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.

Wildlife Specialist 2

Job Location:

Address: 5000 West Carefree Highway, Phoenix, Arizona 85086

Posting Details:

Hiring Salary Range: $48,400 - $55,000

Grade: 21

Closing Date: 01/19/2026

Job Summary:

WILDLIFE SPECIALIST 2
WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT DIVISION / WILDLIFE CONTRACTS BRANCH
TUCSON or PHOENIX, ARIZONA BASED
FLSA- Exempt / SALARY GRADE 21 / HIRING SALARY RANGE $48,400 - $55,000
CLOSING DATE: 01/19/2026

The Wildlife Specialist 2 will work under general supervision to plan, organize, conduct and coordinate professional wildlife projects in a field and office setting. This position performs wildlife and habitat data collection, data entry and analysis and executes technical surveys and/or evaluations, report writing and preparation of annual reports and summaries. Operates a variety of specialized equipment common to wildlife work and may be required to drive long distances. This position requires in-state and out-of-state travel including overnight multiple-day field trips, and night, weekend, and holiday work will be occasionally required.

Job Duties:

Major responsibilities include:

- Plan and execute day-to-day logistics of assigned projects

- Conduct surveys and perform field work in relation to wildlife projects

- Process, compile, summarize, analyze, and perform QA/QC for all project data into databases

- Assist in generating quarterly updates and completing annual reports and summaries

- Plan and assess manpower and equipment needs

- Performs other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):

The candidate must have knowledge of: habitat and wildlife field investigations; management and conservation techniques and best practices; federal, state and agency laws, regulations, policies and procedures; scientific data collection procedures; statistical analysis; computerized manual information management and geographic information systems; grammar and writing techniques; topographic map, compass, GPS unit and app interpretation and use; species identification and habitat requirements (especially of bats); Arizona wildlife, plants and habitats (especially of the Sonoran Desert).

The candidate must have skill in: data gathering, standardized sampling techniques, verbal and written communications, customer service, public relations techniques, problem-solving, orientating, camping, hiking, off-road vehicle use. The candidate must have the ability to: develop effective communication and working relationships, ability to negotiate, train and evaluate work products.

Pre-Employment Requirements:

The candidate must have a bachelor’s degree or higher in fisheries and/or wildlife science or a closely related field and at least 3 years of professional experience in fisheries and/or wildlife research/management. Must also be able to obtain special certifications as required.

Employment is contingent upon completion of a post-offer medical/physical examination and the agency’s ability to reasonably accommodate any restrictions. Will be required to obtain pre-exposure rabies vaccination.

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).

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 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.

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