tribal lines, influencing the future of Arizona’s landscapes while mentoring the next generation of conservationists. If you possess the technical grit, the strategic mindset, and a deep-rooted commitment to stewardship, we invite you to lead the mission!


Why This Role Matters
The Ranid Frogs Project Coordinator is a cornerstone position for Arizona’s biodiversity. This role is not simply about monitoring a single species; it is about safeguarding the health of entire aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. This position directly influences the survival of sensitive and listed species. Through the implementation of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) guidelines and the development of strategic recovery plans, the Project Coordinator turns scientific data into actionable conservation success. Beyond the data, this role shapes the next generation of conservationists. By supervising interns, volunteers, and specialists, the Project Manager ensures that field operations are conducted with technical precision and a commitment to scientific integrity.

What You’ll Do
• Lead Statewide Conservation: You will plan, organize, and execute complex inventory and monitoring projects for nongame amphibians and reptiles, with a primary focus on Ranid frogs.
• Direct Field Operations: You will personally conduct and coordinate specialized fieldwork, including animal capture, habitat evaluations, and population estimates in diverse and often extreme outdoor conditions.
• Supervise and Mentor: You will provide direct leadership and technical guidance to a team of direct reports, interns, contractors, and volunteers, ensuring project objectives and species recovery goals are met.
• Analyze and Report Data: You will use specialized data processing and statistical methods to analyze field findings, develop management recommendations, and author technical reports and scientific publications.
• Build Strategic Partnerships: You will serve as the primary liaison between the Department and other local, state, federal, and tribal agencies, as well as private landowners and interest groups, to coordinate interagency agreements.
• Manage Resources and Budgets: You will be responsible for tracking multiple project budgets, assessing manpower needs, and maintaining specialized program equipment.
• Communicate Science: You will represent the Department in the media and at public events, preparing news releases and presentations to provide effective scientific communication to diverse audiences.

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 aquatic wildlife conservation, we encourage you to apply and become part of Arizona’s conservation mission!

Statewide project management for the Department's Terrestrial Wildlife Branch Ranid Frogs Project, under general supervision by the Department's Amphibians and Reptiles Program Manager: plans, organizes, conducts, coordinates and analyzes complex inventory, monitoring, conservation and management projects of nongame amphibians and reptiles, with emphasis on ranid frogs, and their habitats. Sets priorities and provides technical guidance for complex amphibian, reptile and habitat projects; develops strategic and implementation plans, and reports on highly complex projects, habitat evaluations, environmental inventories and other special studies; develops and coordinates implementation of interagency agreements and projects. Supervises direct reports, interns, contractors, and volunteers in the completion of tasks directed at fulfilling project objectives and achieving recovery objectives for sensitive and listed wildlife species. Works on approved projects with other AGFD work units and State, Federal, and other cooperators; responds to requests for general information and specific technical information; represents the Terrestrial Wildlife Branch and Department; assists in producing mass media materials and coverage. Manages and tracks budgets for multiple projects. This position requires frequent driving and traveling on statewide business and fieldwork.

This role uses a hybrid model involving field and office work. Depending on business needs and performance, remote work within Arizona is available, provided you are in the Phoenix office at 5000 W. Carefree Hwy. Phoenix, AZ 85086 for 2–3 days per week.

Major duties will include:
• Plans, organizes, conducts and coordinates complex and significant specialized amphibian and reptile management and research activities with an emphasis on ranid frogs, including direct participation in field work and animal capture if required. Analyzes information collected and develops recommendations and reports of ranid frog surveys, habitat evaluation, special studies, environmental inventories, population estimates and/or specific research objectives.

• Develops and coordinates amphibian, reptile and habitat management techniques and recommendations within Department guidelines individually or as team member with supervised employees, other work units, regional personnel, and other Department personnel.

• Uses specialized methods, techniques and data processing to compile and analyze collected data and other information to formulate and present amphibian and reptile management findings and recommendations.

• Plans and assesses manpower and equipment needs; operates, maintains and repairs a variety of specialized equipment common to program work; may develop budget requests; oversees, assists and trains other personnel and/or volunteers on program activities; supervises other personnel; informs and advises agency management within scope of activity or program.

• Develops and maintains positive working relationships with other local, state and federal agencies, industry leadership, public and special interest groups related to Department programs and projects. Provides effective work unit leadership and appropriate customer service within and outside the Department to a variety of individuals and private and public groups.

• Prepares reports, presentations, publications, and news releases, and gives media interviews to provide scientific communication to diverse audiences.

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

The position requires knowledge of: Habitat and wildlife field investigation, management and conservation techniques, species identification and habitat requirements for Arizona wildlife, plants and habitats, in general, but especially for amphibians and reptiles. Scientific data collection procedures, basic data management and statistical analysis techniques.

Candidates must be skilled in data gathering, applying standardized sampling techniques, general wildlife survey techniques in field and laboratory settings. Manual and automated data processing, statistical analysis, evaluation and interpretation of data. Applying habitat and wildlife management techniques. Verbal and written communications, public relations techniques, problem-solving, promoting positive interpersonal relationships within and outside work groups. Project planning, execution, work management, supervision and leadership.

The ideal candidate will have the ability to develop effective and positive working relationships with the public, tribes, various local, state, and federal governmental agencies, special interest groups and the media; provide positive and effective customer service to a variety of internal and external customers; negotiate with agencies, individuals and other entities in support of program area and Department mission; effectively communicate orally and in writing for a wide variety and level of audiences, including agency leadership; train and evaluate other specialists; work irregular hours, including weekends, holidays, and at night and work outdoors in extreme and isolated conditions; identify wildlife in less than optimal conditions. Must also be able to obtain special certifications as required.

• Experience in specialized amphibian and reptile survey techniques, with a focus on Ranid species identification, animal capture, and habitat assessment in remote or extreme environments.
• Proven track record of planning and executing multi-phase wildlife conservation projects, including the management of field crews, interns, and volunteers.
• Strong working knowledge of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and its application to the recovery of sensitive and listed species.
• Advanced skill in ArcGIS for habitat mapping and spatial analysis, and Microsoft Office Suite (including Access) for complex data management.
• Demonstrated ability in technical writing and public speaking, including the production of peer-reviewed reports, management recommendations, and media presentations.
• Our work environment offers training opportunities and encourages career development.

The candidate must have a Bachelor of Science degree in Wildlife, Ecology, Conservation, Biology, or a closely related field. Three years or more as a Wildlife Specialist or professional experience in fisheries and/or wildlife research/management. An advanced degree in fisheries and/or wildlife sciences or closely related field from an accredited college or university may substitute for one year or required experience.

Employment is contingent upon completion of a post-offer medical/physical examination and the agency’s ability to reasonably accommodate any restrictions.

This position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job, and the following requirements apply. Any employee operating a motor vehicle on State business must possess and retain a current, valid class-appropriate driver’s license, complete all required training, and successfully pass all necessary driver’s license record checks. The license must be current, unexpired, and neither revoked nor suspended. Employees who drive on state business are subject to driver’s license record checks, must maintain acceptable driving records, and must complete all required driver training. An employee who operates a personally owned vehicle on state business shall maintain the statutorily required liability insurance (see Arizona Administrative Code (A.A.C.) R2-10-207.11).

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

By providing the option of a full-time or part-time remote work schedule, employees enjoy improved work/life balance, report higher job satisfaction, and are more productive. Remote work is a management option and not an employee entitlement or right. An agency may terminate a remote work agreement at its discretion.

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.