GAME AND FISH DEPARTMENT

Address:  5000 W Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ

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

Grade: 21

Closing Date: 01/19/2026

WILDLIFE SPECIALIST 2
“Sportfish Research Biologist”
WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT DIVISION / RESEARCH BRANCH / PHOENIX, AZ BASED
FLSA- Exempt / SALARY GRADE 21 / HIRING SALARY RANGE $48,000-$55,000
CLOSING DATE: 01/19/2026

Under the direction of the Aquatic Research Program Manager, this position will conduct sportfish research as part of the Department’s Research Branch whose mission is to conduct robust research and provide scientific information to inform and support the sound management and professional stewardship of Arizona's fish and wildlife resources and to ensure the credibility of the Department’s science. This position requires the ability to work alone and in groups in the field, and to travel, camp, and work irregular hours in harsh conditions, for extended periods, including weekends as project needs dictate. Overnight travel will be required.

Major duties include:

- Plan, organizes, analyzes, conducts, coordinates and reports on complex and significantly specialized fish studies in the office, field or laboratory to support the management of the state’s sportfish

- Uses specialized methods and techniques to collect, compile, and analyze data to develop findings and recommendations on highly complex and/or specialized fisheries surveys, experiments, and habitat inventory/evaluations on a statewide level. Plan and assesses manpower and equipment needs

- Operates, maintains and repairs a variety of specialized equipment common to research work, including watercraft. Assists management of project budgets, supervises and/or trains subordinate personnel, and makes oral presentations to various audiences

- Reviews popular and technical publications to maintain proficiency in specialty fields

- Provide supervision to research technician and intern level positions. Provide training, professional development and meet supervisor administrative responsibilities.

- Reviews and prepares materials for publication in technical publications or for presentation

- Performs other duties as assigned.

The candidate must have knowledge of/in: fish and wildlife management, techniques, procedures, programs, principles and philosophy as they pertain to fisheries and related resources, supervision and delegation. Must have the ability to multitask and have strong training and leadership techniques and strong verbal and written communication skills and the ability to apply public relations. The candidate must be able to work independently and as part of a team. The candidate will have the ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing; promote positive interpersonal relationships with the public and staff; develop, review, and follow standardized operational protocols; learn quickly; make critical decisions; ability to work both independently and as part of a team; work in harsh, remote work environments (e.g. >100°F) for extended periods of time (8-16 hrs) and camp for several days in the field; traverse 2-5 miles regularly and occasionally 5+ miles over uneven terrain; lift 50+ lbs to chest height and/or carry heavy equipment for extended periods; and travel overnight.

The candidate must have skill in computerized and manual data/information management; use of data analysis tools or programs, collection and handling of various aquatic wildlife species, time management, leadership, supervisory skills, mentorship, delegation.

The preferred candidate will have a graduate degree in Fisheries and/or wildlife sciences or closely related field from an accredited college or university.

The preferred candidate will have knowledge and experience of a wide variety of fish sampling techniques, strong analytical and statistical skills, strong writing skills, and experience developing, conducting, and reporting on independent fisheries research projects.

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

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 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 pilot 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.