GAME AND FISH DEPARTMENT

Address:  5000 West Carefree Highway, Phoenix, Arizona 85086

Hiring salary range: $48,400 - $55,000 

Grade: 21

Closing Date: 05/25/2026

Are you passionate about amphibian conservation and looking to make an impact on Arizona’s biodiversity?

The Arizona Department’s Amphibians and Reptiles Program is seeking a dedicated, field-savvy Wildlife Specialist 2 to join our team as a key lead on the Ranid Frogs Project.

Why This Role Matters
Arizona’s native ranid frogs (such as the Chiricahua leopard frog and Tarahumara frog) are vital indicators of watershed health, yet they face severe threats from habitat loss, disease, and invasive species. This position is not just a desk job—it is on the front lines of preventing extinction. As a project specialist, you will directly influence the recovery trajectory of these species through hands-on science and strategic partnerships.

The Impact You Will Make
As the Ranid Frogs Project Specialist, you will:
- Drive Conservation Action: Plan and execute vital field activities, including population monitoring, invasive species control, habitat restoration, and species translocations.
- Lead Partnerships: Coordinate with private landowners, researchers, and federal partners to develop and implement effective management strategies.
- Shape Policy & Science: Analyze, manage, and report on field data, translating findings into technical reports and scientific publications to guide future conservation efforts.
- Mentor the Next Generation: Lead workshops and provide expert guidance to staff, volunteers, and the public.

What we are looking for
- Required: Bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Science (or related field) and proven field experience.
- Preferred: Master’s degree in Wildlife Science.
- Knowledge/Skills: Expertise in amphibian and reptile biology, habitat restoration, and environmental legislation (ESA, NEPA).
- Technical Skills: Proficiency in ArcGIS, data analysis, and standardized surveying protocols.
- Requirements: Must have a valid driver’s license, pass a driving record check, and successfully complete a post-offer medical/physical exam.
- This position requires a passion for the outdoors and the ability to work in extreme conditions, often alone or with a partner, during irregular hours, nights, or weekends.

The State of Arizona strives for a work culture that affords employees flexibility, autonomy, and trust. Across our many agencies, boards, and commissions, many State employees participate in the State’s Remote Work Program and are able to work remotely in their homes, in offices, and in hoteling spaces. All work, including remote work, should be performed within Arizona unless an exception is properly authorized in advance.

The position will serve as a Wildlife Specialist 2 for the Department’s Ranid Frogs Project in the Amphibians and Reptiles Program, Terrestrial Wildlife Branch. The successful candidate will contribute to the conservation and management of wildlife and habitats, with an emphasis on amphibians, statewide in Arizona.

Duties will include but not limited to:

1. Plan, coordinate, conduct, and delegate the implementation of field activities such as protocol monitoring surveys, invasive species control, habitat improvement, and translocations with a variety of external partners;
2. Coordinate and lead meetings with diverse stakeholders including private landowners, researchers, and agency partners to share findings and develop management and research strategies;
3. Manage and analyze data and other information collected from primary and secondary sources;
4. Prepare reports and articles for intra-Departmental use, scientific journals, popular publications, and deliver presentations at conferences;
5. Prepare and lead workshops and trainings to other professional and subordinate personnel within your areas of expertise and responsibility;
6. Review, evaluate, and edit products of other staff in a collaborative manner;
7. Keep abreast of recent scientific publications to increase your knowledge of the field;
8. Operate and maintain a variety of specialized equipment common to terrestrial, aquatic and habitat-oriented wildlife work, includes 4WD vehicles and watercraft;
9. Provide guidance to outside groups, agencies, and the public in matters relating to wildlife and habitat conservation, especially pertaining to amphibians and reptiles;
10. Provide guidance on Department policies, rules, and issues within scope of activity and expertise;
11. This position will require frequent in-state travel
12. Perform other duties and tasks as assigned.

This position may offer the ability to work remotely, within Arizona, based upon the department's business needs and continual meeting of expected performance measures with a requirement to come into the office a minimum of 3 days each week at 5000 W. Carefree Hwy. Phoenix, AZ 85086.

The candidate must have knowledge of wildlife management techniques, habitat management and restoration principles, and conservation issues particular to amphibians and reptiles, as well as an understanding of environmental legislation and policies pertinent to conservation and management wildlife and their habitats, including the Endangered Species Act and National Environmental Policy Act.

The candidate must be skilled in collecting, managing, analyzing, and interpreting data using spreadsheets, databases, statistical software, and ArcGIS and experienced in implementing standardized survey, sampling, and research principles for amphibians and reptiles, as well in identifying herpetofauna species.

Candidates must be able to apply problem-solving skills, develop positive and effective interpersonal relationships within and outside of the work unit, communicate both oral and written form to a wide variety of internal and external customers, work alone or with a partner in remote, desert or high elevation field conditions. Candidates must be able to work irregular hours sometimes including weekends, holidays, and at night, and work outdoors in extreme and isolated conditions.

The candidate must have a Bachelor's degree in a wildlife science or a closely related field from an accredited college or university and field work experience. The preferred candidate will have a Master’s degree in wildlife science.

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. 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 or 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 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.